Patient Care Technician Schools in Council Bluffs, Iowa

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Patient Care Technician programs in Council Bluffs, 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 Council Bluffs, Iowa

#1

Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, IA 4.1 miles away

Iowa Western Community College is a Public, 2-year in Council Bluffs, IA serving about 3,029 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $6,780
  • Out-of-state tuition: $6,930
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Little Priest Tribal College

Winnebago, NE 75.9 miles away

Little Priest Tribal College is a Public, 2-year in Winnebago, NE. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NE.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#3

Southwestern Community College

Creston, IA 77.4 miles away

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

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#4

Western Iowa Tech Community College

Sioux City, IA 89.5 miles away

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

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#5

Highland Community College

Highland, KS 99.8 miles away

Highland Community College is a Public, 2-year in Highland, KS. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across KS.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#6

Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, IA 121.3 miles away

Iowa Central Community College is a Public, 2-year in Fort Dodge, IA serving about 3,107 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across IA.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $5,376
  • Out-of-state tuition: $7,668
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#7

Manhattan Area Technical College

Manhattan, KS 146.5 miles away

Manhattan Area Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Manhattan, KS. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across KS.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#8

Cloud County Community College

Concordia, KS 150.3 miles away

Cloud County Community College is a Public, 2-year in Concordia, KS. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across KS.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#9

Washburn Institute of Technology

Topeka, KS 151.6 miles away

Washburn Institute of Technology is a Public, <2-year in Topeka, KS. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across KS.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#10

Rasmussen University-Kansas

Topeka, KS 154.7 miles away

Rasmussen University-Kansas is a Private for-profit, 4-year in Topeka, KS. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across KS.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

Comparing Patient Care Technician Schools Near Council Bluffs

There are 10 schools within 155 miles of Council Bluffs.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Iowa Western Community College4.1 mi$6,780N/APublic, 2-year
Little Priest Tribal College75.9 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Southwestern Community College77.4 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Western Iowa Tech Community College89.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Highland Community College99.8 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Iowa Central Community College121.3 mi$5,376N/APublic, 2-year
Manhattan Area Technical College146.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Cloud County Community College150.3 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Washburn Institute of Technology151.6 miN/AN/APublic, <2-year
Rasmussen University-Kansas154.7 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 4-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 Council Bluffs?

There are 27 Patient Care Technician schools within commuting distance of Council Bluffs. The closest is Iowa Western Community College, approximately 4.1 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 Council Bluffs?

Annual tuition for patient care technician programs near Council Bluffs ranges from $4,104 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.