Dining Assistant Training Program

About the Dining Assistant Training Program

The Dining Assistant Training Program at the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) is designed to ensure that individuals meet both state and federal requirements to work as dining assistants in Indiana. There is not an official registry of dining assistants in Indiana.

Dining assistants work primarily in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, where they support residents in dining safely. Facilities with approved dining assistant training programs normally train those who assist in their own facility. Dining assistants utilize various feeding techniques and support the feeding and hydration needs for residents. Dining assistants perform their duties under the supervision of a licensed nurse and must operate strictly within the scope of practice defined for a dining assistant.

How do I become a dining assistant in Indiana?

There is not a defined age or education requirement to become a dining assistant in Indiana; however, a 16-hour training program and competency procedures must be completed.

Completion of a Dining Assistant Training Program

To become a dining assistant in Indiana, you must successfully complete a 16-hour dining assistant training program that is approved by IDOH; eight hours must be completed in the classroom, whereas eight must be completed in a clinical setting.

Completion of Competency Procedures

To become a dining assistant in Indiana, you must successfully demonstrate competence in the following topics in the dining assistant training program curriculum:

• Assist to Eat;
• Feeding;
• Hand-Washing;
• Gloves;
• Choking; and
• Fire.

The initial approval process to conduct a dining assistant training program requires the submission of an application and supplemental documentation (indicated on the application) to AideTraining@health.in.gov. IDOH must review and approve the application before any training can take place.

Train-the-Trainer (TTT)

There is a Train-the-Trainer (TTT) course available that is specific to dining assistant instructors; however, nurse aide or qualified medication aide (QMA) TTT certificates are also acceptable.

Please email AideTraining@health.in.gov for additional details about the dining assistant TTT.

Training Standards and Curriculum

IDOH is responsible for providing oversight to dining assistant training programs. Each training program must consist of at least 16 hours; training programs are permitted to expand beyond the 16-hour minimum requirement to best support student learning and competency.

Anyone may submit a complaint to IDOH about care provided at any licensed or certified Indiana healthcare facility or entity. IDOH is available to receive complaints against nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, hospice agencies, personal service agencies, and intermediate care facilities for persons with intellectual disabilities (ICF-IID; also called group homes). IDOH investigates all eligible complaints.

This report link is to a page that provides information about the complaint process and how to report a complaint. A complaint report form is provided for individuals to assist in the reporting of care issues.

Laws/Regulations

Last Updated: Apr. 16, 2026