Cedar Rapids, IA
Kirkwood Community College
Nurse Aide Training Program
Location
Cedar Rapids, IA
Duration
75 hours
State Required Hours
75 hours minimum
- Address
6301 Kirkwood Boulevard SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
- Phone
- (319) 398-1022
About This Program
Kirkwood's 75-hour Nurse Aide Training Program in Cedar Rapids, in the heart of eastern Iowa, combines classroom and hands-on clinical rotations in a long-term care setting. The program is approved by Iowa DIAL and prepares students for both the State Written Exam and State Skills Test required for placement on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry. A hybrid online/in-person option is available.
Location & Directions
6301 Kirkwood Boulevard SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Becoming a CNA in Iowa
Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide in Iowa is regulated by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), which approves all Nurse Aide Training Programs, oversees the Direct Care Worker Registry, and as of January 2026 contracts with TestMaster Universe/Headmaster as the central testing administrator. Iowa requires the federal minimum of 75 hours of training — with roughly 45 classroom/lab hours and at least 30 clinical hours — which is identical to neighboring Missouri and Nebraska but well below California's 160-hour standard.
Minimum Age
16
Training Hours
75 hours minimum
Exam Vendor
TestMaster Universe/Headmaster (with Credentia available for the Remotely Proctored Knowledge Exam)
Time to Cert
5-9 weeks from program start to Direct Care Worker Registry listing
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CNA program at Kirkwood Community College include?
Kirkwood's 75-hour Nurse Aide Training Program in Cedar Rapids, in the heart of eastern Iowa, combines classroom and hands-on clinical rotations in a long-term care setting. The program is located at 6301 Kirkwood Boulevard SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (319) 398-1022 or visit https://www.kirkwood.edu/programs/continuing-education/nurse-aide.
How much does Kirkwood Community College cost?
Kirkwood Community College has not published a flat tuition figure on this directory; pricing for the nurse aide training program depends on residency, financial aid, and any employer sponsorships. Call (319) 398-1022 or visit the program website at https://www.kirkwood.edu/programs/continuing-education/nurse-aide to request the current fee schedule. For reference, total CNA training costs in Iowa generally fall in the range of $0-$1,400 depending on whether training is employer-sponsored, a community college program, or a private provider.
How long is the program at Kirkwood Community College?
The nurse aide training program at Kirkwood Community College is structured as 75 hours. Iowa requires 75 hours minimum of state-approved training, so this program meets or exceeds the state minimum. Contact the program at (319) 398-1022 for current cohort start dates and schedule options.
How do I apply or contact Kirkwood Community College?
Call Kirkwood Community College directly at (319) 398-1022 or visit https://www.kirkwood.edu/programs/continuing-education/nurse-aide. The program is located at 6301 Kirkwood Boulevard SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Ask about upcoming cohort start dates, application deadlines, background-check requirements, and any scholarships or financial-aid options before enrolling.
What Iowa CNA requirements should I know before enrolling at Kirkwood Community College?
Before enrolling at Kirkwood Community College, make sure you meet Iowa's minimum age (16), education requirements, and background-check rules. Iowa requires 75 hours minimum of state-approved training and uses TestMaster Universe/Headmaster (with Credentia available for the Remotely Proctored Knowledge Exam) for the competency exam, with most candidates reaching certification in 5-9 weeks from program start to Direct Care Worker Registry listing. See the full Iowa CNA requirements page for a complete checklist.
Are there other CNA programs near Cedar Rapids?
Yes. In addition to Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, our directory includes CNA training programs in Ankeny, Waterloo, Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Mason City. Comparing programs by location, schedule, and cost is the easiest way to find the best fit for your situation. Browse all Iowa CNA classes for the full list.