Do you want to pursue a career as a certified nurse aide (CNA) in Indiana? Did you do research and find the whole process confusing?
Thankfully, you found us! We made this guide on how to become a CNA in Indiana to keep everything simple.
We’ll answer frequently asked questions at the end of the article too.
Let’s begin!
How to Become a CNA in Indiana in 5 Steps
Here are the 5 steps on how to become a CNA in Indiana:
- Determine Your CNA Path
- Complete a State-Approved CNA Program in Indiana
- Pass the Certification Exam
- Get Certified in Indiana
- Pursue a Career as a CNA
We’ll explain each step in detail!
Step #1: Determine Your CNA Path
In this section, we will discuss the possible paths you can take to become a CNA.
The most common path for aspiring CNAs is completing a minimum of 105 hours of state-approved training including 30 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of clinical instruction.
However, not everyone is required to take this road.
Nursing Students
Currently enrolled nursing students that have proof of completing a Fundamentals of Nursing course or equivalent with a minimum grade of “C” or better are eligible to apply as a CNA.
Once the application is approved, the nursing student is required to take and pass the competency evaluation exam in Indiana.
Graduate Nurse
A graduate nurse who has not taken the boards or took the boards but failed within the past two years can apply.
The written portion of the competency evaluation should be taken within two years of program completion.
CNA in Another State
A CNA from another state is eligible to work in Indiana as long as certain requirements are met:
- a copy of the current certification to the application
- good standing without any complaints on record
Once the application is approved, the CNA should pass the written portion of the exam to be eligible to work in Indiana.
A Nurse from Another Country
A registered nurse from another country can apply as a CNA if found eligible by an approved organization like the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFN).
The nurse must pass the skills and written test of the exam.
Step #2: Complete a State-Approved CNA Program in Indiana
If you are not a nursing student, a graduated nurse, a foreign nurse, or a CNA from another state, the next step is to complete a state-approved CNA program in Indiana.
And this won’t be difficult! Indiana has a host of state-approved programs, so you’re more likely to find a program convenient for you.
CNA training programs are offered at private schools, career and vocational training centers, community colleges, technical schools, long-term care residential facilities, high schools, and nursing homes.
Each CNA program has certain requirements, but here are the most common ones:
- High school diploma or GED
- Be at least 16 years old
- Criminal background check
- Valid social security number
- Proof of Immunizations and Physical Exam
Length of Training
The length of the CNA training program depends on your chosen school or facility. Some schools offer flexible options such as a part-time program which can be taken for at least a year.
The minimum required hours for CNA classes in Indiana is 105 hours. Programs usually take around 4 to 12 weeks to be completed.
Curriculum
CNA training in Indiana covers a wide range of topics both in the classroom and clinical settings.
The following topics are covered:
- Interpersonal Skills
- Restorative Services
- Anatomy
- Patient Transport and Movement
- Mental Health
- Workplace Safety
- Patients’ Rights
- Emergency Procedures
- Personal Care & Hygiene
- Infection Control
- Basic Nursing Care
Program Cost
The cost of the CNA program in Indiana varies from school to school but usually is in the range of $500 to $2,000. Some include additional fees for textbooks, medical supplies, and testing fees.
Make sure to check for financial aid available to help cover a part of the entire tuition fee costs. Students can apply through Indiana Workforce Development Office to possibly get free CNA training.
Some nursing facilities also offer free CNA training programs if you’ll be hired during or after the training. Other facilities accept payment plans and financial aid.
Step #3: Pass the Certification Exam
You’re one step closer to becoming a CNA!
First, apply to Ivy Tech Community College, the administrator of the Indiana Nurse Aide Competency Exam. Ivy Tech will schedule your exam within 30 days of processing.
The Indiana CNA competency exam is composed of a clinical skills demonstration and a written portion. Pay $75 to take both evaluations and $65 to take only one.
The written portion has 100 multiple choice questions and will take about 90 minutes. Obtain at least 80% (80 correct answers) to pass.
The skills portion will require you to perform hand hygiene and 4 randomly selected skills in about 35 minutes or less.
You are allowed 3 attempts to take the exam. If you do not pass after these 3 tries, you need to enroll in an Indiana CNA training program again.
Step #4: Get Certified in Indiana
Once you pass the CNA exam, Ivy Tech Community College will list your name on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry. It takes about 8-10 weeks to receive your license.
Step #5: Pursue a Career as a CNA
Congratulations on getting your CNA license!
You’re now eligible to work as a CNA in Indiana.
You have exciting career opportunities as a CNA in Indiana. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average median salary of CNAs is $30, 310 as of May 2021.
Job Advancement
CNAs often have high turnover because most of them are promoted to LPNs after gaining their initial experience.
Exciting opportunities such as accelerated bridge programs from CNA to LPN are available in Indiana.
By 2026, the projected growth of CNA jobs nationwide is at 11%.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CNA in Indiana
Can I complete the CNA program online?
Several schools offer online CNA classes in Indiana. However, students are still required to complete in-person clinical training.
How do I renew my CNA certification in Indiana?
You are required to renew your Indiana CNA license every two years. To be eligible, you must have proof of working for at least 8 hours as a CNA in the past 24 months.
If you do not meet the requirements, you may have to re-enroll in a CNA program and pass the stat exam.
You can renew your CNA license online for free.
Conclusion
CNAs play an important role in the healthcare industry. Becoming a CNA can be a long process, but it is often fulfilling.
Hopefully, our comprehensive guide helped answer your questions about becoming a CNA in Indiana.
But if you still have some questions, leave us a comment below!