Patient Care Technician Schools in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Patient Care Technician programs in Cedar Rapids, Iowa can help you prepare for a skilled career path. Many programs include classroom instruction and supervised hands-on learning to help you build practical skills before entering the workforce.

Patient Care Technician Schools Near Cedar Rapids, Iowa

#1

Eastern Iowa Community College District

Davenport, IA 64.5 miles away

Eastern Iowa Community College District is a Public, 2-year in Davenport, IA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

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#2

Black Hawk College

Moline, IL 71.8 miles away

Black Hawk College is a Public, 2-year in Moline, IL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

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#3

Southeastern Community College

West Burlington, IA 83.8 miles away

Southeastern Community College is a Public, 2-year in West Burlington, IA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

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#4

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Fennimore, WI 87.6 miles away

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Fennimore, WI. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across WI.

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#5

Carl Sandburg College

Galesburg, IL 94.7 miles away

Carl Sandburg College is a Public, 2-year in Galesburg, IL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

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#6

Highland Community College

Freeport, IL 105.3 miles away

Highland Community College is a Public, 2-year in Freeport, IL serving about 926 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $4,696
  • Out-of-state tuition: $7,120
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#7

Sauk Valley Community College

Dixon, IL 107.5 miles away

Sauk Valley Community College is a Public, 2-year in Dixon, IL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

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#8

North Iowa Area Community College

Mason City, IA 110.8 miles away

North Iowa Area Community College is a Public, 2-year in Mason City, IA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

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#9

Western Technical College

La Crosse, WI 129.6 miles away

Western Technical College is a Public, 2-year in La Crosse, WI. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across WI.

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#10

Spoon River College

Canton, IL 129.8 miles away

Spoon River College is a Public, 2-year in Canton, IL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IL.

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Comparing Patient Care Technician Schools Near Cedar Rapids

There are 10 schools within 130 miles of Cedar Rapids.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Eastern Iowa Community College District64.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Black Hawk College71.8 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Southeastern Community College83.8 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College87.6 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Carl Sandburg College94.7 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Highland Community College105.3 mi$4,696N/APublic, 2-year
Sauk Valley Community College107.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
North Iowa Area Community College110.8 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Western Technical College129.6 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Spoon River College129.8 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Patient Care Technician Salary in Iowa

Entry-level nursing assistants in Iowa earn around $35,070 per year. The median salary is $38,630, which is 2.3% below the national median of $39,530. Top earners make up to $48,100 per year.

Iowa vs. National Patient Care Technician Wages
MetricIowaNational
Median salary$38,630$39,530
Average salary$40,590$41,270
25th percentile$36,740$36,260
75th percentile$44,710$46,070
90th percentile$48,100$50,140

Iowa employs approximately 22,970 nursing assistants (14.7 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 1.63).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Patient Care Technician Job Outlook

2.3% growth (2024–2034)

Employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 2.3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This represents a change from 1,441,500 to 1,474,000 jobs nationwide. About 204,100 openings are projected each year on average over the decade, driven by workers transferring to other occupations, retiring, or leaving the labor force.

In Iowa, the concentration of nursing assistants is higher than the national average (location quotient: 1.63), which may reflect strong local demand for this trade.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do nursing assistants make in Iowa?

The median annual salary for nursing assistants in Iowa is $38,630. Wages range from $35,070 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $48,100 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many patient care technician schools are near Cedar Rapids?

There are 72 Patient Care Technician schools within commuting distance of Cedar Rapids. The closest is Eastern Iowa Community College District, approximately 64.5 miles away. Programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work to prepare graduates for entry-level positions.

What is the job outlook for nursing assistants?

Employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 2.3% from 2024 to 2034. About 204,100 job openings are projected each year on average, including positions from growth and replacement needs.

What does patient care technician training cost near Cedar Rapids?

Annual tuition for patient care technician programs near Cedar Rapids ranges from $3,432 to $6,780. Costs vary based on program length, institution type, and whether the school is public or private. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to help offset costs.

Is a patient care technician in demand in Iowa?

Demand for nursing assistants in Iowa is higher than average compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 1.63. The state employs 14.7 nursing assistants per 1,000 workers.