Setting a course for the future: DMACC's CNA program

By Madi R.

DMACC has been offering the CNA class since January 18, 1976. So what is a CNA? CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant/Aide. What do you do as a CNA? As a Certified Nursing Assistant, you provide basic care and safety to residents as well as assist them with activities of daily living. 

Daily tasks are given to CNAs by the RN. RN stands for Registered Nurse, often referred to as the Charge Nurse. A few common daily tasks of a CNA are assisting residents with personal hygiene and appearance, which includes providing oral care, bathing, and making sure residents are comfortable. One of the most rewarding things when working as a CNA is being able to help residents and see the smiles on their faces when they are able to feel like themselves again. 

How long does the class last? For this year, class started on August 23, 2023, at Story County Medical Long Term Care. Story County Medical Long Term Care was the old hospital in Nevada. The classroom was in the basement of the nursing home.  In about a year, Story County Medical Long Term Care will get a brand new building behind the current hospital. Class finished on November 10, 2023. The next step was to take skills that students learned in the classroom and put them into play.

On November 11th and 12th, students started clinicals. On the first day, they watched the current CNAs. On the second day, they started doing little things like helping transfer residents, feeding them, and taking vital signs. Then clinicals continued on the following weekend. On the 18th and 19th students started doing more and more. By the final day, students were doing everything and could be completely on their own. With the two full weekends, it concludes with 4 days of clinicals. There is one more step after you pass clinical: state boards, where you perform a written test and a skills test. After you pass these tests, you are able to get a job as a Certified Nursing Assistant. 

Roland-Story students can do this through DMACC. There are multiple opportunities to work as a CNA in our area. For the CNA class you do not have to pay for the class unless you don’t take the class through the school. There is one fee that you do have to pay, which is for the state testing and costs $170. You have the choice to work as a CNA in the hospital, long-term care/nursing homes, or hospice. 

Location: Nevada, IA 50201, USA

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