Becoming a CNA in Maryland
Steps to Become a CNA in Maryland
If you’re considering a career in healthcare, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Maryland offers a rewarding pathway with opportunities to provide essential patient care. This guide outlines the necessary steps to become a CNA in Maryland, detailing the education, testing, certification, and maintenance phases required for the role.
- Meet Basic Requirements: Understand the foundational prerequisites for entering CNA training and obtaining certification in Maryland.
- Attend a School: Identify and complete a CNA program that aligns with Maryland’s educational mandates.
- Test Information: Successfully navigate the Maryland CNA competency examination.
- Certification Registration and Upkeep: Register your certification and stay informed on maintaining its active status.
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1. Meet Basic Requirements
Starting your journey toward becoming a CNA involves meeting specific state-mandated requirements. Here’s what Maryland requires from all prospective CNAs:
Age and Educational Requirements
Candidates must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED.
Background Check
A state and federal criminal background check is mandatory to ensure the safety and integrity required within healthcare environments.
Health Screenings
Applicants are typically required to pass physical examinations, drug screening, and tests for infectious diseases to ensure they are capable of performing the duties of a CNA.
2. Attend a School
Selecting the right CNA training program is critical, as this education will be foundational to your career. Maryland mandates that CNAs complete a state-approved training program, comprising both theoretical classroom instruction and practical clinical experience. Here are essential factors to consider when selecting a CNA program:
- State Approval: Only graduates from Maryland Board of Nursing-approved programs are eligible for certification. Confirm that your chosen program is on this list.
- Program Length and Structure: Maryland requires a minimum of 100 hours of CNA training. This includes 60 hours of classroom instruction covering core nursing assistant competencies and 40 hours of clinical training, offering hands-on experience in a healthcare setting.
- Curriculum: Ensure the program covers all necessary content areas prescribed by the state, including patient care principles, basic nursing skills, infection control, safety protocols, and legal and ethical responsibilities.
- Cost and Financial Assistance: Training costs can vary significantly between programs. Evaluate the cost, available financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans to find a program within your budget.
Featured CNA Programs in Maryland
3. Test Information
After completing your training, passing the Maryland CNA competency exam is your next step. This exam consists of two parts: a written test and a clinical skills test. Here’s what you need to know to prepare and succeed:
- Exam Content: The written exam typically features multiple-choice questions based on the CNA training curriculum. The skills assessment requires you to perform a series of tasks that demonstrate your ability to handle typical CNA duties effectively.
- Preparation Resources: Utilize study guides, practice tests, and course materials to prepare thoroughly for both sections of the exam. Understanding the format and types of questions asked can significantly boost your confidence and performance.
- Testing Locations and Registration: The Maryland Board of Nursing provides a list of locations and schedules for taking the CNA exam. Ensure you register for your exam at a convenient location and prepare all necessary documentation.
Click Here to Access the CNA Practice Test (CTA Button)
4. Certification Registration and Upkeep
Achieving your certification is a pivotal moment in your CNA career. Here’s how to register and maintain it:
- Initial Certification: Submit your exam results along with the required paperwork and fees to the Maryland Board of Nursing. This step formalizes your status as a certified CNA in the state.
- Certification Renewal: Maryland requires CNAs to renew their certification every two years. To qualify for renewal, you must complete the required number of continuing education units (CEUs) and provide proof of employment as a CNA for at least 8 hours within the renewal period.
- Ongoing Education: Keeping abreast of new healthcare practices, state regulations, and procedural updates is crucial. Participate in further education and training opportunities to ensure you remain a competent and effective CNA.
By following these steps and committing to continuous learning and professional development, you can ensure a successful career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Maryland. This role not only provides a stable job but also offers the profound satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of patients and their families daily.
