Des Moines, IA
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
Location
Des Moines, IA
Duration
3 weeks / 80 hours
Cost
$1,500
State Required Hours
75 hours minimum
- Address
921 6th Avenue (Training Center)
Des Moines, IA 50309
- Phone
- (515) 643-6671
About This Program
Mercy College's CNA Training Center is housed in the ACE building at 921 6th Avenue in downtown Des Moines, just steps from the main MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center campus and the Western Gateway. The Iowa DIAL-approved program packs classroom instruction, skills lab, and a one-week clinical rotation with Mercy's local healthcare partners into three intensive weeks, with an optional fourth remediation week available. Faculty average more than 23 years of clinical experience and prepare students for the Prometric/Headmaster Iowa nurse aide competency exam and placement on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry. Tuition includes the required textbook, Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, and the clinical background check.
Location & Directions
921 6th Avenue (Training Center), 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 Mercy College of Health Sciences include?
Mercy College's CNA Training Center is housed in the ACE building at 921 6th Avenue in downtown Des Moines, just steps from the main MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center campus and the Western Gateway. The program is located at 921 6th Avenue (Training Center), Des Moines, IA 50309. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (515) 643-6671 or visit https://www.mchs.edu/academics/continuing-education/certified-nursing-assistant/.
How much does Mercy College of Health Sciences cost?
Mercy College of Health Sciences lists tuition for its certified nurse aide (cna) at $1,500. 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 Mercy College of Health Sciences at (515) 643-6671 for the current fee breakdown and any available scholarships or financial aid.
How long is the program at Mercy College of Health Sciences?
The certified nurse aide (cna) at Mercy College of Health Sciences is structured as 3 weeks / 80 hours. Iowa requires 75 hours minimum of state-approved training, so this program meets or exceeds the state minimum. Contact the program at (515) 643-6671 for current cohort start dates and schedule options.
How do I apply or contact Mercy College of Health Sciences?
Call Mercy College of Health Sciences directly at (515) 643-6671 or visit https://www.mchs.edu/academics/continuing-education/certified-nursing-assistant/. The program is located at 921 6th Avenue (Training Center), 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 Mercy College of Health Sciences?
Before enrolling at Mercy College of Health Sciences, 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 Mercy College of Health Sciences 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.
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