There are five different centers offering free CNA classes in MD. Most CNAs earn about $29,000-$35,000 per year in this state. Some CNAs earn even more depending on the city where they work and their experience level. Nursing assistants can find work in home health settings, long-term care communities as well as hospital and doctor offices.
If you have decided to become a nursing assistant in Maryland, you will need to know the process to train for this new career. The first thing to know is that Maryland has two nursing assistant levels (in addition to certified medication aides). These levels are CNA and GNA (Geriatric Nursing Assistant). In Maryland a CNA needs to pass training program and their criminal background check. There is no exam. A GNA on the other hand, must pass a training program, background check and competency exam. So let’s take a look at how to become a GNA.
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GNA Requirements
GNA applicants will need to have a background check conducted and cannot have any serious convictions. You will also be fingerprinted as part of the process. The application to start the certification process can be found here: http://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/nursing-assistant-certification.aspx.
To become a GNA, you will need to complete a training program that will include hands on experience as well as classroom instruction. Once you pass that course, you can take the steps necessary to sit for the certification test.
Free CNA Classes and Schools in Maryland
Carolina Center in Maryland
900 Somerset Street-Baltimore Maryland 21202
You might be able to receive free training to become a certified nursing assistant by attending the Carolina Center in Maryland. Free training is sometimes possible for women who are interested in taking the necessary class to be eligible to sit for the certification test. The option to attend the class for free is for women without the funds and opportunities to pay for the course on their own. The lady must be able to demonstrate that she could not come up with other funding options for the tuition.
An applicant who wants help to pay for their CNA training must show that they have a great deal of motivation and that they will work hard to achieve their goals. It is necessary to show that they have a deep interest in working within the medical field. This program is for women who can improve their lives and that of their family (if they have one) by receiving this nursing assistant training. Women can start on a path to a career that will offer a good starting income and a good stepping stone for a career in the healthcare industry.
Harford Community College
401 Thomas Run Rd-Bel Air, MD 21015
You may be able to receive CNA training at no cost to you at Harford Community College. This college is among those for which some individuals can receive a grant to attend a training program for free. This grant is referred to as the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant. CNA jobs are among other health care jobs where the need is sometimes growing at a faster rate than the number of qualified individuals. Therefore, grants like this one are available to encourage people to enter into these career training programs.
If you apply for this grant, you will need to agree to work in the field for a participating healthcare provider after you become certified. The amount of the grant you receive will depend on whether you are considered to be a full-time or a part-time student. Applicants should show that they are very motivated to receive your training and to earn good grades and learn to provide excellent CNA services.
You can contact Harford Community College’s financial aid office to help you learn more about this opportunity. Documents are usually due before July 1st for each new academic session. So do keep this in mind if you are planning to apply.
Earn Maryland through Pressley Ridge
1045 Taylor Avenue Suite 23 Towson, MD 21286
If your application is accepted to this 8 week program, there will be no cost to you. This is a relatively fast paced class. Prepare to be motivated and to always work hard in the course and then in your new career.
You must pass a background check and drug screening. It is necessary to be at least 18. You cannot have any serious crimes against you to be accepted into this class. The class is divided into two 4 week sessions.
One is the lecture and classroom set ok. You will learn theory and background about being a certified nursing assistant and about working in the healthcare field. The other is the skills and hands on training session. You will see first hand what it is like to work as a nursing assistant. The best thing about this course is it trains you to be both a general and a geriatric nursing assistant.
This is an excellent course. You will learn to work with people of all ages. You will learn about specialty care and meeting a wide range of patient needs. There will be special emphasis on gerontology care.
Completion of this class will allow you to become certified as a nursing assistant and a geriatric nursing assistant so long as you pass the certification exams You can apply online here: https://www.pressleyridge.org/services/transition-age-services/md/workforce-development/
This course will make you very marketable and very employable.
You can expect to learn how to assist patients with activities of daily living. You will learn to do range of motion activities and to oversee exercising if the patient does this. You will take notes on your patients. You will learn to take and properly record accurate vital signs. The class will teach you to monitor how much a patient eats and drinks and how to monitor output. Even learn basic things like making a hospital bed and changing bed linen with an immobile patient in the bed.
Glen Meadows
Glen Arm, MD 21057
They offer free CNA training at Glen Meadows. If you are a highly motivated individual committed to starting a healthcare career, Glen Meadows will consider you for employment and provide free CNA training if you are not already certified. You must show you will work hard, care about and can work well with others. Glen Meadows offers a variety of living options for seniors. These options provide a high level of independence while also offering any needed supportive care. CNAs provide an important role in helping residents maintain as much Independence as possible while still being safe and well cared for.
The course will teach you to take and monitor vital signs. You will learn how to accurately monitor and document intake and output. The course will teach safety procedures, legalities and ethics. You will learn to help patients with activities of daily living. Some nursing assistants are even able to help with wound care. All prospective CNAs learn how to help prevent wounds.
Call to learn more about employment opportunities: 667-213-5690
CNA training programs in MD
Red Cross Maryland
2020 East West Highway-Silver Spring, MD 20910
The Red Cross in Maryland offers certified nursing assistant training. This training is such that it provides both the theoretical and clinical requirements needed for an individual to sit for the CNA certification exam in Maryland. The program has a great reputation and has well skilled instructors.
