What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The Ivy Tech Nurse Aide Training Program requires 105 total hours of rigorous preparation to meet state guidelines.

You will complete 30 hours of foundational classroom instruction alongside 75 hours of hands-on clinical experience.

The core syllabus covers a broad spectrum of critical healthcare skills needed for daily patient interaction.

You will master infection prevention, standard precautions, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

The curriculum heavily emphasizes communication techniques, patient rights, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of a healthcare provider.

Additionally, you will learn to safely execute basic nursing skills, including vital sign measurement, patient transfers, and assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs).

What to Expect in the Final Exam

To earn your certification, you must pass the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) competency evaluation, which is administered directly through Ivy Tech Community College.

The final exam is divided into two distinct sections: a written computer-based test and a practical skills evaluation.

The written portion consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering clinical theory, patient care scenarios, and safety protocols.

You must achieve a minimum score of 80% (80 correct answers) to pass the written assessment.

For the skills competency portion, you will be required to perform hand hygiene along with four randomly selected clinical skills in front of an official evaluator.

You are permitted up to three attempts to successfully pass both the written and skills portions of the exam.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Success on the exam requires a strategic blend of textbook review and physical practice.

Begin by taking timed, full-length multiple-choice practice tests to build your stamina and familiarize yourself with the phrasing of the questions.

Focus your written study time on high-yield topics like infection control, patient rights, and vital sign ranges, as these heavily populate the exam.

For the skills evaluation, physical repetition is your best strategy.

Practice the required physical tasks in front of a mirror or with a study partner until the steps become automatic muscle memory.

When you are ready to test, you will coordinate through the Ivy Tech CNA/QMA Central Testing Office.

Testing is administered at designated Ivy Tech Community College campuses across the state, which process applications and schedule your in-person evaluation.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Successfully passing this exam and joining the state registry unlocks immediate employment opportunities across multiple healthcare settings.

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Work in nursing homes or long-term care facilities providing daily, hands-on care to elderly or rehabilitating residents.

• Hospital Patient Care Technician: Assist registered nurses in fast-paced hospital wards by monitoring vital signs, updating records, and ensuring patient comfort.

• Home Health Aide: Travel to patients' private residences to provide personalized care, companionship, and assistance with daily routines.

• Hospice Aide: Deliver compassionate, end-of-life palliative care to patients in specialized facilities or within their own homes.

• Medical Assistant Pathway: Use your clinical experience and registry status as a foundational credential to pursue specialized roles or transition into higher-paying nursing positions.