Mason City, IA
North Iowa Area Community College
Nurse Aide (CNA)
Location
Mason City, IA
Duration
100 hours
State Required Hours
75 hours minimum
- Address
500 College Drive
Mason City, IA 50401
- Phone
- (641) 422-4312
About This Program
NIACC in Mason City serves north-central Iowa with a Nurse Aide program taught by registered nurses across face-to-face and hybrid formats. The OBRA-compliant curriculum includes 35 hours of classroom, 20 hours of lab, and 45 hours of clinical experience in a long-term care facility. Graduates take the State of Iowa written and skills exams to be placed on the Iowa DIAL Direct Care Worker Registry.
Location & Directions
500 College Drive, Mason City, IA 50401
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 North Iowa Area Community College include?
NIACC in Mason City serves north-central Iowa with a Nurse Aide program taught by registered nurses across face-to-face and hybrid formats. The program is located at 500 College Drive, Mason City, IA 50401. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (641) 422-4312 or visit https://www.niacc.edu/health-science/nurse-aide/.
How much does North Iowa Area Community College cost?
North Iowa Area Community College has not published a flat tuition figure on this directory; pricing for the nurse aide (cna) depends on residency, financial aid, and any employer sponsorships. Call (641) 422-4312 or visit the program website at https://www.niacc.edu/health-science/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 North Iowa Area Community College?
The nurse aide (cna) at North Iowa Area Community College is structured as 100 hours. Iowa requires 75 hours minimum of state-approved training, so this program meets or exceeds the state minimum. Contact the program at (641) 422-4312 for current cohort start dates and schedule options.
How do I apply or contact North Iowa Area Community College?
Call North Iowa Area Community College directly at (641) 422-4312 or visit https://www.niacc.edu/health-science/nurse-aide/. The program is located at 500 College Drive, Mason City, IA 50401. 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 North Iowa Area Community College?
Before enrolling at North Iowa Area 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 Mason City?
Yes. In addition to North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, our directory includes CNA training programs in Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Sioux City, Council Bluffs. 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.