Students will learn the theoretical background about basic nursing skills. They will learn to provide compassionate and effective care while helping patients with activities of daily living. The CNA course will help individuals learn about medical ethics and how to protect the privacy of patients.
This course will also provide the hands on experience needed to carry out daily CNA duties safely and effectively. The course will also make sure that graduates have a good understanding of how to prevent injury or even the spread of contagious illnesses.
This program is offered at several locations: Annapolis, Baltimore, Salisbury, Silver Spring and Walkersville.
Garrett College
687 Mosser Road-McHenry, Maryland 21541
Garrett College provides a certified nursing assistant program. This program has two sections. One is the theoretical section which takes place mostly in the classroom setting. The other is the clinical section which is when students receive supervised direction patient training in local healthcare facilities.
This course usually takes about 2-3 months to complete. It cover a total of 117 hours of study. Seventy-seven of those hours are spent receive the theoretical instruction. The remaining 40 hours are spent in the necessary clinical setting. Graduates of this course will have met the educational requirements needed to sit for the competency exam to become certified.
There are two locations through Garrett College where students can attend CNA training. It is offered at the Southern Garrett High School which is in Oakland. The class is also offered at the Career Technology Training Center located in Accident. You can find an option close to you.
Stein Academy
3610 Milford Mill Road-3rd FloorBaltimore, Maryland 21244
Stein Academy does have a nursing assistant program. This course is one of the CNA courses approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. Therefore, those who complete the course can sit for the exam and take the necessary steps to become certified. Stein Academy is a private career training center offering excellent career training services.
This training class lasts for 115 hours. The classroom consists of 75 hours of study of theories and principles critical to a career as a certified nursing assistant. The other 40 hours will be spent under the direction of an instructor practicing skills by working with patients in a nursing care or healthcare facility. Weekday and weekend class options are available. The weekday track takes about 4 weeks to complete. The weekend class will take a bit longer but will still be finished in about 8 and ½ weeks.
****Always contact the school of interest to find out about amy financial aid options that they might offer or know would be available for your cirumstances.
CNA Examination Requirements in Maryland
This test will require you to demonstrate five different nursing skills. You will also need to complete a 70 question written test. You can retake the test if you do not receive a satisfactory score on one or both portions of the test.
You must register for your exam through the Red Cross by calling 1-866-257-6470 to start the process. Make sure you have your application and documentation of your training course (or equivalent training for nursing students and nurses) by the 15th of any given month. You will then take the certification exam the next month. It costs $105 to sit for this exam.
[su_note]If you are a nursing student but are not currently enrolled in classes. You might still qualify to become a CNA or GNA as long as it has not been more than 12 months since you had the necessary basic level nursing/healthcare courses.[/su_note]
Once you complete all steps and pass the exam to become certified, you should keep in mind that your certification will need renewed once every two years.
Out of State Certification
You can become a nursing assistant in Maryland through Endorsement if you are certified in another state. Please keep in mind, if your certification is not currently active, you will need to complete an approved training program first. There are some criteria you must meet in order to do so. Use the checklist here to find out if you qualify for endorsement: http://mbon.maryland.gov/Documents/cna-checklistforendorsement.pdf)
Places to Work in MD
Bayleigh Chase Inc.
501 Dutchman’s Lane, Easton, MD 21601
Calvert Manor Health Care Center
1881 Telegraph Road, Rising Sun, MD 21911
Charlestown Community Inc.
709 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD 21228
Collington Episcopal Life Care
10450 Lottsford Road, Mitchellville, MD 20721
Fairhaven, Inc.
7200 Third Avenue, Sykesville, MD 21784
Heron Point of Chestertown
501 Campus Avenue, Chestertown, MD 21620
Ingleside at King Farm
701 King Farm Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20850
Manorcare Health Services – Potomac
10714 Potomac Tennis Lane, Potomac, MD 20854
Potomac Valley Nursing & Wellness
1235 Potomac Valley Road, Rockville, MD 20850
Riderwood Village
3160 Gracefield Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904
CNA Training Center Reviews
Garrett College – I like that it is a small campus which means small classes and it is easier to get one-on-one time with professors. The college offers various opportunities and classes that fit into everyone’s schedule. The surrounding is beautiful and serene. Garrett offers internship opportunities and has a full time career counselor available.
Stein Academy – Class hours are flexible and good hands on training which prepares you for real life emergency situations. Positive environment and great teachers and people.
CNA Training FAQs
What are the skills required to become a CNA?
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Sharp observation skills to identify potential problems that others may overlook.
- Ability to follow strict rules in various situations.
- Time management and organizational skills
- Compassion and empathy.
Where can I work as a CNA? You can work in hospitals, assisted living facilities, adult day care centers, home care agencies and in the school system.
What is the total cost of the program? The total cost is $1295 and it includes tuition, textbooks, background check, registration fee and skills bag.
What items should I bring when I come to register? Photo ID, Social Security Card, High school diploma, college diploma or GED and $100 for the registration fee to hold your seat in class.