Assisting with bathing, dressing, and other personal hygiene tasks.Measuring vital signs and reporting changes to nursing staff.Maintaining patient comfort, safety, and cleanliness.Supporting nurses and doctors by preparing equipment and materials.Providing emotional support and companionship for patients.

How to Become a CNA in Indiana

By Fel QuijadaAug 9, 2023Updated Jun 12, 2026

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Looking to explore how to become a CNA in the Hoosier State? With CNA jobs expected to grow by 4% nationwide, Indiana offers an excellent backdrop for compassionate individuals ready to enter healthcare. Dreambound’s step-by-step approach will help you find CNA classes near you, prep for CNA certification, and discover your future in this crucial caregiving role.

Key Points

A CNA is a Certified Nursing Assistant who provides hands-on patient care and supports nursing staff.
To become a CNA in Indiana, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass a competency exam, and join the Nurse Aide Registry.
It typically takes 4–12 weeks of training plus study time to get fully certified.
The average CNA salary in Indiana is approximately $18.10 per hour, or $37,660 annually.

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What is a CNA?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who helps patients with daily activities, monitors their well-being, and collaborates with registered nurses and other medical staff to ensure quality care.

What Does a CNA Do?

Assisting with bathing, dressing, and other personal hygiene tasks.
Measuring vital signs and reporting changes to nursing staff.
Maintaining patient comfort, safety, and cleanliness.
Supporting nurses and doctors by preparing equipment and materials.
Providing emotional support and companionship for patients.

Where Can I Find CNA Classes in Indiana?

When it comes to CNA classes in Indiana, options are endless. Community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities like hospitals offer accredited programs. Look for CNA programs near you to kick-start your education; Dreambound is your companion in this journey. We simplify the process of exploring and connecting with reputable schools that align with your goals. You can take confident steps toward a future in healthcare without the hassle, ensuring you're well-prepared for the path you're passionate about.

What Do I Need for My CNA Class?

Are you gearing up for class? Upon enrollment, check with your program coordinator for a list of what you need to buy for class. You may need textbooks and any specific dress code for clinical training. Basic medical supplies like scrubs, a stethoscope, and non-slip shoes are all essential items to have for the clinical portion of the training. Then, you're all set for hands-on learning!

How Much Does CNA Training and the Exam Cost in Indiana?

Investing in your future is vital, but let's talk about costs. Depending on your training provider, CNA training costs anywhere from $800 to $2,000. In Indiana, the fee for both the written and skills test is $75.00. If you choose to do just one test (written or skills), you must pay $65. You can pay with facility checks, money orders, or credit cards. They do not accept personal checks.

How Do I Get My CNA Certification in Indiana?

Time to ace that certification exam! Passing the exam means you're one step closer to your dream career. It’s a process you need to take, and the steps include:

Submitting an application: Ivy Tech Community College facilitates the CNA competency evaluations in Indiana. Applications are available on their official website when you are ready for the examination. Ivy Tech will generally schedule examinations within 30 days of application processing.
Providing documentation: You must submit documentation of exam eligibility. Your program director will confirm your classroom and clinical hours completion through an IDOH-approved training program on the competency evaluation application. It can take two weeks to process your application and payment before you can set up a test date.
Taking the state test: After completing the 105-hour training, you are eligible to take the exam. It is both a written and skills competency test. The written test has 100 multiple-choice questions; you must answer 80 questions correctly in 90 minutes. Meanwhile, the skills test consists of a demonstration of hand hygiene and four additional skills randomly picked.

Once you pass the written and skills portions, you will become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) registered in the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry! You will have three tries to pass the exam. You will also receive information to help improve your test performance. So, to nail it for the first time, prepare for your examination to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed!

Once you pass your CNA examination, you may check your status on the Indiana Licensing Enterprise official website. You may also print your certification card from your home since the Nurse Aide Registry does not print cards.

How Do I Get a Job as a CNA?

To get a job as a CNA, you can start by looking for job openings at different healthcare facilities in Indiana. You can find these job listings on online job sites or even government websites. Reviewing and updating your resume is also a good step to improve your chances of giving a good impression. You can also contact local healthcare providers to ask if they have any open positions. Another option is to become a Travel CNA!

What Career Opportunities Await Me as a CNA?

As a CNA, doors swing wide open. Hospitals, nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, and clinics eagerly welcome CNAs. Plus, it's a fantastic stepping stone if you're considering advanced medical careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a CNA program in Indiana?

You may wonder how much time it takes to become a CNA. On average, CNA training in Indiana lasts about 4-12 weeks, depending on the training provider. You must complete the Fundamentals of Nursing class or equivalent course with a “C” or better grade during the program. You need to complete a total of 105 hours of training which includes:

Classroom instruction: A minimum of 30 hours of traditional classroom or online equivalent instruction, and
Clinical instruction: It’s a total of 75 hours — 32 hours of clinical instruction completed in a licensed nursing home and 43 hours in the following:

Simulated lab;
Licensed nursing home approved by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), and
Licensed Assisted Living facility approved by the IDOH with a maximum of 20 hours permitted.

You must also undergo all clinical instruction under the supervision of a licensed registered nurse (RN) or practical nurse.

How much do CNAs make in Indiana?

The hard work pays off – both emotionally and financially. As a CNA in Indiana, you can earn an average of $18.10 an hour or an estimated $37,660 yearly. You can find employment in diverse work settings — hospitals and assisted living facilities. Your compassion and dedication won't just change lives; they'll support yours too.

Do you have to be certified to be a CNA in Indiana?

According to the Indiana Department of Health, to become a certified CNA you must qualify from one of the five criteria indicated on their site. To be eligible to take the CNA exam and be a CNA, you must be at least:

An individual who completed a training program:
Student Nurse
Graduate Nurse (has not taken Boards)
Graduate Nurse (did not pass Boards)
Nurse Aide certified in another state

If you qualify for any of these and wish to become a CNA in Indiana, please check out the Indiana Department of Health's official website for the guidelines.

Conclusion

Step aboard on this exciting journey with determination. Becoming a CNA in Indiana is a fulfilling path, and Dreambound is here to guide you every step of the way. Remember, you're not just entering a profession – you're joining a community dedicated to healing and caring. Your dream career starts now!

‍Consider Dreambound as a valuable resource if you're thinking about getting started in this field. We've written many guides to help you: