I’m Interested in becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

Western Iowa Tech offers CNA classes in Sioux City, Denison, Cherokee, and Mapleton campuses, as well as with many high schools in the area. CNA is the perfect place to begin your fulfilling career in healthcare. 

  1. What is the cost? 
    Our current tuition cost is listed on our website at www.witcc.edu/programs/103/. You can work with our financial aid advisors with any questions or concerns about your tuition cost.
  2. When are available classes? 
    There are face to face and hybrid classes offered each Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. There are daytime and evening options available. Visit our website for the most up to date listings and to submit an application to the college. 
  3. How do I sign up? 
    You will first submit an application to Western Iowa Tech online at www.witcc.edu/apply/. Once you have applied and have been accepted as a student at Western Iowa Tech, you can register for the CNA course by scheduling an appointment with Registration Department online at www.witcc.edu/programs/103/
  4. I registered for a class! Now what? 
    Watch for emails and texts with information about your orientation. CNA orientation is mandatory by the State of Iowa, and important class details will be shared with you at this time. If you are unable to make it to the scheduled orientation, please contact our Health Science Department to reschedule ahead of time at healthsciences@witcc.edu or 319.254.6772.
    Make sure to know your social security number prior to coming to orientation, because you will need it to complete background check paperwork. Other documents required to begin the class will be signed at orientation, as well. 
  5. What else do I need for class? 
    You will need a TB screening. This can be a two-step TB skin test, or a blood test. For a past positive TB result or treatment, a chest X-ray may be necessary. This process can take time, so start this ASAP! TB skin tests are free at the Comet Clinic at our Sioux City campus. You can make an appointment with this link: www.witcc.edu/student-resources/health-clinic/
    You will also need to obtain a uniform. Our CNA uniform must be a ceil blue scrub top and pants, with nonporous solid-color shoes and an analog watch. You can begin purchasing these items at any time prior to class. 
  6. I’ve passed the 75-hour Nurse Assistant course! What’s next? 
    After passing both classroom and clinical portions of the course, you will be eligible to take the CNA State Certification Exam. The exam consists of two parts: written and skills testing. 
  7. How do I sign up for testing?
    For written testing, you must follow this link to the DIAL webpage for instructions: https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/health-professions/cnas. After following the link, scroll to the "Nurse Aide Training" section, and refer to #2. This provides options for testing remotely, or at a testing center associated with an Iowa Community College. There are two testing companies used by the State of Iowa to administer the CNA State Written Exam: Headmaster ($50) and Credentia ($70). Cost is per attempt, up to three tries. You can choose Western Iowa Tech testing center as your testing location when you sign up for testing with Headmaster, if you wish. Dates will be available to you upon registering. 
    For skills testing, you can view current testing dates and register online at www.witcc.edu/corporate/health/nursing-assistant-cna-testing/. You may also call and register with the Health Sciences Department at 319.254.6772. Skills testing is a hands-on evaluation of the student performing a set of nurse aide skills. Cost is $125 per attempt, up to three tries. Cost is per attempt and is due at the time of registration. 
  8. What if I need to reschedule? 
    If you must reschedule your skills testing at WITCC, please call our Health Science Department at 319.254.6772 and request to reschedule at least 24 hours prior to your test date. You will be issued a refund or be able to reschedule a future date. To reschedule written testing, please contact the agency you registered for testing with. 
  9. What if I pass one test and not the other? 
    You must pass both written and skills examinations within three tries to become a certified nurse aide. If you pass the written and not the skills, you can retry the skills within the same year – and vice versa. Once you have passed both within three attempts, you will be placed on the Direct Care Workers Registry.
  10. What do I need to know for testing?
    The CNA state written exam is a multiple-choice test that checks your knowledge of basic nursing assistant skills and safety. It usually includes questions about infection control, resident rights, communication, safety, personal care, vital signs, nutrition, and emergency procedures. You’ll need to choose the best answer from several options. The test focuses on safe, respectful care, and following proper procedures. There are many practice quizzes and resources available online. 
  11. Where do I go to check if I have my CNA certification?
    After completing and passing your CNA certification exam, or if you’d like to see if you are still a certified nursing assistant from past licensure, you can visit the Iowa Direct Care Workers Registry using this link https://dia-hfd.iowa.gov/ and enter your information to the DCW Search. Make sure to enter any previous or alternate names. If you are on the registry, or have been in the past, you will be able to see your status there. If you cannot find your information, you can contact the Iowa DCW Agency at 515.381.7835 or DCW@dia.iowa.gov for assistance.  
  12. Is there a difference between having my CNA Certificate from the class and my CNA License? 
    Once you have finished the CNA class at WITCC, including all lecture, lab, and clinical hours with passing grades, you will receive a certificate of completion in the mail. You should keep this for your records. However, passing the course and receiving the certificate of completion does not make you a Certified Nursing Assistant without taking the state certification exam. You must pass both written and skill portions of the state exam to receive your official Direct Care Worker identification number and to be placed on the registry. At that point, you are officially a Certified Nursing Assistant. 

With any further questions or concerns, please reach out to our Health Sciences Department at healthsciences@witcc.edu or 319.254.6772.