Nursing Program Details

Before Admission to the DMACC Nursing Program

All students must meet the Nursing Program Entry Requirements linked on the applicable checklist below.

• The Nursing Program Application Checklist is for all new entry students. Please note important progression criteria to move from Year 1 to Year 2 in the Nursing Ladder Program.
• The Advanced Standing (LPN to RN) Nursing Program Application Checklist is for students with LPN licensure. 

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Health Requirements - Student Health and Immunization Records

Nursing students need to complete and submit the New Student Health and Immunization Record when beginning their program. Click below to see the form.

• Student Health and Immunization Record

TB and Influenza documentation are required annually.

• Influenza Vaccination Form
• TB Form

The CDC provides immunization options and immunization tips on where to look for immunization records and where to go to get immunized.

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At their own expense, students must obtain the required physical examination, immunizations, and/or tests prior to beginning the Program. The physical exam and Tuberculosis test must be within one year of starting the program.

• Infectious diseases, including Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Varicella (Chicken Pox), Pertussis (Whooping cough), and Tuberculosis (TB) may have serious implications for both health care workers and clients. Therefore, students are required to meet current standards for prevention, unless a signed medical waiver is submitted.
• Existing health problems must be identified. Students will not be permitted to attend clinical experiences until the required Health and Immunization Record is completed and submitted.
• If a student chooses not to have the required immunizations and does not have a medical waiver, the student will be ineligible for clinical experiences and will be dismissed from the DMACC nursing programs.
• Changes in health status after completing health forms must be reported to the Program Chair/Campus Coordinator.
• Students are to make a personal copy of the Health and Immunization Record prior to submitting it and keep it in a safe place with other important documents as these records will be requested by future employers.
• The influenza vaccine is required each year prior to the deadline set by our clinical agencies. It is the student's responsibility to renew the influenza vaccine each year at their own expense and provide documentation for their student file.

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CPR Certification Requirements

CPR certification is a requirement for attendance in the clinical area. In choosing a course from either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross, keep in mind the course description must indicate it is appropriate for health care providers/professionals and that CPR for both adults and children will be taught. Nursing students must have completed a course designed for health professionals from either the:

• American Heart Association Basic Life Support OR American Heart Association Heartcode (this is an online course followed by a face-to-face skills test)
• American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer OR American Red Cross Health Care Provider course

When contacting any agency or organization to make a reservation for a CPR course, tell them you are a nursing student and need a course for health care professionals. Certification is at the student's own time and expense, and must be completed by the beginning of their program. Cards/certificates must be presented to the Program Chair/Coordinator showing date completed and the instructor's and student's signatures. Students are responsible to provide renewal cards documenting certification through the date of graduation. Students will not be allowed in the clinical setting if current CPR certification has not been provided. American Heart Association cards and American Red Cross cards need to be renewed every two years.

Approved recertification courses include a written competency test and a live return skills demonstration. Courses that are entirely online or that do not include all of the above are not acceptable. The American Heart Association website offers help in locating providers of certification courses in your zip code area. DMACC's Continuing Education Department offers monthly Basic Cardiac Life Support CPR Certification courses for Health Care Professionals that comply with American Heart Association guidelines.

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Graduation Requirements

1. Diplomas are issued to Practical Nursing students with a grade of "C" or better in all PNN and required liberal arts and sciences courses identified in the Practical Nursing curriculum.
2. An Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) is awarded to Associate Degree Nursing Students with a grade of "C" or better in all ADN and required liberal arts and sciences courses identified in the Associate Degree Nursing curriculum. In addition, ADN students must successfully complete the required standardized exit exam taken during Term 5 of the curriculum to earn their degree.

It is the student's responsibility to monitor his/her progress in meeting program requirements.

Track your progress. Any discrepancies regarding meeting requirements must be discussed with the Program Chair as soon you are aware to ensure progression toward graduation as planned. Any discrepancies regarding meeting requirements must be discussed with the Program Chair as soon you are aware to ensure progression toward graduation as planned.

Graduation Application: To qualify as a graduation candidate, a Graduation Application must be filed with the Office of Student Records by established deadlines. There are three reasons why you need to complete the Graduation Application:

1. To have your academic records reviewed to determine if you are eligible to graduate from DMACC
2. To determine if you meet the Board of Nursing's requirements for licensure.
   Students must be granted the designated degree or diploma to meet eligibility requirements for licensure by the state boards of nursing. Just completing the required course work is not sufficient to meet licensure requirements.
3. To indicate if you will or will not be participating in the graduation ceremony.

