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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

Online

Dwyer Workforce Development

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc.

Health Focus, Inc.

Baltimore City Community College

Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute

It Works Learning Center, Inc.


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
844 Autumn Lake Healthcare at Alice Manor AF1QipOp0tibenmydJ0f2fAHTNb86b37mZY3rorMBO_D=w408-h271-k-no 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 AF1QipNWk_f3-32LAVDJ1dYyoyUBe4pqLV1rCGrMkOYD=w426-h240-k-no 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 thumbnail?panoid=5IDmArbvl7WUFZZJztziEg&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=234.73384&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 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 AF1QipNNO_IoWiUwC2HSuiiJPZ2H-NIalcOMrU-2hHB2=w426-h240-k-no 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 AF1QipN_cg5DWrE9HyOn60n_UouYpFwGeVn7BOVfz6xj=w425-h240-k-no 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 AF1QipMpFPobCevqQIhJ26aaIEKzcdlF0NYfQmHS8TbP=w426-h240-k-no 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 thumbnail?panoid=utWckPzfK56EFyFL1IFWVA&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=132.24245&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 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 thumbnail?panoid=7ND6OXlWZdiiW2g5yT15lg&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=21.015299&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 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 thumbnail?panoid=jq4_7IkZ9lJO36QUBh8SzQ&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=321.245&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 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