Other Local CNA Programs
id | Name | Image | Website | Street Address | City | State | Zip Code | Map Link | plus_code | Phone | latitude | longitude | latlong | Category | Reviews | Rating | 5star | 4star | 3star | 2star | 1star | description | Monday Hours | Tuesday Hours | Wednesday Hours | Thursday Hours | Friday Hours | Saturday Hours | Sunday Hours | Details |
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844 | Autumn Lake Healthcare at Alice Manor | https://autumnlakealicemanor.com/ | 2095 Rockrose Ave | Baltimore | MD | 21211 | 89M2+79 Baltimore, Maryland | (410) 889-9700 | 39.33 | -76.65 | 39.333215-76.64903 | Nursing home | 61 | 4.0 | 42 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 14 | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | More details | |||
845 | Cambridge Nursing Assistant Academy | https://cambridgegna.com/ | 3311 Toledo Terrace unit c-202 | Hyattsville | MD | 20782 | X29Q+F8 Hyattsville, Maryland | (301) 853-9100 | 38.97 | -76.96 | 38.9686431-76.9616452 | Nursing school | 12 | 5.0 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9AM to 5PM | 9AM to 5PM | 9AM to 5PM | 9AM to 5PM | 9AM to 5PM | Closed | Closed | More details | |||
846 | Citizens Care and Rehabilitation Center | https://citizenscarefrederick.com/ | 1920 Rosemont Ave | Frederick | MD | 21702 | CHP7+24 Frederick, Maryland | (240) 772-9200 | 39.44 | -77.44 | 39.435065-77.4372086 | Rehabilitation center | 12 | 2.5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | More details | ||||||||||
847 | Clinton Healthcare Center | https://communicarehealth.com/location/clinton-healthcare-center/ | 9211 Stuart Ln | Clinton | MD | 20735 | Q478+46 Clinton, Maryland | (301) 868-3600 | 38.76 | -76.88 | 38.7627557-76.8844422 | Nursing home | 94 | 1.6 | 8 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 75 | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | More details | |||
848 | Deer's Head Hospital Center | https://health.maryland.gov/deershead/pages/Home.aspx | 351 Deers Head Hospital Rd | Salisbury | MD | 21802 | 9CJ3+WM Salisbury, Maryland | (410) 543-4000 | 38.38 | -75.60 | 38.3822841-75.5957858 | Hospital | 12 | 4.0 | More details | |||||||||||||||
849 | Laurel High School | https://www.pgcps.org/schools/laurel-high | 8000 Cherry Ln | Laurel | MD | 20707 | 34VJ+QR Laurel, Maryland | (301) 497-2050 | 39.09 | -76.87 | 39.0943834-76.8679073 | High school | 37 | 3.3 | 14 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 10 | 8:30AM to 3:10PM | 8:30AM to 3:10PM | 8:30AM to 3:10PM | 8:30AM to 3:10PM | 8:30AM to 3:10PM | Closed | Closed | More details | |||
850 | Kahak Health Academy | 11002 Veirs Mill Rd #300 | Kensington | MD | 20895 | 2WPX+32 Kensington, Maryland | (301) 933-0050 | 39.04 | -77.05 | 39.0351637-77.0524453 | Nursing school | 4 | 4.3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | More details | |||||||||||
851 | Queen Anne’s County High School | https://www.qacps.org/qachs/ | 125 Ruthsburg Rd | Centreville | MD | 21617 | 2WPW+WQ Centreville, Maryland | (410) 758-0500 | 39.04 | -76.05 | 39.0372745-76.0531024 | High school | 5 | 3.6 | 7:30AM to 5PM | 7:30AM to 5PM | 7:30AM to 5PM | 7:30AM to 5PM | 7:30AM to 5PM | Closed | Closed | More details | ||||||||
852 | MISS INC | 5000 Sunnyside Ave #303 | Beltsville | MD | 20705 | 23GJ+FG Beltsville, Maryland | (301) 931-3235 | 39.03 | -76.92 | 39.0261437-76.9186902 | Home health care service | 3 | 2.7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | More details | |||||||||||
853 | Milford Mill Academy | https://milfordmillhs.bcps.org/ | 3800 Washington Ave | Windsor Mill | MD | 21244 | 9742+R4 Windsor Mill, Milford Mill, MD | (443) 809-0660 | 39.36 | -76.75 | 39.3570339-76.7497051 | High school | 25 | 3.5 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 7:30AM to 2:30PM | 7:30AM to 2:30PM | 7:30AM to 2:30PM | 7:30AM to 2:30PM | 7:30AM to 2:30PM | 7:30AM to 2:30PM | 7:30AM to 2:30PM | More details | |||
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