Students will receive OFFICIAL written notification of their status on meeting graduation requirements.

Graduates Looking for a Job: DMACC students and alumni can view current job and internship postings on Handshake, DMACC’s career services platform. Click here to join Handshake and…

• Access job and internship postings from employers looking to hire DMACC candidates.
• Share your resume and connect directly with employers through the Handshake messaging center.
• Stay up-to-date on local and virtual hiring events: career fairs, information sessions, interviewing events, and more.

Also, the DMACC Career Services provides free career services to DMACC students and alumni, Click here to learn more.

Visit CampusRN to search for thousands of jobs and scholarships

Nursing Student Policy Manual

• Nursing Student Policy Manual
• Bloodborn Pathogens OSHA Fact Sheet
  • Overview
• DMACC Nondiscrimination Statement 

RN Program Details

Registered nurses (RNs) work to promote health, prevent disease, and to help patients cope with illness. They are advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities. In Iowa the RN functions both independently and collaboratively when working with clients and other health care professionals.

Where do RNs work?

The RN practices in a variety of settings including:

• acute care settings
  • hospitals
  • surgical centers
  • ambulance and helicopter transport services
• long term care facilities (rehabilitation, hospice, nursing homes)
• community care
  • physician's offices
  • patient's homes
  • outpatient care centers
  • school systems (K-12, College clinics)
  • corporate health centers
  • insurance companies
  • managed care companies
  • pharmaceutical companies
  • military
  • government agencies
  • correctional facilities
  • community mental health
• educational institutions (Nursing schools, Universities, research centers)
• chronic care (kidney dialysis units)

While the settings in which RNs practice are varied, their role in those settings may also be diverse depending on their educational background, skills and interests. The roles of the registered nurse may include:

• bedside client care provider
• manager
• teacher in a formal school of nursing
• Advanced Nurse Practitioner
• health educator

What do RNs do?

New graduates often find that their initial job is giving direct patient care in one of the types of facilities noted above. When providing direct patient care, RNs:

• observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress in patients
• assist physicians during surgeries, treatments, and examinations
• administer medications by mouth, injection or intravenous line
• assist in convalescence and rehabilitation
• develop and manage nursing care plans
• instruct patients and their families in proper care
• help individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain their health

While state laws govern the tasks that RNs may perform, it is usually the work setting that determines the daily job duties. The ability to do critical thinking and to solve complex problems while caring for clients is vital for the registered nurse.

Good communication skills are also essential as the Registered Nurse consistently communicates in verbal or written form with clients and their families, with other health care team members, in the keeping of accurate records, and in formal and informal teaching settings.

RNs are professionally responsible for their actions and must function within the legal guidelines of the Board of Nursing of the state in which they practice, as well as within the ethical guidelines of the nursing profession. Learn more about the "Nurse Practice Act for Registered Nurses/Licensed Practical Nurses" in Iowa.

To learn more about the scope of what Registered Nurses do and where they work, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses.

The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET OnLine website provides comprehensive information on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

Job Outlook and Salaries for RN's

Currently the job outlook for RN's is very good, though nurses in some areas of the country may not always get their first choice of areas in which to work. Further information on wages and employment is available at the O*Net OnLine site.

Training Programs for Registered Nurses

In Iowa, two types of training programs prepare a student for the RN role:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - a two-year program offered at many community colleges that prepares students for the RN role at a basic level. This is generally a two to three year course of study.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - a four-year program offered at colleges and universities, which prepares the new grad for the RN role but which also emphasize course work in liberal arts, sciences, nursing theory, community health and management techniques.
• View nursing education Programs approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing

Advanced Specialties

RNs who want to practice in any of the following advanced specialty areas will require a master's degree:

• Nurse educator
• Nurse practitioner
• Nurse anesthetist
• Nurse midwife
• Clinical nurse specialist

A doctorate may be required for some educators, practitioners and researchers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition Registered Nurses was used as a source for some of the information on this page.

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LPN Program Details

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are the entry level of the profession. In Iowa they are responsible for utilizing their nursing knowledge and skills to care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians or registered nurses in structured health care settings.

What do LPNs do?

The LPN works with other licensed health care professionals to assess clients (patients) as well as to coordinate and implement nursing care. Responsibilities may range from:

• direct client care
• measuring vital signs
• bathing
• feeding and toileting clients
• medication administration
• preparing and giving injections
• complex dressing changes
• supervising nursing assistants
• administering CPR

The above is only a partial listing of LPN duties. To learn more, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.

