Students at the DMACC Perry VanKirk Career Academy celebrated a milestone Tuesday by participating in the certified nursing assistant (CNA) pinning ceremony, their gateway to the healthcare workforce.
The students who successfully completed the summer CNA program are now prepared to begin providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, assisted living centers and other healthcare settings throughout central Iowa.
The pinning ceremony featured guest speaker Dawn Waters, R.N., of the Dallas County Hospital, who encouraged the graduates at the start of their careers in healthcare. Waters described her experiences as a DMACC alumnus and a registered nurse and emphasized the vital role CNAs play as compassionate caregivers and valued members of the healthcare team.
Waters challenged the graduates to continue learning, lead with empathy and embrace every opportunity to positively impact the lives of their patients.
Healthcare is one of Iowa’s fastest-growing employment sectors, and CNAs play a vital role in patient care while serving as an entry point into careers in as nursing, medical assisting, emergency medical services and other allied health professions, Waters said.
As one class of students begins their healthcare careers, DMACC is already preparing the next. Enrollment is now open for the fall 2026 Adult Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program at the DMACC Perry VanKirk Career Academy.
The upcoming class is designed for adults interested in launching a career in healthcare or taking the first step toward additional healthcare credentials. The program includes classroom instruction, hands-on skills training and clinical experience.
Individuals interested in enrolling are encouraged to register early. The fall course meets Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The course is listed as CRN 16436 (Section P4) on the DMACC.edu website. For more information or assistance with registration, contact the DMACC Perry VanKirk Career Academy at 515-428-8100.