Waterloo, IA
Hawkeye Community College
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Location
Waterloo, IA
State Required Hours
75 hours minimum
- Address
1501 East Orange Road
Waterloo, IA 50704
- Phone
- (319) 296-4456
About This Program
Hawkeye Community College's Waterloo campus, serving the Cedar Valley region of northeast Iowa, trains CNAs through classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience with qualified nursing staff. The program meets Iowa DIAL requirements and prepares graduates to sit for the Prometric Iowa CNA exam for placement on the state's Direct Care Worker Registry. Students learn vital signs, ADLs, infection control, and resident-centered care.
Location & Directions
1501 East Orange Road, Waterloo, IA 50704
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 Hawkeye Community College include?
Hawkeye Community College's Waterloo campus, serving the Cedar Valley region of northeast Iowa, trains CNAs through classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience with qualified nursing staff. The program is located at 1501 East Orange Road, Waterloo, IA 50704. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (319) 296-4456 or visit https://www.hawkeyecollege.edu/programs/nursing/cna.
How much does Hawkeye Community College cost?
Hawkeye Community College has not published a flat tuition figure on this directory; pricing for the certified nursing assistant (cna) depends on residency, financial aid, and any employer sponsorships. Call (319) 296-4456 or visit the program website at https://www.hawkeyecollege.edu/programs/nursing/cna 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 Hawkeye Community College?
Hawkeye Community College has not published a fixed length for this directory. Programs in Iowa must meet the state minimum of 75 hours minimum, so plan accordingly. Call (319) 296-4456 or check the program website at https://www.hawkeyecollege.edu/programs/nursing/cna to confirm the program length, start dates, and full-time vs part-time schedule options.
How do I apply or contact Hawkeye Community College?
Call Hawkeye Community College directly at (319) 296-4456 or visit https://www.hawkeyecollege.edu/programs/nursing/cna. The program is located at 1501 East Orange Road, Waterloo, IA 50704. 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 Hawkeye Community College?
Before enrolling at Hawkeye 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 Waterloo?
Yes. In addition to Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, our directory includes CNA training programs in Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, Council Bluffs, 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.