CNA Classes & Programs in Merrillville, Indiana
4 state-approved CNA programs in Merrillville, including free and evening options. 4-week and online programs are offered in other Indiana cities.
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CNA training in Merrillville
- Programs
- 4
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $36,790
- $17.69 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 29,800
- across Indiana
- Healthcare facilities
- 17
- 3 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 13 home health agencies
- Population
- 36,214
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Merrillville offers 4 CNA programs aimed at preparing students for entry-level roles in healthcare across Lake County and beyond. As part of northwest Indiana’s medical corridor, Merrillville provides varied training options that help individuals meet requirements set by the state while supporting workforce development in this growing suburban center.
CNA courses here give students foundational patient care skills needed to qualify for state certification exams and future employment at area facilities—including three nursing homes, one hospital, and numerous home health agencies operating locally. Statewide in Indiana, CNAs earn around $36,790 annually according to recent wage data; only statewide salary information is available at this time due to limitations on regional reporting.
Merrillville’s diverse mix of CNA programs—including one option offering free CNA classes—enables aspiring assistants to pursue credentialing while preparing them to serve patients throughout northwest Indiana’s range of clinical environments.
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Browse CNA Classes in Merrillville
Merrillville provides 4 CNA training programs designed to prepare students for Indiana state certification and immediate entry into healthcare roles. With options including free CNA classes available locally, these CNA programs focus on building critical patient care skills while supporting career readiness where demand exists throughout Merrillville’s medical community.
Program Types in Merrillville
| Type | In Merrillville | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Beginning Of A Start Training Center ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Merrillville | See other Indiana cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Merrillville | See other Indiana cities → |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Beginning Of A Start Training Center ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 4 CNA programs in Merrillville
Lowest published cost first.
Beginning Of A Start Training Center
CostFreeHours–Weeks7
- Address
- 7870 Broadway Suite B, Merrillville, IN 46410
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (219) 671-8187
- Schedule
- Evening classes
CNA program runs 7–8 weeks with CPR included, small class sizes, and day or evening options.
Visit websiteMerrillville High School
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 276 E 68Th Place, Merrillville, IN 46410
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (219) 650-5307
Merrillville High School hosts a CNA program with classroom and lab on campus led by registered nurses to reduce fees and travel for students.
Visit websiteTender Love CNA Academy
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 7895 Broadway, Suite L, Merrillville, IN 46410
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (219) 750-9354
Travail With Us
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 5429 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (219) 777-0279
Travail With Us lists Certified Nursing Assistant training among its upcoming classes at the Merrillville site; prospective students are directed to contact the office for schedule updates. Details on tuition, hours, and format are not yet posted.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
Not sure which of the 4 programs fits you?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Indiana cities
- Indianapolis46 programs
- Fort Wayne14 programs
- Evansville4 programs
- South Bend2 programs
- Carmel3 programs
- Fishers1 program
CNA Employment Opportunities in Merrillville
| Median annual pay | $36,790 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $17.69 |
| CNA jobs across Indiana | 29,800 |
| Salary region | Indiana (statewide) |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Merrillville are supported by steady demand thanks to its sizable population base and variety of healthcare employers located within its boundaries and nearby areas. Opportunities frequently arise across skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and specialty care centers serving diverse patient needs throughout northwest Indiana.
Statewide in Indiana, CNAs earn around $36,790 per year or $17.69 per hour according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference when evaluating earning potential locally.
Merrillville features several CMS-certified employers where newly credentialed CNAs may find positions upon graduation from local programs: Brickyard Healthcare - Merrillville Care Center (164 beds), Spring Mill Health Campus (64 beds), Lincolnshire Health & Rehabilitation Center (100 beds), Regional Mental Health Center (a voluntary non-profit hospital), as well as numerous home health agencies such as Cardinal Home Health Services, Methodist Home Care Services, and Lmr Indiana Home Health, each offering unique career experiences within organizations focused on community-based patient support services.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Merrillville (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Merrillville providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Brickyard Healthcare - Merrillville Care Center8800 Virginia Place(219) 736-1310Map | 164 | 2.1 |
| Spring Mill Health Campus101 W 87Th Ave(219) 756-0744Map | 64 | 2.1 |
| Lincolnshire Health & Rehabilitation Center8380 Virginia St(219) 769-9009Map | 100 | 1.7 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Merrillville (1 facility)
1 hospital in Merrillville offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Regional Mental Health CenterPsychiatric · 8555 Taft St(219) 769-4005Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Merrillville (13 facilities)
13 home health agencies in Merrillville providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Hope Home Health Care Inc3800 W 80Th Ln(219) 750-9010Map | 3.5/5 |
| American Home Health Services Inc7895 Broadway Avenue, Suite G-A(219) 322-6264Map | 3.0/5 |
| Cardinal Home Health Services Inc7863 Broadway Ste 202(219) 750-9120Map | 3.0/5 |
| Methodist Home Care Services303 E 89Th Avenue, Suite A, Room 117(219) 738-5990Map | 3.0/5 |
| Lmr Indiana Home Health Inc1563 E 85Th Avenue(219) 736-2211Map | 2.0/5 |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Merrillville? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Portage, Valparaiso, Crown Point, Hobart, and Schererville, or browse the Indiana CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Merrillville, IN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Merrillville, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Indiana. These include completing an Indiana Department of Health (IDOH)–approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), passing the state competency exam administered through Ivy Tech, and being listed on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 75 total hours of training (30 classroom + 45 clinical hours)
- Completion of required introductory OBRA instruction before clinical contact
- Passing both the written knowledge test (100 questions, 80% to pass) and the skills exam (hand hygiene + four skills)
- Up to three attempts per exam section before retraining is required
- Placement on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry after passing both exams
Once certified, you may work in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living communities, and home health agencies throughout Merrillville and across Indiana.
Already certified in another state? Indiana allows reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs who are active and in good standing. Reciprocity applicants must pass the Indiana written exam but are exempt from the skills evaluation. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Indiana guide.
For complete details on training, testing, renewal, and maintaining certification, see our full CNA License & Registration in Indiana guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Merrillville.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Merrillville
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Merrillville?
Most CNA programs in Merrillville can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 7 weeks, at Beginning Of A Start Training Center.
How much does CNA training cost in Merrillville?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Merrillville directly for their current costs. One program is free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Merrillville?
Yes. Beginning Of A Start Training Center offers free or employer-paid CNA training. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may also offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Merrillville?
No program in Merrillville is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other Indiana cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Merrillville?
No 4-week program is listed in Merrillville. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other Indiana cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Merrillville there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Portage, Valparaiso, Crown Point, Hobart and Schererville. You can also look at the Indiana state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Indiana CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Indiana, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Indiana CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Merrillville?
CNAs in Merrillville are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 3 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 13 home health agencies in Merrillville. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.