Train to Work in Health Care

Easterseals Northeast Indiana’s health care learning lab prepares participants for rewarding careers as certified nurse aides (CNAs). As a CNA you can begin an entry-level career in the healthcare field. CNAs work under the direction of nurses in a variety of healthcare settings.

A manikin lies in a bed in a mock hospital room
A hospital bed tray with plastic dishware
A manikin lies in a hospital bed

About the Program

A certified nurse aide (CNA) is a dedicated health care professional who works primarily in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and senior living communities. The CNA provides essential assistance to residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting, and mobility support. CNAs play a vital role in promoting residents’ comfort, dignity, and overall well-being by delivering personalized, hands-on care.

 

The Easterseals Northeast Indiana Certified Nurse Aides (CNA) program has been fully approved by the Indiana State Department of Health. This ensures that our training meets all regulatory requirements and provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in a health care career. The curriculum follows the state’s established guidelines and covers a comprehensive range of topics, including:

  • Infection control, focusing on proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and strategies to prevent the spread of illness in long-term care settings.

  • Emergency procedures, including how to respond effectively to medical emergencies, fire safety, and disaster preparedness to ensure resident safety at all times.

  • Basic nursing skills, such as accurately measuring and recording vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure) and measuring height and weight to monitor residents’ health status.

  • Positioning and transfers, teaching safe and effective techniques for moving residents to prevent injury and promote comfort and dignity.

  • Activities of daily living (ADLs), including assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and other essential personal care tasks that support residents’ independence and well-being.

  • Nutrition, feeding, and hydration, emphasizing the importance of proper dietary intake, safe feeding practices, and hydration monitoring to maintain residents’ overall health.

  • Skin care, focusing on preventing pressure ulcers and promoting good hygiene and skin integrity.

  • Other essential skills, such as effective communication with residents and staff, documentation and record-keeping, respecting residents’ rights, and maintaining a safe and supportive environment.

By completing this rigorous CNA training program, graduates are fully prepared to provide compassionate, high-quality care in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and other health care settings.

Program Schedule

  • The program will typically run 4-6 weeks however this schedule may vary as more class options become available.
  • The program will typically run 6am-2pm however this time may vary as more class options become available.
  • Fridays will be used for make-up days if needed
  • Classroom instruction and hands-on skills training will take place in Easterseals Northeast Indiana’s health care learning lab at 4919 Projects Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46825

Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to view Frequently Asked Questions for more program information.

Next CNA Training Program

Dates: August 11 through September 12, 2025

Cost: Cost is $1,000 plus test fees. Scholarships are available.

Application and scholarship deadline:  July 18, 2025

Click to apply for CNA program

Click to apply for scholarship

Service Locations

Easterseals Northeast Indiana

For more information about enrolling in services, please contact us at agencyintakes@esarc.org or 260.456.4534 

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

4919 Coldwater Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825

260.456.4534

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