CNA Classes in Merrillville, Indiana

Merrillville CNA Training - Indiana

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Merrillville, Indiana

About Merrillville

Located in Lake County, Merrillville, Indiana, is a bustling town known for its vibrant community and proximity to Chicago. With a population of around 35,000, Merrillville offers a mix of suburban charm and urban amenities. The town is home to the Southlake Mall and several parks, making it a great place to live and work. For more information about Merrillville, visit the official town website.

CNA Training Programs in Merrillville, Indiana

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Merrillville, Indiana, there are several excellent training programs available to help you get started:

1. Ivy Tech Community College – Valparaiso Campus
   • Location: Valparaiso, IN (approximately 20 miles from Merrillville)
   • Program Description: Ivy Tech offers a comprehensive CNA program that includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experience. The program prepares students for the Indiana State Department of Health CNA certification exam.
   • Program Page
2. Brightwood College – Hammond Campus
   • Location: Hammond, IN (approximately 15 miles from Merrillville)
   • Program Description: Brightwood College provides a Nursing Assistant program that covers essential skills such as patient care, infection control, and basic nursing procedures. The program includes both theoretical and practical training.
   • Program Page
3. St. Mary Medical Center – Hobart
   • Location: Hobart, IN (approximately 10 miles from Merrillville)
   • Program Description: St. Mary Medical Center offers a CNA training program designed to equip students with the skills needed for entry-level nursing assistant positions. The course includes hands-on clinical experience in a healthcare setting.
   • Program Page

CNA Employment Opportunities in Merrillville

Once you’ve completed your CNA training, there are several healthcare facilities and nursing homes in Merrillville where you can seek employment:

1. Methodist Hospitals – Southlake Campus
   • Location: Merrillville, IN
   • Description: Methodist Hospitals is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of medical services. The Southlake Campus in Merrillville provides excellent employment opportunities for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities
2. Merrillville Health and Rehabilitation Center
   • Location: Merrillville, IN
   • Description: This facility provides long-term care and rehabilitation services. It is a great place for CNAs to gain experience and grow in their careers.
   • Employment Opportunities
3. Lincolnshire Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
   • Location: Merrillville, IN
   • Description: Lincolnshire offers skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care services. They frequently have openings for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities

CNA Certification Requirements in Indiana

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Indiana, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: You must enroll in and successfully complete a CNA training program that is approved by the Indiana State Department of Health.
2. Pass the Competency Evaluation Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the Indiana CNA competency evaluation exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.
3. Background Check: You must undergo a criminal background check.
4. Registry Listing: Once you pass the exam, your name will be added to the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry.

For more information, visit the Indiana State Department of Health and the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Merrillville, Indiana, is a rewarding decision. With several excellent CNA training programs and numerous employment opportunities, you are well on your way to a fulfilling career in healthcare. Take the first step today by contacting one of the schools listed above and enrolling in a CNA program. Your future as a nursing assistant awaits!

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Indiana may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Merrillville?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Merrillville usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Merrillville will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Merrillville?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Indiana, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Indiana, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Merrillville is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Indiana CNA Salary info.