Top CNA Programs in Indiana

Top CNA Programs in Indiana
Olivia Chen, NP

Olivia Chen, NP

June 23, 2025

CNA training programs in Indiana serve the healthcare system by preparing personnel to provide basic patient care under nursing supervision. Nursing staff use CNA personnel to assist patients with daily needs like bathing along with helping nurses and patients throughout healthcare facilities. These professionals are essential for the healthcare sector to function in nursing homes and hospitals as well as home health care settings. The main duty of these workers consists of enhancing patient comfort during the time nurses conduct advanced medical procedures.

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2026 Top CNA Programs in Indiana

TopNursing.org is proud to present our comprehensive guide to the Top CNA Programs in Indiana. Our expert team has carefully evaluated and ranked the best Certified Nursing Assistant training programs across the state, considering factors like curriculum quality, clinical experience opportunities, student success rates, and overall program reputation. Indiana offers aspiring healthcare professionals numerous excellent pathways to launch their nursing careers, and our rankings provide valuable insights for students seeking top-tier education. Whether you're looking to start your healthcare journey in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, or smaller communities, these programs represent the gold standard in CNA training, preparing students for meaningful and rewarding careers in patient care. For a detailed breakdown of our ranking methodology, click here to learn more about our selection process.
#1

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN - Public 2-Year - ivytech.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Patient Care Technician

Campus Based - Visit Website

Ivy Tech's Patient Care Technician program prepares students for multi-skilled healthcare careers with comprehensive training in vital patient care tasks. The flexible program offers multiple credential levels, from short certificates to associate degrees, enabling students to earn critical certifications like Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, and Nursing Assistant. Courses cover essential skills including vital sign monitoring, electrocardiography, blood drawing, and specimen collection. With costs ranging from $3,211 to $10,703 and options at multiple Indiana campuses, students can launch healthcare careers efficiently.

  • Multiple credential options
  • Earn multiple healthcare certifications
  • Flexible campus and format options
  • 60 credit hour AAS degree
  • Skills include vital signs, EKG
  • 18-36 credit hour certificates
  • Campus locations across Indiana
  • Clinical hours included
  • Career paths in hospitals, care centers

Certificate/Diploma - Healthcare Specialist

Campus Based - Visit Website

Ivy Tech Community College's Healthcare Specialist program offers a pathway to start a rewarding career in healthcare with various certification options. Students can gain hands-on experience in clinical settings, preparing for roles such as Certified Nursing Aide, Pharmacy Technician, and more. The program includes short-term certificates that can lead to immediate employment, with some eligible for free tuition through Next Level Jobs. With a median salary of $48,470, this program is designed for those seeking to enter the healthcare field quickly or advance their education with an associate degree. Courses cover medical terminology, anatomy, and specific skills like phlebotomy and electrocardiography. The program is available at multiple Indiana locations, offering flexibility for students.

  • Median salary $48,470
  • Multiple certification options
  • Hands-on clinical practice
  • Short-term certificates available
  • Eligible for Next Level Jobs
  • Associate degree pathway
  • Covers medical terminology
  • Includes anatomy and physiology
  • Phlebotomy skills training
  • Electrocardiography techniques
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*Citation: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023. Available at: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Program Curriculum & Length

Details

Curriculum

Basic patient care & ADLs
Vital signs & infection control
Communication & ethics
Body mechanics & safety
Resident rights & documentation

Where to Get Your CNA

Are Online CNA Programs Available in Indiana

Indiana CNA programs let students learn theory portions through online study while requiring in-person clinical training participation. The online component of their studies focuses on teaching students nursing skills, patient rights, and infection control principles to students who need adaptable learning schedules. The necessary healthcare practice skills require students to complete clinical training in person because this component cannot be delivered online. Students enrolled in hybrid courses learn their classroom material online before attending clinical sessions at healthcare facilities during weekends and evenings. The flexible class schedules enable healthcare workers to satisfy Indiana CNA licensure requirements while keeping their state certification.

2026 Fastest CNA Program Options in Indiana

Indiana offers aspiring healthcare professionals several efficient pathways to become Certified Nursing Assistants through some of the shortest training programs available. Students across Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and other major regions can quickly enter the medical field with accelerated certificate options. These compact programs help individuals start their careers faster, providing crucial skills in patient care and medical support. By focusing on essential training and practical experience, these programs allow students to complete their certification in minimal time. For those seeking a rapid entry into healthcare, these streamlined CNA programs deliver comprehensive education with high graduation and retention rates, enabling quick professional development and career advancement.
School NameHighlightsRetention & Grad Rates
Ivy Tech Community College
  • Median salary $48,470
  • Multiple certification options
  • Hands-on clinical practice
  • Short-term certificates available
  • Eligible for Next Level Jobs
  • Associate degree pathway
  • Covers medical terminology
  • Includes anatomy and physiology
  • Graduation Rate: 37%
  • Retention Rate: 61%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 25:1
*Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2023, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.