The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET OnLine provides comprehensive information on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

• Information on Licensed Practical Nursing

LPNs are professionally responsible for their actions and must function within the legal guidelines of the Board of Nursing of the state in which they practice, as well as within the ethical guidelines of the nursing profession. Learn more about the Iowa Board of Nursing's guidelines for LPNs.

Where do LPNs work?

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) practices in a variety of arenas including:

• long-term care (nursing homes and other non-acute care nursing facilities)
• community care
  • physician's offices
  • patient's homes
  • outpatient care centers
  • school systems
  • industry
  • correctional facilities
  • community mental health
• acute care (hospitals)
• chronic care (kidney dialysis centers)

Depending on the care setting, LPN's may care for groups of four or more people at a time. The ability to do critical thinking and to solve problems while caring for individuals is vital for the practical nurse.

Job Outlook and Salaries for LPNs

Currently the job outlook for LPNs is very bright, particularly in the areas of long-term care, physicians' offices and home health care. Average starting salary for LPNs is $33,345 (based on DMACC's 2010-2011 Placement Report). More information on wages and employment is available at the O*Net OnLine site.

Training Programs for Practical Nurses

Practical Nursing - Diploma - programs prepare students for the role of the Practical Nurse at a basic level and are typically a one-year course of study. They are available at vocational/technical schools, community and junior colleges, hospitals, colleges and universities. For a list of approved programs in Iowa, visit the Iowa Board of Nursing website.

What is the difference between an LPN and an RN?

Briefly, the difference is the length and depth of training and the scope of practice. The educational program for RNs is two to four times longer than LPNs. This expanded time provides RN graduates with additional training in advanced skills, procedures, therapies and a deeper fund of nursing knowledge. The Iowa Board of Nursing specifies that the LPN shall not perform any activity requiring the knowledge and skill ascribed to the registered nurse. The limitations in LPNs activities generally pertain to:

• intravenous therapy
• formulation of nursing diagnoses
• practicing with supervision of a physician or RN
• supervision of others

They are specified by the Iowa Board of Nursing in the "Nurse Practice Act for Registered Nurses/Licensed Practical Nurses."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition internet site was used as a source for some of the information on this page. 

Des Moines Area Community College offers training programs for those interested in becoming Certified Nursing Assistants. These programs are offered several times a year in a variety of locations and are taught by Registered Nurses. These courses are 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 exams. Successful completion of these exams is required by State Legislation in order to work in a long-term care facility. The Nurse Aide courses are offered for college credit and are prerequisites to the nursing program. After successful completion of the Nurse Aide 76-hour course, the student would then be eligible to take the Advanced Nurse Aide 75-hour.

• Nurse Aide 76-Hour - 3 credits
• Advanced Nurse Aide 75-Hour - 3 credits

Costs: Required textbook, handbook, shoes and scrubs, watch with a second hand, stethoscope, etc. are in addition to the cost of the class. The Nurse Aide/Orderly class is 76 hours and the Advanced Nurse Aide class is 75 hours for a total of 151 hours. Most of the DMACC campuses offer both classes.

State Testing: After completing The Nurse Aide/Orderly class, you will need to take the Nurse Aide testing for Comp Exam and Skills Exam. (This testing is offered through Continuing Education.) Successful completion of the testing will enable you to work in Long-Term Care.

Financial Aid: If you have questions regarding financial aid, call 515-964-6282.

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Nurse Aide 76 Hour (Basic)

This course prepares the student to work in a nursing home, home health care agency, group home and/or hospital. The first 60 hours of the course are held in a classroom/lab and the remaining 30 hours of clinical will be in a nursing home. You will provide resident/patient care under the supervision of your instructor. At the end of this course, you must take the Direct Care Worker Registry written and skills exam to be eligible for employment.

• Program Details

Step 1 - Apply for Admission

Applying online for admission to DMACC is quick, easy, and FREE.

• Select “Nurse Aide” as your major if you only plan on taking Nurse Aide classes.
• Once application is approved, continue to Step 2.

Step 2 - Register for your chosen Nurse Aide course

• Registration Opens: Nurse Aide courses follow DMACC credit registration dates.
• Class Schedules: Nurse Aide classes can be found here by searching for SUBJECT=Nurse Aide Orderly or COURSE = 172.
• Waitlist: As of Summer 2022, the DMACC registration Waitlist feature has been activated for Nurse Aide classes.

Step 3 - Complete and submit required health forms

A. Click on the link below to complete the signature form, which allows us to run a background check prior to the start of class. This is extremely important and must be done before moving on to Part B.

