Patient Care Technician Schools in Des Moines, Iowa

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Patient Care Technician programs in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, Iowa

#1

Southwestern Community College

Creston, IA 52.7 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.

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#2

Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, IA 70.3 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
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#3

North Iowa Area Community College

Mason City, IA 112.6 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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#4

Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, IA 115 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
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#5

Southeastern Community College

West Burlington, IA 137.2 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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#6

Highland Community College

Highland, KS 146.8 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.

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#7

Riverland Community College

Austin, MN 148.6 miles away

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

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#8

Western Iowa Tech Community College

Sioux City, IA 153.7 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.

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#9

Little Priest Tribal College

Winnebago, NE 153.9 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.

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#10

Eastern Iowa Community College District

Davenport, IA 156.9 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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Comparing Patient Care Technician Schools Near Des Moines

There are 10 schools within 157 miles of Des Moines.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Southwestern Community College52.7 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Iowa Central Community College70.3 mi$5,376N/APublic, 2-year
North Iowa Area Community College112.6 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Iowa Western Community College115 mi$6,780N/APublic, 2-year
Southeastern Community College137.2 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Highland Community College146.8 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Riverland Community College148.6 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Western Iowa Tech Community College153.7 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Little Priest Tribal College153.9 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Eastern Iowa Community College District156.9 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 Des Moines?

There are 47 Patient Care Technician schools within commuting distance of Des Moines. The closest is Southwestern Community College, approximately 52.7 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 Des Moines?

Annual tuition for patient care technician programs near Des Moines 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.