(Ankeny, IA) -- Des Moines Area Community College is announcing tuition free scholarships for the first 100-Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) students, starting in 2022. There are no income or academic requirements, the first 100 qualified applicants will get the scholarship. Applications are being accepted immediately. Class types and lengths vary. DMACC has a 100 percent job placement rate.
The program is being offered at all DMACC campuses, starting January 10th.
The new CNA Scholarship will cover the cost of tuition, fees and books for the 75-hour, three credit certification. The scholarship’s estimated value is $700.
“There is a shortage of direct care workers in hospitals, senior centers and numerous other institutions,” said Dr. Art Brown, Dean of DMACC’s Health and Public Services Department. “CNA graduates are urgently needed to fill these job vacancies. As a result, we’re motivated to help solve this problem. Our goal is to refill and energize the pipeline of direct care workers.”
Dr. Natalia Thilges, Director of DMACC’s Nursing program said the pay for direct care workers has been rising and CNA students will start at between $16 and $19 an hour here in Central Iowa. She said on occasion starting pay has been higher and many are receiving sign-on bonuses.
She also noted DMACC’s three credit CNA program offers a solid foundation and direct pathway into the College’s outstanding nursing program. “Nursing is a rewarding career both personally and professionally. DMACC’s CNA program is a pipeline into this important healthcare field,” said Thilges.
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