DMACC Certified Nursing Assistant SIGNATURE Form

B. Create your online VIEWPOINT Account

Click on the link below to create your account.  If you have already created a Viewpoint account for any other program or college, please DO NOT create a second account.  If you've created an account under another program, please notify us by email at cna@dmacc.edu so we can request your account be moved to Nurse Aide.  Or, if you accidentally created a 2nd Viewpoint account for Nurse Aide, please notify us so we can remove the duplicate.

CLICK HERE:  Create VIEWPOINT Account

The following should pop up.  Simply click on the “Start Your Order" button and follow the instructions.

C. Submit Mandatory Health Forms to VIEWPOINT

There are three steps to follow to prepare you to submit the necessary healthcare forms.

1. Make an appointment with your medical provider (MD, DO, PA, ARNP). We encourage you to schedule your appointment at least three weeks prior to the start of class.
2. Click on each of the following three links, print out the entire form, and take them all with you to your medical provider appointment. Your medical provider must sign the physical and immunizations form and the TB testing form. The flu shot form may be signed by whomever administered the flu shot (perhaps a pharmacy technician, nurse, or doctor).
   • Physical and Immunizations – parts I, II, and III
   • Flu shot form (October-April) – signed by provider administering the flu shot (could be a pharmacy technician or your doctor)
   • TB testing form  
3. Upload the completed forms and any additional documentation to your Viewpoint Account.  You will need to scan the completed forms to your DMACC email address or computer.  If you don't have access to a scanner, your medical provider might be able to scan them for you or perhaps you can ask a friend or family member.  You are always welcome to stop by your local DMACC campus for assistance.

D.  CPR Certification

The last item to check off your to-do list is Healthcare Provider Level CPR Certification.  Below are links to approved CPR courses.  Please note that 100% online courses are NOT accepted.  You may take a class that is web-blended (part online, part in person) if the skills check-off is done in person.  Once you complete the CPR class, bring a copy of your CPR card to CNA class.

• American Red Cross: In the dropdown box, select BLS/CPR for Healthcare, then Basic Life Support – OR – CPR, then Adult, Child & Baby First Aid/CPR/AED-BLS (online + classroom)
• DMACC Healthcare Provider CPR
• American Heart Association: Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR & AED Training for Healthcare Professionals
• Do CPR Classes

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Advanced Nurse Aide

This course is designed for Nurse Aides who have completed the Nurse Aide 76 Hours (Basic) state approved course. The advanced nurse aide course provides an opportunity to gain the additional competencies and clinical experiences needed to seek employment in a hospital. The first 45 hours of the course are held in a classroom/lab and the remaining 30 hours of clinical will be in a hospital. Job opportunities include, but are not limited to, EKG tech, Emergency Tech, Scope Tech, Surgery Tech, and OB Tech. The agency or hospital will provide additional training in these specialized areas. Students must provide proof they have successfully completed a 75-hour state approved Nurse Aide course prior to being accepted.

• Program Details

Step 1 - Apply for Admission and Complete Orientation

Applying online for admission to DMACC is quick, easy, and FREE.

• Select “Nurse Aide” as your major if you plan on taking Nurse Aide classes only. If you are a nursing applicant, apply for the nursing program.
• Watch your DMACC email account for Orientation requirement details.
• Once your DMACC application is approved, continue to Step 2.

Step 2 - Register for your chosen Nurse Aide course
Check the registration dates so you know when you are eligible to register for class.

• The schedule of available Advanced Nurse Aide classes can be found on the Course Schedule page by searching for Advanced Nurse Aide in the subject search bar.
• Review the course offerings and select the one that meets on the days and times most compatible with your schedule. Please also note the location of the class.
• Register for the course. Students will learn how to register for classes during new student orientation (see step 1 above).
• If your desired class is full, you have the option to be added to the waitlist. If someone else drops the class, the next person on the waitlist will be contacted and offered a spot. There is no guarantee of admission.

Step 3 - Submit Required Forms

This step has several parts and different due dates, so read through the information carefully. You will receive an email at your DMACC email address with this information once you apply to DMACC and register for class. Please note Step 3 cannot be completed until Steps 1 and 2 have been completed.

A. Submit the Signature Form

After you have applied to DMACC, been accepted, and registered for an advanced nurse aide course, then you can click on the link below and complete the signature form. This should take no more than 5 minutes but is extremely important.

