CNA Classes & Programs in Portage, Indiana
1 state-approved CNA program in Portage, including free options. 4-week and online programs are offered in other Indiana cities.
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CNA training in Portage
- Programs
- 1
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $36,790
- $17.69 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 29,800
- across Indiana
- Healthcare facilities
- 3
- 2 nursing homes and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 37,737
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
On this page
What brings you here?
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Portage has 1 CNA program aimed at preparing residents for entry-level roles in direct patient care across various settings. As part of northwestern Indiana’s community network near Lake Michigan’s southern shore, Portage provides aspiring nursing assistants with essential classroom instruction through its available CNA class.
This single program features free CNA training, helping make career entry more accessible by reducing financial barriers for qualifying applicants. Students receive preparation aligned with state standards so they can pursue certification following completion of their coursework and clinical requirements.
Statewide in Indiana, CNAs earn around $36,790 annually based on available figures; city-specific salary data is not available, so these numbers serve as general benchmarks when considering future job prospects after completing Portage’s CNA course.
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Browse CNA Classes in Portage
Portage offers a single free CNA program that prepares students to meet Indiana state certification requirements while supporting skill development essential for direct patient care roles. This accessible training pathway qualifies graduates for placement on the state registry with career opportunities in healthcare settings throughout Portage, where certified nurse aides are consistently hired by local employers seeking trained professionals.
Program Types in Portage
| Type | In Portage | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Miller's Merry Manor ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Portage | See other Indiana cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Portage | See other Indiana cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Portage | See other Indiana cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
The CNA program in Portage
Miller's Merry Manor
CostFreeHours111Weeks–
- Address
- 5909 Lute Rd, Portage, IN 46368
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (219) 763-2273
Miller’s Merry Manor offers a free, employer-paid BNA/CNA training program that includes 36–40 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of supervised clinicals. Testing fees are covered if hired.
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.
CNA Programs Near Portage
Looking for more options near Portage?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Major Indiana cities
- Indianapolis46 programs
- Fort Wayne14 programs
- Evansville4 programs
- South Bend2 programs
- Carmel3 programs
- Fishers1 program
CNA Employment Opportunities in Portage
| 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 Portage are part of a broader northwestern Indiana community, where certified nurse aides remain important contributors across healthcare settings. Local demand tends to follow regional trends due to ongoing needs within nursing homes and home health agencies serving diverse populations.
CNA salary in Portage can only be estimated using statewide benchmarks since no city-specific or metro-area data exists. According to BLS OEWS (May 2023), CNAs in Indiana earn around $36,790 annually or about $17.69 per hour (median). City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference when evaluating compensation expectations after completing your program.
The CMS database lists two major nursing homes serving Portage: Brickyard Healthcare - Portage Care Center (186 beds) and Miller's Merry Manor (66 beds). Home Health Crusaders Inc also operates locally as a proprietary agency offering medical social services along with nursing care—each representing established employers where newly certified CNAs may find job opportunities following graduation from approved training programs.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Portage (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Portage providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 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 - Portage Care Center3175 Lancer St(219) 762-9571Map | 186 | 2.1 |
| Miller'S Merry Manor5909 Lute Rd(219) 763-2273Map | 66 | 2.1 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Portage (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Portage providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Home Health Crusaders Inc3191 Willowcreek Road(219) 763-0404Map | 3.0/5 |
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 Portage? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Schererville, Cedar Lake, Lowell, Hammond, and Gary, 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 Portage, IN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Portage, 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 Portage 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 Portage.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Portage
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Portage?
Most CNA programs in Portage can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Portage?
The CNA program in Portage is free or employer-paid.
Are there free CNA classes in Portage?
Yes. Miller's Merry Manor 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 Portage?
No program in Portage 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 Portage?
No 4-week program is listed in Portage. 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 Portage there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Schererville, Cedar Lake, Lowell, Hammond and Gary. 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 Portage?
CNAs in Portage are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 2 nursing homes and 1 home health agency in Portage. 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.