2026-2027 Course Catalog
Nurse Aide, Certificate
|
|
 Return to: West Campus Programs
The Nurse Aide 75 Hour certificate is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to care for patients/residents in a variety of long-term care facilities and to be successful on the Iowa Direct Care Worker registry exam. Successful completion of the exam is required by State Legislation in order to work in a long-term care facility. The Nurse Aide 75 hour course is offered for college credit and is one of the prerequisites to the nursing program. After successful completion of the Nurse Aide 75-hour course the student would then be eligible to take the Advanced Nurse Aide course.
|
Locations: Ames Hunziker Center, Ankeny, Boone, Carroll, Newton, Perry VanKirk Center, Southridge, Urban/Des Moines, West Des Moines
Students Start: Fall, Spring and Summer semesters
See course schedule for start dates and times. Registration Information
Students must complete authorization for Criminal/Abuse Background check forms and have successful clearance by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for entry into the practicum portion of the course. Any student who does not have clearance granted by HHS at the time the practicum begins, will follow the college incomplete policy. A student who is denied clearance by HHS will not be eligible to continue the course and would thereby be administratively dropped following discussion with the student. Students will be expected to complete required forms as outlined on the DMACC website: Nurse Aide 75 Hour (Basic) (dmacc.edu) Students must be at least 16 years of age by the first day of the course to enroll in the Nurse Aide program. Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 per credit The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change. Varied Costs
| Costs | | | History/Physical Exam | 240 | | Tuberculosis Testing | 40 | | Flu vaccine (October through April) | 30 | | Textbook and Handbook | 100 | | Uniform, shoes and equipment | 115 | | Iowa Direct Care Worker registry exams | 175 | | Class fee | 15 | Approximate total certificate costs: $1,360** **Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost. What Kind of Work Will You Do?
- Provide personal daily cares for residents of varied long-term care facilities under the supervision of a nurse. Cares will include assistance with meals, personal hygiene, toileting, bed mobility, transfers and walking.
What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?
- Apply ethical/legal principles to provide care
- Practice and provide safe care to patients/residents
- Perform special procedures for the patient/resident
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Be able to perform required Nurse Aide skills (see attached performance standards)
- Student must be able to lift 50 pounds
- Technology needs: A computer or tablet with webcam/video, microphone, and reliable internet connection is required
What Else Should I Consider about this Specialist Certificate?
- Plan ahead for alternate/backup means of transportation for class
- Plan ahead for personal responsibilities (Example:child care)
- Nurse Aides work a variety of shifts including weekends and holidays
Program Competencies
- Describe the responsibilities and role of the nurse aide
- Identify the role of government agencies in resident care
- Describe the characteristics of individuals who live in nursing care facilities
- Explain the effects of aging on the body system
- List responsibilities of various persons on interdisciplinary team
- Describe the role and competencies of the nurse aide in the nursing care facility
- Describe the nurse aide’s legal and ethical responsibilities
- Outline nurse aide’s role in promoting protecting resident’s rights
- Discuss strategies for communication that will build professional relationships with persons served
- Evaluate nurse aide skills and ability in working within a team concept
- Demonstrate understanding of terms related to infection control
- Outline person-centered approaches when supporting physical hygiene needs
- Demonstrate the performance of personal skills with a resident
- Discuss special considerations associated with caring for an individual with dementia or other cognitive impairment
- Describe special considerations for providing nutritional support
- Outline the elements to accurately gather, report, and document vital sign information or observations
- Identify observations to report to supervisor
- Describe how the nurse aide can use the interdisciplinary/ interprofessional care plan in providing resident care
- Discuss the normal anatomy and physiology and variants
- Describe roles in caring for resident/family in death and dying
- Demonstrate competency of nurse aide skills
- Outline competencies needed for nurse aide for state certification and employment
Competencies revised date
FY2022 Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov (2026) |
Return to: West Campus Programs
|