Des Moines, IA
DMACC Capitol Center
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
Location
Des Moines, IA
Duration
75 hours
Cost
$707.50
State Required Hours
75 hours minimum
- Address
1300 Des Moines Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
- Phone
- (515) 244-4226
About This Program
Des Moines Area Community College's Capitol Center sits just east of the State Capitol in the East Village/Capitol East corridor and serves as DMACC's healthcare simulation hub, with patient rooms built to mirror a modern clinic. The Iowa DIAL-approved 75-hour Certified Nurse Aide curriculum combines classroom instruction with simulation lab work and a 30-hour clinical rotation in an approved Iowa nursing facility. Graduates earn a Certificate of Completion and are eligible to sit for the Iowa nurse aide competency exam (Prometric/Headmaster) and be added to the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry. The Workforce Training Academy can cover the full cost for income-qualified students.
Location & Directions
1300 Des Moines Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
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 DMACC Capitol Center include?
Des Moines Area Community College's Capitol Center sits just east of the State Capitol in the East Village/Capitol East corridor and serves as DMACC's healthcare simulation hub, with patient rooms built to mirror a modern clinic. The program is located at 1300 Des Moines Street, Des Moines, IA 50309. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (515) 244-4226 or visit https://www.dmacc.edu/capitolcenter/index.html.
How much does DMACC Capitol Center cost?
DMACC Capitol Center lists tuition for its certified nurse aide (cna) at $707.50. 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 DMACC Capitol Center at (515) 244-4226 for the current fee breakdown and any available scholarships or financial aid.
How long is the program at DMACC Capitol Center?
The certified nurse aide (cna) at DMACC Capitol Center 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) 244-4226 for current cohort start dates and schedule options.
How do I apply or contact DMACC Capitol Center?
Call DMACC Capitol Center directly at (515) 244-4226 or visit https://www.dmacc.edu/capitolcenter/index.html. The program is located at 1300 Des Moines Street, Des Moines, IA 50309. 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 DMACC Capitol Center?
Before enrolling at DMACC Capitol Center, 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 DMACC Capitol Center 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.
Other CNA Programs in Des Moines
DMACC Urban Campus
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) · 75 hours · $707.50
DMACC Southridge Center
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) · 75 hours · $707.50
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) · 3 weeks / 80 hours · $1,500
Broadlawns Medical Center TEACH/TECH Apprenticeship
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) · Basic and Advanced CNA training (75/150 hours) · Free (paid apprenticeship)
Calvin Community
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) · 75 hours