Admission Requirements

Age Requirement
Minimum 16 years old (some programs require 18)
Education Requirement
High school diploma or GED recommended but not always required
Background Check
Mandatory before starting program
Immunizations
Proof of required vaccinations needed
Tuberculosis Screening
Negative TB test required
CPR Certification
Must be obtained before clinical education
Physical Exam
Students must demonstrate physical capability for CNA duties
Drug Screening
Required along with general health screenings

Certification and Licensing

Eligibility PrerequisitesNo minimum age or education, complete a 105-hour state-approved CNA training program and pass the competency evaluation within 24 months
Certifying BoardIndiana Department of Health, Aide Training & Certification &amp, Registry
Training Program105 hours total, 30 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of supervised clinical practice (with at least 32 hours in an approved long-term care facility)
FeesNo state application fee, exam vendor fee (typically $75) and any retest costs as published by the testing provider
Certification ExamPass a 100-question written test (80% passing score) and a five-skill hands-on evaluation, with up to three attempts allowed
Registry ActivationSuccessful candidates are entered into the Indiana Aides Registry immediately upon passing both exam components
Renewal RequirementsComplete eight hours of paid CNA work under RN/LPN supervision every two years, lapsed certifications require retraining and retesting
EndorsementOut-of-state CNAs in good standing must pass the written competency exam to register, no skills test required

Salary and Job Outlook

The average hourly wage for a Certified Nursing Assistant in Indiana amounts to $17.95 which converts to an annual salary of $37,000. Facility types along with work experience and geographic locations determine CNA pay rates which results in varying pay levels between different areas. Entry-level CNAs begin their jobs at $15 to $16 per hour but experienced CNAs working in hospitals earn above $20 per hour. The job market for Certified Nursing Assistants remains robust in Indiana because the state requires additional healthcare professionals who serve the aging population. The future demand for CNAs in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care services will continue to grow thus creating stable employment opportunities and career progression potential.

Salary & Career OutlookIndianaUSA
Avg Annual CNA Salary$33,120$62,340
Avg Hourly Wage$15.92$29.97
90th Percentile Salary>$39,200$80,510
Median Salary$33,120$62,340
10th Percentile Salary<$28,000$47,960
Projected Job Growth (2022–2032)~4%3%
Annual Job Openings~5,800~54,000

2026 Affordable CNA Program Options in Indiana

Finding an affordable CNA program in Indiana can help aspiring healthcare professionals start their careers without overwhelming financial stress. Indiana offers several options across major regions like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and South Bend, where students can access quality training at reasonable prices. These certificate programs provide essential healthcare skills and prepare individuals for important roles in medical settings. The right program can balance educational quality with budget-friendly tuition, making it easier for students to invest in their future without taking on significant debt. By exploring different schools and comparing program features, prospective students can find training that meets their career goals and financial constraints.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Ivy Tech Community College
  • Median salary $48,470
  • Multiple certification options
  • Hands-on clinical practice
  • Short-term certificates available
  • Eligible for Next Level Jobs
  • Associate degree pathway
  • Covers medical terminology
  • Includes anatomy and physiology
  • $3,900 - $5,900 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $7,600 - $11,400 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
*Credit: NCES, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2023.

Advancement Pathways

A CNA certification provides entry-level healthcare workers with potential career advancement opportunities. The experience gained by Indiana CNAs leads them to pursue LPN or RN programs for further education and licensure. LPN programs take one year to complete while RN programs require two to four years of education. Long-term care facilities allow Certified Nursing Assistants to become Qualified Medication Aides (QMAs) when they decide to work with medications. Employers who support CNAs pursuing education will offer to pay tuition costs as well as provide flexible work arrangements. Certified Nursing Assistants in Indiana have numerous career advancement possibilities through the state of Indiana for nursing and other healthcare professions.

Programs in Indiana

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Indianapolis, IN

Ivy Tech Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Healthcare Specialist

    Campus Based - Website

    • Median salary $48,470
    • Multiple certification options
    • Hands-on clinical practice
    • Short-term certificates available
    • Eligible for Next Level Jobs
    • Associate degree pathway
    • Covers medical terminology
    • Includes anatomy and physiology
  • Certificate/Diploma - Patient Care Technician

    Campus Based - Website

    • Multiple credential options
    • Earn multiple healthcare certifications
    • Flexible campus and format options
    • 60 credit hour AAS degree
    • Skills include vital signs, EKG
    • 18-36 credit hour certificates
    • Campus locations across Indiana
    • Clinical hours included
*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023 institutional data.