What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant?

An Acute Care Nursing Assistant, or ACNA, is a healthcare professional who provides basic patient care and support in acute care settings, such as hospitals, emergency rooms, and intensive care units. ACNAs work under the supervision of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, assisting with tasks like bathing, dressing, and feeding patients, as well as taking vital signs, monitoring patients, and helping with mobility.

ACNA Training Requirements

To become an ACNA in Des Moines, you'll need to complete a state-approved training program that meets the requirements set forth by the Iowa Department of Public Health. This typically involves a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on clinical training, and passing a competency exam.

The training program must consist of at least 75 hours of instruction, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training in a healthcare setting. The curriculum covers topics such as patient rights, infection control, basic nursing skills, and emergency procedures.

How Quickly Can You Become an ACNA in Des Moines?

In Des Moines, the fastest you can become an ACNA is typically around 4-6 weeks, depending on the specific program you choose. Many community colleges and vocational schools in the area offer accelerated ACNA training programs that can be completed in a matter of weeks, allowing you to get certified and start your new career quickly.

ACNA Classes in Des Moines

Here are a few examples of ACNA training programs available in Des Moines:

1. Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC): DMACC offers a 5-week Acute Care Nursing Assistant program at their Ankeny campus. The program costs $699 and includes both classroom instruction and clinical training. Upon completion, students are eligible to take the state competency exam.

2. Mercy College of Health Sciences: Mercy College's ACNA program is 6 weeks long and costs $1,200. The program includes 75 hours of training, with both classroom and clinical components. Graduates are prepared to take the state certification exam.

3. Iowa Health Care Association: This organization offers ACNA training at various locations throughout Des Moines. The program is 75 hours long and costs $600. Successful completion of the program allows students to take the state competency exam.

4. Broadlawns Medical Center: Broadlawns, a major healthcare provider in Des Moines, offers an ACNA training program that is 4 weeks long and costs $450. The program includes classroom instruction, skills lab, and clinical rotations.

Exploring a Career in Acute Care Nursing Assistant Outside Des Moines

If this article has sparked your interest in becoming an ACNA, but you're not in the same state, don't let that hold you back. You have the chance to pursue a career as an ACNA in places like Baltimore, Durham, Las Vegas, Portland, or San Diego. And if none of these locations fit, Dreambound makes it easy for anyone, anywhere, to find and compare ACNA classes just by searching with their zip code. With a bit of determination and the right tools at your disposal, stepping into a successful healthcare career is completely doable, no matter your current location.

Online ACNA Training in Des Moines

In addition to these in-person options, there are also online ACNA training programs available for Des Moines residents. These programs allow students to complete the majority of the coursework online, with the clinical component typically being done at a local healthcare facility.

Free ACNA Training in Des Moines

While most ACNA training programs in Des Moines do come with a cost, there are a few options for free or low-cost training available in the city. One example is the Acute Care Nursing Assistant Training Program offered by the Iowa Department of Public Health. This program is free for eligible participants and includes both classroom and clinical instruction.

ACNA Certification Process

After completing an approved ACNA training program in Des Moines, the next step is to pass the state competency exam. This exam tests your knowledge and skills in areas such as patient care, infection control, and emergency procedures. Once you pass the exam, you'll be eligible for certification as an Acute Care Nursing Assistant in Iowa.

Job Opportunities for ACNAs in Des Moines

Des Moines is a thriving healthcare hub, with numerous hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities that employ ACNAs. Some of the largest potential employers for ACNAs in the city include:

• UnityPoint Health - Des Moines
• MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
• Iowa Methodist Medical Center
• Broadlawns Medical Center
• VA Central Iowa Health Care System
• Various nursing homes and assisted living facilities

As the population in Des Moines continues to grow and age, the demand for qualified ACNAs is expected to remain strong. This can provide excellent job opportunities for those who have completed the necessary training and certification.

Final Thoughts

If you're interested in becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant in Des Moines, there are plenty of opportunities to get the training and certification you need. With a variety of in-person and online ACNA classes available, as well as the potential for free or low-cost options, you can find the right program to fit your needs and start your new career path in the healthcare field.

If this article isn't quite hitting the mark for you, why not give these other articles a try:

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