Council Bluffs, IA
Iowa Western Community College
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
Location
Council Bluffs, IA
Duration
79 hours
Cost
$595
State Required Hours
75 hours minimum
- Address
2700 College Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
- Phone
- (712) 325-3259
About This Program
Iowa Western's Council Bluffs campus, in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro of southwest Iowa, offers a 3-credit Iowa DIAL-approved CNA program with 34 hours of classroom, 15 lab, and 30 clinical hours. Free tuition is available to qualified Iowa residents through the Education 2 Employment initiative, and graduates are prepared for the Prometric Iowa CNA exam. Hybrid and in-person formats are offered at Council Bluffs and at outreach sites in Atlantic, Clarinda, Harlan, and Shenandoah.
Location & Directions
2700 College Road, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
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 Iowa Western Community College include?
Iowa Western's Council Bluffs campus, in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro of southwest Iowa, offers a 3-credit Iowa DIAL-approved CNA program with 34 hours of classroom, 15 lab, and 30 clinical hours. The program is located at 2700 College Road, Council Bluffs, IA 51503. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (712) 325-3259 or visit https://www.iwcc.edu/ce/health-amp-public-service/cna-programs/.
How much does Iowa Western Community College cost?
Iowa Western Community College lists tuition for its certified nurse aide (cna) at $595. Total program cost for students typically includes state exam fees, background-check fees, books, and supplies on top of tuition, so the final out-of-pocket figure can vary. Call Iowa Western Community College at (712) 325-3259 for the current fee breakdown and any available scholarships or financial aid.
How long is the program at Iowa Western Community College?
The certified nurse aide (cna) at Iowa Western Community College is structured as 79 hours. Iowa requires 75 hours minimum of state-approved training, so this program meets or exceeds the state minimum. Contact the program at (712) 325-3259 for current cohort start dates and schedule options.
How do I apply or contact Iowa Western Community College?
Call Iowa Western Community College directly at (712) 325-3259 or visit https://www.iwcc.edu/ce/health-amp-public-service/cna-programs/. The program is located at 2700 College Road, Council Bluffs, IA 51503. 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 Iowa Western Community College?
Before enrolling at Iowa Western 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 Council Bluffs?
Yes. In addition to Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, our directory includes CNA training programs in Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Sioux City, 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.