Indianapolis offers two excellent options for individuals seeking free CNA programs:
- Ivy Tech Community College provides a tuition-free CNA program through Indiana’s Next Level Jobs initiative, covering all costs for eligible students. This in-person program spans one semester and prepares students for the state certification exam.
- Avondale Meadows YMCA also offers a free CNA program, funded by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and EmployIndy. This hybrid program includes 105 hours of training, combining online learning with in-person clinicals, and is designed to help adults re-enter the workforce.
Learn more about each program in the detailed summaries below:
Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College offers a free CNA program through Indiana’s Next Level Jobs initiative, making it accessible to eligible students without the burden of tuition costs. This program covers all expenses, including instructional fees and the state certification exam, for Indiana residents who meet specific criteria.
The program lasts one semester, about 3 months depending on your selected class schedule, and requires students to complete a single 5-credit hour course, which includes both classroom instruction and clinical training.
This in-person course equips students with the necessary skills to care for elderly patients in long-term care settings. Upon completion, students are prepared to take the state certification exam, paving the way for a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | Free (for eligible participants) |
| Program Duration | 1 semester |
| Class Schedules | Not specified |
| Website | https://www.ivytech.edu/indianapolis/5980.html |
| Location | 9301 E 59th St, Indianapolis, IN 46216 |
| Online Classes | No, in-person only |
Avondale Meadows YMCA
The Avondale Meadows YMCA in Indianapolis offers a free CNA program, making it accessible to eligible participants without the burden of tuition costs. Funded by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and EmployIndy, this program covers all expenses, including instructional fees and the state certification exam, valued at $1,100.
The program consists of 105 training hours, with 30 hours of classroom education and 75 hours of hands-on clinical training. Classes are offered in a hybrid format, combining online learning with in-person sessions. This flexible structure is part of the YMCA’s Project Connect initiative, aimed at helping adults re-enter the workforce with valuable healthcare skills. Students who complete the program are prepared to take the state certification exam and begin a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant.