Nursing Assistant Short-Term Certificate

Become a Nursing Assistant. As a certified nursing assistant (CNA), you will be equipped to work in a variety of health care settings, including a hospital, skilled nursing facility, long-term care, hospice or home care setting. If after the course you successfully complete the State of Iowa certification exam, you will be placed on the State Registry, which is required for working in Iowa as a CNA.

Should you decide to further your education, this certificate program provides a foundation for entry into multiple health care professions and fulfills one of the prerequisite requirements for admission to the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and Certificate or Associate of Science in Polysomnographic Technology Programs at Mercy College.

Length of Program

Certificate programs are held over the course of just 7-14 weeks. A variety of day and evening courses are available. To learn more about the upcoming program sessions check out the schedule or call
(515) 643-6738.

Course Content

150-Hour Program

This program is designed for individuals seeking employment as a nursing assistant in a variety of health care settings, including a hospital, skilled nursing facility, long-term care, hospice, or home care setting. Upon successful completion the student is qualified to take the state written and skills competency test. This program is approved for six hours of college credit. Students seeking to receive college credit must pay the regular part-time tuition rate.

75-Hour Program

This program is designed for individuals who have previously taken the 75-hour program and wish to advance their skills. This program provides advanced care information for individuals seeking employment in a hospital, hospice or home care setting. This program is approved for three hours of college credit. Students seeking to receive college credit must pay the regular part-time tuition rate.

30-Hour Advanced Care Program

This course is for individuals who have previously taken the 120-hour NA program and need to complete the full 15-hour NA content as a prerequisite to the ASN program. This course provides the didactic content and skills bridging the 120-hour NA content with the 150-hour NA content.

Clinical Training

Students will receive a total of 60 hours of clinical experience; 30 hours are spent in a skilled or long-term care setting, and 30 hours are spent in a hospital setting.