CNA Classes in Indiana

Before enrolling in a CNA program in Indiana, you must satisfy several prerequisites:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Must have a high school diploma or GED (required by most programs)
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must complete required health screenings:
  • Physical examination confirming ability to perform essential job functions
  • Negative tuberculosis (TB) test
  • Up-to-date immunizations including tetanus, MMR, and hepatitis B
  • Drug screening (required by some programs)

Foreign-trained applicants may need to provide translated documents and demonstrate English proficiency. While certain criminal convictions may disqualify you from certification, each case is reviewed individually by the Indiana State Department of Health.

Indiana has specific requirements for CNA training programs to ensure all nursing assistants receive standardized education:

• Total of 105 training hours required, consisting of:
  • 75 hours of classroom instruction
  • 30 hours of supervised clinical training in healthcare settings
• Core curriculum topics include:
  • Basic nursing skills
  • Infection control procedures
  • Patient rights and dignity
  • Effective communication techniques
  • Personal care skills
  • Safety protocols
  • Vital signs monitoring and recording

Most programs take between 4 and 8 weeks to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. While theoretical portions may be available in hybrid formats, all clinical hours must be completed in-person at approved healthcare facilities.

Finding an approved CNA training program is an essential step in your certification journey:

• Training is offered through various approved providers:
  • Community colleges like Ivy Tech Community College
  • Vocational schools
  • Hospitals and medical centers
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Adult education centers

To verify a program’s approval status, check the Indiana State Department of Health website for their directory of approved training programs.

Program costs vary by provider but typically include:

• Tuition (ranging from $800-$1,500)
• Textbooks and study materials
• Background check fees
• Uniform costs ($50-$100)
• Medical requirements like TB tests ($25-$50)

Financial assistance options include:

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants
• Employer-sponsored training through healthcare facilities
• Payment plans offered by many training providers
• Free training through work agreements with nursing homes (must commit to employment)

After completing your training, you must pass the Indiana Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered by Ivy Tech Community College:

• The exam consists of two parts:
  • Written test: 70 multiple-choice questions testing theoretical knowledge
  • Skills evaluation: Demonstration of five randomly selected nursing assistant tasks
• Exam fees:
  • $75 for both written and skills evaluation
  • $65 for written exam only
  • $65 for skills evaluation only
• You have three attempts to pass both sections
• If you fail all three attempts, you must complete additional training before retesting

On exam day, bring government-issued photo identification and dress appropriately (scrubs are recommended). Arrive early to complete registration procedures and prepare mentally for both portions of the exam.

Common skills tested include handwashing, taking vital signs, transferring patients, and other fundamental CNA duties. Practice these skills thoroughly before your exam date.

The final step is being listed on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry:

• After passing your exam, you are automatically registered with the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry
• Your certification becomes active once you’re listed in the registry
• You can verify your listing by contacting the registry or checking their online portal

The Indiana Nurse Aide Registry, managed by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), is your primary resource for certification matters in the state.

Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.in.gov/health/ltc/aide-training-and-certification/cna/ 
• Phone: (317) 233-7612
• Email: [email protected]

The registry provides services such as:

• Verifying certification status
• Processing renewal applications
• Handling license transfers
• Investigating complaints
• Maintaining a searchable database of certified nurse aides

To check your certification status, visit the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency portal: https://mylicense.in.gov/everification/ 

Maintaining your CNA certification in Indiana requires adherence to specific guidelines:

Renewal Requirements:

• Certification validity: 24 months
• Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
• Employment requirement: Must work at least 8 hours as a nurse aide within the 24-month certification period
• Continuing education: No formal continuing education requirements for basic renewal
• Renewal process:
  • Your employer must submit verification of employment through the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry
  • CNAs are responsible for ensuring their employer submits the verification
  • No renewal fee required
• Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you may need to complete a competency evaluation or retake the CNA exam if expired more than 24 months

For renewal information and verification forms, visit: https://www.in.gov/health/ltc/aide-training-and-certification/cna/how-do-i-renew-my-certification/

If you’re a CNA certified in another state and wish to work in Indiana, follow these steps for reciprocity:

• Verify current certification in your original state
• Complete the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry Reciprocity Application
• Submit required documentation:
  • Copy of your current CNA certification
  • Proof of completing a training program that meets federal requirements
  • Verification of employment as a CNA within the last 24 months
  • State-issued ID or driver’s license
  • Social Security card
• Mail your application and documents to the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry

Allow 3-4 weeks for processing. Indiana does not require additional skills testing for reciprocity applicants with valid certifications.For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://www.in.gov/health/ltc/aide-training-and-certification/cna/

While Indiana doesn’t mandate continuing education for CNA renewal, ongoing learning can enhance your skills and career prospects:

Education Providers:

• Ivy Tech Community College
  • Website: https://www.ivytech.edu/
  • Offers healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
• Indiana Health Care Association (IHCA)
  • Website: https://www.ihca.org/refund-cancellation-policies/events-training-policies/ 
  • Provides workshops and online courses specifically for CNAs
• Indiana State Nurses Association
  • Website: https://indiananurses.nursingnetwork.com/ 
  • Offers continuing education opportunities for all nursing professionals
• American Red Cross of Indiana
  • Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/indiana.html
  • Provides healthcare training and certification courses