DMACC Certified Nursing Assistant SIGNATURE Form

B. Create your online VIEWPOINT Account

Click on the link below to create your account. If you have already created a Viewpoint account for any other program or college, please DO NOT create a second account. If you've created an account under another program, please notify us by email at cna@dmacc.edu so we can request your account be moved to Nurse Aide. Or, if you accidentally created a 2nd Viewpoint account for Nurse Aide, please notify us so we can remove the duplicate.

Create Viewpoint Account

Click on the “Start Your Order" button and follow the instructions.

C. Submit Mandatory Health Forms to VIEWPOINT

There are three steps to follow to prepare you to submit the necessary healthcare forms. If you received your basic nurse aide certification from DMACC, you may not need to re-submit all forms. Please check with the CNA coordinator and/or watch your DMACC email for additional information.

1. Make an appointment with your medical provider (MD, DO, PA, ARNP). We encourage you to schedule your appointment at least three weeks prior to the start of class.
2. Click on each of the following three links, print out the entire form, and take them all with you to your medical provider appointment. Your medical provider must sign the physical and immunizations form and the TB testing form. The flu shot form may be signed by whomever administered the flu shot (perhaps a pharmacy technician, nurse, or doctor).
   • Physical and Immunizations – parts I, II, and III
   • Flu shot form (October-April) – signed by provider administering the flu shot (could be a pharmacy technician or your doctor)
   • TB testing form
3. Upload the completed forms and any additional documentation to your Viewpoint Account. You will need to scan the completed forms to your DMACC email address or computer. If you don't have access to a scanner, your medical provider might be able to scan them for you or perhaps you can ask a friend or family member. You are always welcome to stop by your local DMACC campus for assistance.

D. CPR Certification

The last item to check off your to-do list before the start of clinicals is Healthcare Provider Level CPR Certification. Below are links to approved CPR courses. Please note that 100% online courses are NOT accepted. You may take a class that is web-blended (part online, part in person) if the skills check-off is done in person. Once you complete the CPR class, bring a copy of your CPR card to your nurse aide class. If you are already certified, simply bring a copy of your certification with you to class.

• American Red Cross: In the dropdown box, select BLS/CPR for Healthcare, then Basic Life Support – OR – CPR, then Adult, Child & Baby First Aid/CPR/AED-BLS (online + classroom)
• DMACC Healthcare Provider CPR
• American Heart Association: Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR & AED Training for Healthcare Professionals
• Do CPR Classes

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Additional Nurse Aide Resources

Iowa Caregivers Association
Bringing a voice and face to direct care workers such as certified nursing assistants and home care aides. Increasing awareness about direct care workforce issues and increasing the number of direct care workers who have access to ICA ROC (The Iowa CareGivers Association Direct Care Worker Resource and Outreach Center) programs, information, and services.

Iowa Community College Nurse Aide classes and testing dates.

Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA)
Regulates the CNA program and enforces criminal abuse background checks. Regulations can be found on their website.

DMACC Continuing Education Program
Classes designed to meet the continuing education needs of the health care provider working in long term care for certification and/or re-licensure. Provides Direct Care Workers Registry Testing (Nurse aide comp and skills testing).

For state test scheduling or questions, contact DMACC Continuing Education.

ATI TEAS Scoring Requirements & Test Review Options for Entry to the Nursing Program

For New Students seeking Admission into the Ladder Program starting Fall 2024: Students will need to meet a scoring requirement of 55% or greater on the Adjusted Individual Total Score for entry into the first year of the Ladder Program. The total score must include the four content areas: Reading, Mathematics, English and Language Usage, and Science. Students in this category are allowed unlimited attempts on the ATI TEAS, but all attempts are required to be taken in person at a DMACC Testing Center location. For entry into the second year of the Ladder Program, students will need to meet a scoring requirement of 92% or higher on the ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor Probability Score (test is given in class at the end of the first year of the nursing program) -OR- achieve a score of 65% or higher on the ATI TEAS Adjusted Individual Total Score.

• ATI TEAS Fact Sheet for NEW LADDER PROGRAM
• Print out your ATI TEAS Results and submit your results to admissions@dmacc.edu
• DMACC Nursing Application Process Check Sheet
• ATI TEAS Test Schedule - find a DMACC Testing Center for current hours
• How to Access ATI TEAS Results
• TEAS review options

DMACC offers RN to BSN 3+1 degree programs through partnerships including the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. 

DMACC nursing students can seamlessly finish their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in only one year, either on campus or online, while continuing to work in central Iowa. Grads with a BSN will discover expanded career opportunities, higher pay potential, workplace rewards, and more. They will be well-equipped to deliver excellent health care.

• University of Iowa RN to BSN 3+1 Program
  
• ISU RN-to-BSN Program