Healthcare training programs in Iowa
CNA, phlebotomy, pharmacy technician, medication aide and more. See Iowa's requirements and get matched with programs near you or online.
- CNA training
- At least 75 hours in Iowa (federal minimum)
- Phlebotomy license
- Not required by the state
- Online options
- Pharmacy tech, billing & coding, medical admin, Advanced CNA
Get matched with schools that serve Iowa
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Start matchingFeatured Iowa programs
Hybrid 75-Hour CNA
- Length
- 21 days · 75 hours
- Format
- Online theory, then 3 lab days and 4 clinical days
- In person
- 7 days total
- Tuition
- $895
- Starts
- Every month
- Location
- West Des Moines, IA
Keep your job while you train: the classroom portion is online and self-paced. Health Tech Associates is also a DIAL-approved CNA skills testing site.
Request info10-Day Hybrid Phlebotomy
- Length
- 10 days
- Format
- 9 days online, then 1 hands-on lab day
- In person
- 1 day
- Tuition
- $750, materials included
- Certification
- MedCA national exam (optional, $145)
- Starts
- Every month
- Location
- West Des Moines, IA
Do the coursework from home and come in for one full lab day of supervised draws.
Request infoOnline Pharmacy Technician
- Length
- 132 hours over 16 weeks
- Format
- 100% online, self-paced
- In person
- None
- Tuition
- $2,200 or monthly payments
- Prepares for
- PTCE (PTCB)
- Experience needed
- None
Covers pharmacology, pharmacy law, calculations, prescription processing, billing and compounding.
Request infoCMA – Medication Aide
- Length
- 4 weeks + 20 practicum hours
- Format
- Class Tuesdays & Wednesdays plus online work
- Practicum
- At your own facility, supervised by your RN
- Tuition
- $725, books included
- Requirements
- 18+, 480 hours of work experience in long-term care, assisted or supported living
- Location
- West Des Moines, IA
For CNAs and direct care staff already working in long-term care who want to pass medications.
Request infoAdvanced CNA (PCT)
- Length
- Up to 30 days, self-paced
- Format
- 100% online
- Tuition
- $895
- Credential
- Certificate issued on completion, no state test
- Recommended
- Basic 75-hour CNA first
Adds 75 hours of advanced training on top of basic CNA, for a combined 150 hours.
Request infoLPN IV Certification (Iowa)
- Length
- 13 days online + skills validation
- Format
- Online coursework, hands-on lab and skills check
- Tuition
- $685 incl. coursework, lab and certification
- Credential
- Iowa LPN Expanded IV Therapy Certification
- Requirements
- Unrestricted Iowa LPN license, 1,040 hours LPN practice, work in hospital, skilled nursing or ESRD dialysis
Iowa Board of Nursing–approved course for LPNs whose facility allows expanded IV therapy.
Request infoRN IV Refresher
- Online course
- 12 CE hours · $149
- Hands-on lab
- 4 CE hours · $399 · 10 am–3 pm
- Format
- Online theory + in-person lab
- Location
- West Des Moines, IA
For RNs with IV experience who have been away from hands-on clinical practice.
Request infoOnline Medication Manager (Iowa)
- Length
- 20 hours: 12 online + 8 RN skills check-off
- Time to finish
- Up to 60 days, self-paced
- Tuition
- $79
- Approved by
- Iowa DIAL
- Requirements
- 18+ and an RN at your workplace to supervise your check-off
Online and self-paced, with the skills check-off done at your own workplace.
Request infoSee also CNA classes in Iowa.
Programs you can start in Iowa
Patient care
Nursing IV courses
Lab, heart & kidney
Pharmacy, clinic & office
Therapy, dental & emergency
Becoming a CNA in Iowa
Iowa requires at least 75 hours of state-approved nurse aide training, the same as the federal minimum. Iowa CNAs are listed on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry after passing the state tests. After training you take the state competency exam (written and skills) and get listed on Iowa's nurse aide registry.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of CNA training does Iowa require?
Iowa requires at least 75 hours of nurse aide training, the same as the federal minimum. Iowa CNAs are listed on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry after passing the state tests.
Do phlebotomists need a license in Iowa?
No. Iowa doesn't require a state phlebotomy license, but most employers prefer national certification such as NHA CPT, ASCP PBT or AMT RPT.
Can I train online in Iowa?
Yes, for many programs. Pharmacy technician, billing and coding, medical administrative assistant and Advanced CNA coursework can often be done fully online. CNA, phlebotomy and other hands-on programs let you do coursework online but require in-person skills training in Iowa.
Requirements change. Confirm current rules with your state's nurse aide registry or licensing agency before you enroll.