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Becoming a CNA in Indiana

Steps to Become a CNA in Indiana

If you’re thinking about becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Indiana, you’re in the right place. Below is a step-by-step guide that covers the essential requirements, the process of enrolling in a program, the testing details, and how to maintain your certification. Let’s walk through the details together, so you know exactly what to expect.

  • Meet Basic Requirements: Review the fundamental criteria for CNA program admission and certification in Indiana.
  • Attend a School: Learn about attending a CNA program in Indiana and factors to consider when selecting one.
  • Test Information: Get details about the state CNA exam and access our practice test.
  • Certification Registration and Upkeep: Understand how to register your certification and keep it active.

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1. Meet Basic Requirements

Before you can begin your journey toward becoming a CNA, you need to meet a few basic requirements.

Basic Requirements for CNA School Admission and Certification:

  • No Age or Education Requirement: Indiana does not have a minimum age or educational requirement, so anyone can apply for CNA training as long as they meet other program requirements.
  • Competency: You must be competent to provide nursing-related services.
  • Background Check: While the state itself doesn’t explicitly require a background check, most employers and training facilities will run one to ensure you’re eligible to work with vulnerable populations.

Once you meet these basic qualifications, you’re ready to start exploring CNA programs in Indiana.

 

2. Attend a School

The next step is to find and attend a CNA training program. Indiana offers a wide range of state-approved training programs that meet the necessary standards to prepare you for certification.

 

CNA Program Requirements in Indiana:

  • Total Hours of Instruction: CNA programs in Indiana require 105 hours of training. This includes:
  • 30 hours of classroom instruction to cover theoretical knowledge.
  • 75 hours of clinical instruction, with at least 16 hours of supervised, practical training. The rest of the hours will focus on hands-on experience at a long-term care facility, hospital, or similar setting.

Topics Covered:

During your training, you’ll cover a wide variety of essential topics, including:

  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Learn how to effectively communicate with patients, families, and healthcare staff.
  • Infection Control: Understand how to prevent and control infections in a healthcare setting.
  • Safety and Emergency Procedures: Including skills like the Heimlich maneuver and proper body mechanics to prevent injury.
  • Basic Nursing Skills: Such as taking vital signs, measuring height and weight, and recognizing abnormal body functions.
  • Personal Care Skills: This includes bathing, grooming, toileting, feeding, and ensuring proper skin care for patients.

Choosing the Right Program:

Consider these factors when choosing your CNA training program:

  • Program Length: Training programs can be as short as 4 weeks in accelerated courses, or up to 12 weeks for part-time programs. Choose based on your availability and how quickly you want to enter the workforce.
  • Cost: The cost of CNA programs in Indiana ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on the institution. Some facilities offer free CNA training in exchange for working at the facility after certification. Be sure to ask about financial aid, payment plans, or employer-sponsored training.

You can search for approved programs on the Indiana Department of Health website.

Featured CNA Programs in Indiana

Ivy Tech Community College – Fairbanks Center

Faith Healthcare Training Center

J Everett Light Career Center

Star Training, LLC

Online

Avondale Meadows YMCA

Indiana School of Certified Nursing Assistants

Dayspring Career Institute

Online

The ATATJ Institute LLC

Online

Ready To Care LLC


3. Test Information

Once you have completed your CNA training, the next step is to pass the Indiana Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation exam. This is the official state certification test that all aspiring CNAs must pass.

Overview of the CNA Test in Indiana:

The CNA certification exam is made up of two components:

  1. Written Exam: This part consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of nursing skills, safety procedures, and patient care. You need to score at least 80 out of 100 to pass. The test lasts for 90 minutes.
  2. Skills Evaluation: During the skills portion, you will be required to perform five randomly selected skills from a list of 34 essential CNA skills. The testing administrator will observe and evaluate how well you perform tasks such as handwashing, transferring a patient, taking vital signs, or assisting with feeding.

Test Fees:

Here’s a breakdown of the fees for the Indiana CNA exam:

  • Written & Skills Evaluation: $75
  • Written Exam Only: $65
  • Skills Exam Only: $65

Preparing for the Test:

To improve your chances of passing the test on the first try, it’s recommended to take a practice test. We offer a free CNA practice test to help you prepare for the written portion of the exam. Click here to access the practice test.

You will know your test results on the day of the exam. If you don’t pass on the first attempt, you can retake the test up to three times. After three failed attempts, you’ll need to re-enroll in a CNA training program before attempting the exam again.

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

Once you’ve passed the exam, the final step is to get listed on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry. Being listed on the registry is necessary to work as a CNA in the state.

Registration Process:

After passing the exam, your results will be automatically sent to the Indiana Department of Health. It can take 8-10 weeks for your certification to be processed, but once your certification is approved, you will be officially listed on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry.

You can print your certification card using the state’s online licensing system. There is no fee to print the card, and you can check your registration status online through the Indiana Licensing Verification portal.

Keeping Your Certification Active:

Your CNA certification must be renewed every two years. Here’s what you need to know to maintain your active status:

  • Work Requirement: You must work at least 8 hours in a nursing-related position during each two-year renewal cycle. This work cannot include private care; it must be for a licensed employer.
  • Continuing Education: Employers are required to provide 12 hours of annual in-service education to help you stay updated on patient care skills, safety procedures, infection control, and other key areas.

Renewal Process:

You can renew your CNA certification online through the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry website. If your certification has been expired for more than six months, you will need to submit an additional form from your employer and possibly retake the CNA state exam. Renewing your CNA certification is free.

For more information on how to renew your certification, visit the Indiana Nurse Aide renewal page.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Certified Nurse Aide in Indiana. Whether you’re looking to start your career quickly through an accelerated program or prefer a more flexible training schedule, there are many options to help you succeed.

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