Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Indiana is a rewarding path that offers a quick entry into the healthcare field. CNAs play a crucial role in patient care, providing hands-on assistance to those in need. If you’re interested in this career, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a CNA in Indiana, including the requirements and steps from start to finish.

1. Understand the Basic Requirements

Before you begin your journey, it’s essential to ensure you meet the basic requirements to become a CNA in Indiana:

• Age Requirement: There is no official age requirement as outlined by the Indiana Department of Health. However, many CNA programs have admission requirements for students to be at least 18 years old to start classes. Some programs allow you to begin training at an earlier age, but you must wait until you are 18 to take the CNA exam necessary for licensure.
• Educational Requirement: A high school diploma or GED is a typical admission requirement for most CNA programs. There are some programs, such as workplace programs or high school education programs that are exceptions. Again, this is not an outlined requirement by the Indiana Department of Health, but it’s generally a good idea to obtain your high school diploma or GED before starting CNA training as this will open the door for future career advancement opportunities.
• Background Check: Indiana requires a criminal background check before you can enroll in a CNA program. Some offenses may disqualify you from eligibility. You can learn more about the specific requirements on the Indiana State Department of Health’s website.
• Health Screening: Many programs require a health screening, including a TB test and proof of immunizations.

2. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program

The next step is to enroll in a state-approved CNA training program. These programs are designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform your duties effectively.

• Program Duration: All CNA programs in Indiana must include at least 105 hours of training, which typically last between 4 to 12 weeks, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time.
• Curriculum: The training includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice. You’ll learn basic nursing skills, patient care techniques, infection control, and more.
• State Approval: Make sure the program you choose is approved by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). You can find a list of approved programs across the entire state on the Indiana Department of Health website. or you can use our curated list for Indianapolis area schools:

3. Pass the CNA Competency Exam

After completing the 105-hour Nurse Aide Training Program, individuals in Indiana are eligible to take the CNA competency evaluation or state test. The exam consists of both a written test and a skills competency test, both of which must be passed to become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA).

• Written Test: The written portion includes 100 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you must answer at least 80 questions correctly, achieving a minimum score of 80%.
• Skills Test: The skills competency test requires the demonstration of hand hygiene and four additional randomly selected skills. A tester will assess your ability to perform these tasks competently.

You are allowed up to three attempts to pass both the written and skills portions of the test. Upon successful completion, you will be registered as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry.

Testing is administered by Ivy Tech Community College, which handles all applications and scheduling. The fee for both tests is $75, or $65 if you need to retake only one portion. For more information and to apply, visit Ivy Tech’s CNA Testing page.

4. Get Listed on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry

Once you’ve passed the CNA exam, your results will be submitted to the Indiana State Department of Health, and you’ll be added to the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry.

• Verification: Being listed on the registry is essential for employment as a CNA in Indiana. Employers will check the registry to verify your certification.
• Registry Listing: You can check your status or find more information on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry.

5. Start Your Career as a CNA

With your name on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry, you’re now ready to seek employment.

• Job Search: CNAs are in demand in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare agencies. Start applying for jobs that match your interests and schedule.
• Continuing Education: While not required, pursuing further education and certifications can enhance your skills and job prospects.

6. Maintain Your CNA Certification

In Indiana, maintaining your CNA certification requires meeting specific renewal requirements every two years. To keep your certification active, you must work in nursing or nursing-related activities for at least eight hours during each renewal cycle. Note that private care hours do not qualify for renewal in Indiana.

To renew your CNA certification, you must use the Indiana Online Licensing System. Here’s how to complete the renewal process:

1. Create Login Credentials: If you haven’t done so already, you need to create your User ID and Password using the “Register a Person” option. Follow the Online Login Instructions to set up your account.
2. Renew Your Certification: Once logged in, follow the prompts to renew your certification. There is no fee for renewal.

If your certification has been expired for more than eight months, you’ll need to complete the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Renewal Form, have it verified by your employer, and submit it to the Registry via email at [email protected] or fax it to 317-233-7442.

To check your certification status, obtain your certification/registration number, or print a certification/registration card, visit the Indiana Search and Verify page. If your certification is in Registry History status, contact the Registry for additional assistance at [email protected].

Final Thoughts

Becoming a CNA in Indiana is a rewarding career choice that offers both stability and opportunities for growth. By following these steps, you can join the ranks of healthcare professionals dedicated to providing compassionate care to those in need. For more information and resources, be sure to check the official Indiana State Department of Health website.

Ready to take the first step? Start by researching state-approved CNA programs in your area. Contact several and make a decision based on your own needs.