Des Moines, IA

Calvin Community

Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)

Location

Des Moines, IA

Duration

75 hours

State Required Hours

75 hours minimum

Address

4210 Hickman Road

Des Moines, IA 50310

About This Program

Calvin Community is a non-profit continuing-care retirement campus in Beaverdale on Des Moines' northwest side, and one of the few Polk County long-term-care facilities that runs its own Iowa DIAL-approved 75-hour Certified Nurse Aide course. Classes are taught by experienced facility nurses, with 45 hours of theory and lab plus a 30-hour clinical rotation completed on-site in Calvin's licensed skilled nursing and assisted living households. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Prometric/Headmaster Iowa CNA competency exam and be placed on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry. The class size is small and many students transition directly into open caregiver roles inside Calvin Community after certification.

Location & Directions

4210 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50310

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 Calvin Community include?

Calvin Community is a non-profit continuing-care retirement campus in Beaverdale on Des Moines' northwest side, and one of the few Polk County long-term-care facilities that runs its own Iowa DIAL-approved 75-hour Certified Nurse Aide course. The program is located at 4210 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50310. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (515) 277-6141 or visit https://www.calvincommunity.org/.

How much does Calvin Community cost?

Calvin Community has not published a flat tuition figure on this directory; pricing for the certified nurse aide (cna) depends on residency, financial aid, and any employer sponsorships. Call (515) 277-6141 or visit the program website at https://www.calvincommunity.org/ 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 Calvin Community?

The certified nurse aide (cna) at Calvin Community 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 (515) 277-6141 for current cohort start dates and schedule options.

How do I apply or contact Calvin Community?

Call Calvin Community directly at (515) 277-6141 or visit https://www.calvincommunity.org/. The program is located at 4210 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50310. 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 Calvin Community?

Before enrolling at Calvin Community, 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 Des Moines?

Yes. In addition to Calvin Community in Des Moines, our directory includes CNA training programs in Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Sioux City, Council Bluffs, and other Iowa cities. 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.