CNA Classes in Indiana | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs

Indiana State Dept. of Health Approved

CNA Classes & Training Programs in Indiana

Launch your healthcare career in the Hoosier State with state-approved certification programs. Indiana's affordable training and strong healthcare industry create excellent opportunities for CNAs.

Find Programs Near You How to Get Certified

105

Training Hours Required

$117

State Exam Fee

$34,540

Average Annual Salary

4-8

Weeks to Complete

About CNA Certification in Indiana

Affordable Training in America's Heartland

Indiana offers excellent opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants, with affordable training programs, a low cost of living, and a robust healthcare industry. The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) oversees CNA certification through the Health Care Regulatory Services division, requiring completion of a state-approved training program and successful passage of the competency evaluation administered by Ivy Tech Community College's testing services.

From Indianapolis's major medical centers to community hospitals and long-term care facilities throughout the state, Indiana provides diverse employment opportunities for CNAs. The state's combination of Midwest affordability, strong union presence in some regions, and growing healthcare demand makes it an attractive place to start a healthcare career. Major systems like Indiana University Health, Community Health Network, Parkview Health, and Franciscan Health employ thousands of nursing assistants across the state, while rural communities consistently need qualified CNAs in skilled nursing facilities.

Ivy Tech Community College system statewide

Very affordable cost of living

Strong healthcare industry with major systems

Many free employer-sponsored training programs

Indiana CNA Quick Facts

Training Hours 105 hours minimum

Classroom Hours 75 hours

Clinical Hours 30 hours

Exam Format 70 questions + 5 skills

Exam Fee $117 (written + skills)

Regulatory Body Indiana State Dept. of Health

Registry IN Nurse Aide Registry

Training Programs

Find CNA Training Programs in Indiana

Browse Indiana State Department of Health approved nursing assistant training programs. Programs are available through Ivy Tech Community College, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities throughout the Hoosier State.

Browse CNA Schools in Indiana

Explore our directory of state-approved nursing assistant training programs. Filter by location, cost, and program type to find the perfect fit for your career goals.

View All Schools

Certification Process

How to Become a CNA in Indiana

Follow these three steps to earn your CNA certification and start your healthcare career in Indiana.

Complete Approved Training

Enroll in a Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program approved by the Indiana State Department of Health. Indiana requires a minimum of 105 total training hours—75 hours of classroom and laboratory instruction plus 30 hours of supervised clinical experience. Ivy Tech Community College is the primary CNA training provider with 19 campuses statewide across Indiana. The American Red Cross Indiana chapters and numerous healthcare facilities also offer approved programs. Many Indiana nursing homes provide free employer-sponsored training in exchange for a work commitment.

Pass the State Competency Exam

After completing your training program, pass the Indiana Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. Indiana's exam is administered through Ivy Tech Community College testing services on behalf of ISDH. The exam consists of two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test with 70 multiple-choice questions and a 90-minute time limit, and a clinical skills evaluation where you demonstrate 5 randomly selected competencies. The combined exam fee is approximately $117. Testing is available at Ivy Tech campuses and other approved sites throughout Indiana.

Background Check & Registry

Complete a criminal background check as required by Indiana law for all healthcare workers. Indiana requires a Limited Criminal History check through the Indiana State Police, and many employers also require a national FBI fingerprint-based check. The state background check typically costs $15-25, with additional fees for FBI checks if required. Once you pass the competency exam and clear the background check, your name is placed on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry maintained by ISDH. Your certification is valid for 24 months from the date of issue.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about CNA certification in Indiana.

Indiana requires 105 hours of training, which typically takes 4-8 weeks to complete depending on program format and scheduling. Full-time accelerated programs at Ivy Tech Community College or private vocational schools can be completed in as little as 3-4 weeks with intensive daily sessions. Part-time evening or weekend programs may take 8-12 weeks to accommodate students who are working or have other commitments. Ivy Tech offers CNA programs on various schedules throughout the year at its 19 campuses across Indiana, with new cohorts starting frequently. After completing your ISDH-approved training program, you'll schedule your competency exam through Ivy Tech's testing services. Both the written and skills portions can usually be completed on the same day, with results typically available within a few business days. The Indiana State Police background check typically takes 1-2 weeks for electronic results. From enrollment to receiving your certification, most students can become fully certified CNAs in Indiana within 6-10 weeks. Given Indiana's consistent need for CNAs, many healthcare facilities offer conditional employment while your certification is being processed.

CNA training costs in Indiana are among the most affordable in the nation, typically ranging from $500 to $1,200 depending on the institution and program type. Ivy Tech Community College programs generally cost $600-$1,000 including tuition and fees for Indiana residents—Ivy Tech is the state's community college system with campuses in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville, Gary, Bloomington, Lafayette, Terre Haute, and many other cities. The American Red Cross Indiana chapters typically charge $800-$1,200 for their programs. Private vocational schools may charge $900-$1,200+ but may offer more flexible scheduling. In addition to tuition, budget approximately $117 for the state competency exam, $15-25 for background checks (more if FBI check required), plus costs for scrubs/uniforms ($50-$100), textbooks, and any required immunizations or health screenings. Many Indiana nursing homes and healthcare facilities offer free CNA training in exchange for a commitment to work at their facility—typically 6-12 months. Indiana's Next Level Jobs program and other workforce development funding through WorkOne centers may also cover training costs for qualifying residents.

Indiana permits hybrid CNA training programs that combine online theoretical instruction with mandatory in-person clinical hours, but fully online programs are not approved for state certification. The classroom/didactic portion of your training (75 hours)—covering topics like infection control, patient rights, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, nutrition, documentation, communication, and safety procedures—can sometimes be completed through online coursework at your own pace. However, Indiana State Department of Health regulations require that clinical training hours (minimum 30 hours) be completed in person at an approved healthcare facility under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. This hands-on component involves practicing essential skills with actual patients, including vital signs measurement, personal care assistance, mobility support, and communication techniques. Ivy Tech Community College has developed hybrid options at some campuses—you complete theory online and then attend condensed in-person lab and clinical sessions. When searching for programs, look for ISDH-approved hybrid options that clearly specify their online vs. in-person hour breakdown. Be cautious of any program advertising as completely online, as graduates would not be eligible for Indiana certification.

Indiana's Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation is administered through Ivy Tech Community College testing services on behalf of the Indiana State Department of Health. The exam consists of two parts that are typically taken on the same day at an approved testing site. The written knowledge test contains 70 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit. Questions cover essential CNA topics including patient rights and independence, communication and interpersonal skills, infection control, safety and emergency procedures, personal care skills, basic nursing skills, mental health and social service needs, care of cognitively impaired residents, basic restorative services, and relevant Indiana regulations. If you have difficulty reading English, you may request an oral exam format when registering. The clinical skills evaluation requires you to demonstrate competency in 5 randomly selected skills from a standardized list that includes hand hygiene, vital signs measurement (blood pressure, pulse, respirations, temperature), positioning, transfers, ambulation, range of motion exercises, and various personal care tasks. Testing is available at Ivy Tech campuses and other approved locations throughout Indiana. The combined exam fee is approximately $117. You have three attempts to pass within 24 months.

Yes, Indiana accepts CNA certification from other states through reciprocity, but you must apply for endorsement through the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry before working in the state. To transfer your certification, submit a completed Reciprocity Application along with verification of your current certification directly from your previous state's nurse aide registry. Your out-of-state certification must be active and in good standing with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property. You'll also need to complete an Indiana criminal background check through the Indiana State Police. The reciprocity application fee is approximately $15-25, and processing typically takes 2-4 weeks once all documentation is received. While your application is pending, you cannot legally work as a CNA in Indiana—employers are required to verify registry status before hiring. If your previous state required fewer than 105 training hours, Indiana may still grant reciprocity based on federal OBRA requirements and your demonstrated competency. Once approved, your Indiana certification will follow the state's standard 24-month renewal cycle. Indiana is part of the Midwest region where many CNAs work across state lines, particularly in border areas near Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky.

Certification Maintenance

CNA Certification Renewal in Indiana

Indiana CNA certification is valid for 24 months and must be renewed to remain on the Nurse Aide Registry. To renew your certification, you must have performed at least 8 hours of compensated nursing-related services within the 24-month certification period. This employment must occur in a qualifying healthcare setting under the supervision of a licensed nurse—acceptable settings include nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, assisted living facilities, hospice organizations, and similar healthcare environments. Indiana does not currently require specific Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for CNA renewal beyond federal OBRA requirements, though individual employers typically provide annual in-service training as required by federal regulations—typically 12 hours per year for federally-certified facilities. The renewal application must be submitted to the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry before your certification expires. Indiana charges a renewal fee of approximately $15-25, and you can submit your renewal application online through the ISDH registry portal or by mail. The registry sends renewal notices approximately 60-90 days before your expiration date to the address on file. If your certification expires because you did not meet the work requirement or failed to renew on time, you will need to retake and pass both portions of the competency exam to regain active status. Keep your contact information current with the registry.

Renewal Fee

~$15-25

Renewal Period

Every 24 months

Work Requirement

8 hours in 24 months

CEU Requirement

None (per employer)

Career Outlook

CNA Career Opportunities in Indiana

Strong Healthcare Industry in the Heartland

Indiana offers CNAs a robust job market with competitive wages that go far due to the state's low cost of living. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, CNAs in Indiana earn a median salary of $34,540 per year, or approximately $16.61 per hour. While this is near the national average, Indiana's significantly lower cost of living—particularly in housing—means these wages provide excellent purchasing power. In the Indianapolis metropolitan area and at major healthcare systems, experienced CNAs can earn $17-20 per hour, with premium pay available for night shifts, weekends, and specialized care units.

Indiana's healthcare industry is anchored by major systems including Indiana University Health (IU Health, the state's largest), Community Health Network, Parkview Health (Fort Wayne region), Franciscan Health, Ascension St. Vincent, and Deaconess Health (Evansville region). The Indianapolis area serves as a major healthcare hub for the Midwest, while regional systems serve communities throughout the state. Indiana's aging population creates sustained demand for CNAs in skilled nursing facilities statewide.

Career advancement opportunities are excellent through Indiana's extensive higher education system. Ivy Tech Community College offers LPN and RN bridge programs at most campuses, and many healthcare employers provide tuition reimbursement for CNAs pursuing nursing degrees. The Next Level Jobs program may also help cover costs for continuing education.

Average Annual Salary

$34,540

per year

$16.61/hour • Low cost of living

Nearby States

Explore CNA Training in Nearby States

Looking for CNA programs in neighboring states? Check out these resources.

Resources

Official Indiana CNA Resources

Access official state resources for CNA certification, testing, and verification.

Indiana State Dept. of Health

State agency overseeing CNA certification, training program approval, and nurse aide registry.

Visit Website

Indiana Nurse Aide Registry

Verify your CNA status and check certification details through the official registry.

Search Registry

Ivy Tech Testing Services

Schedule Exam

Ivy Tech Community College

Find approved CNA training programs at Indiana's statewide community college system.

Find Programs

ISDH Nurse Aide Registry

2 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Call: (317) 233-7442

Ivy Tech CNA Testing

Contact Ivy Tech for exam scheduling, results, and testing accommodations.

Call: (888) IVY-LINE

Ready to Start Your CNA Career in Indiana?

Browse approved training programs and join Indiana's growing healthcare workforce today.

Find Programs Now