CNA Classes in Maine (Top Schools)

The Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants & Direct Care Workers is the universal registry for all certified CNAs in the state of Maine.

To become a part of this registry, a candidate has to finish an officially approved CAN program (or submit proof of another equivalent education), and pass the required exams.

While working on satisfying these requirements, nursing assistants can already take employment, but for no longer than 4 months.

The Schooling Process

If you are aged at least 16 and have finished the ninth grade of general education, you can apply for an officially sanctioned CNA training program.

In contrast with significantly shorter requirements in many other states, a Maine CNA aspirant must complete at least 180 hours of training (90h to study theory, 70h to practice under supervision and 20h to work in the lab).

Attending sessions is mandatory in general, but in case of absence that couldn’t be avoided, trainees may be allowed to make up the missing hours.

Background checks are made even as the training is proceeding (checks for criminal history in cooperation with Maine State Bureau of Identification).

When the training finishes, it is time for testing: every CNA candidate must pass a test of knowledge (written or oral) and test of skill (evaluation of the performance at various nursing tasks).

To help you locate the institution that suits you, take a look at our school list below.

The Alternatives

In some cases (such as nursing students) equivalence is recognized (minimum 150 hours), with a person immediately put into the Registry.

Already trained nurses can also become CNAs (with additional steps required for those coming from other countries).

Taking a military training is another available route to be registered as CNA (but the full nursing program is required, not just the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program).

After Learning, It’s Time to Apply

The application forms can be either downloaded online, or requested by e-mail.

To apply for a CNA after successfully passing the tests, documents like training certificates, social security cards are required, as well as passports or driver’s licenses for identification (excluding student IDs).

A proof of previously passed background check (n form of a copy of the background report) is also required.

Other documents may also be needed in special cases: military candidates must submit their DD-214 or an equivalent document

For those on duty, a copy of training certificate is satisfactory (e.g. Air Force Medical Specialist or Navy Hospital Corpsman).

For a LPN or RN, a copy of the currently valid license is required.

For students, a verification of equivalent training received is necessary.

Out-of-state nurses can be permitted to take the exams and omit the training program; in form of The Maine Bridge Examination (created to test trainees with at least 100, but less than 180 hours of training).

There are additional conditions, though: an out-of-state candidate has to have worked at least 32 hours per week during no less than 3 of 5 prior years (proven by employer letters).

Other additional required documents are: proof of at least 9^th grade education and of satisfactory performance on competency evaluations.

To pass the Maine Bridge Examination, a score of at least 70 (on the test consisting of multiple choice questions) is required, as well as passing 7 of 10 skill tests at minimum.

For finding a bridging program, the Department of Education should be contacted.

An already certified CNA can become a CAN-Medication Aide (CNA-M), after working at least for a year and completing additional training (with approval by Maine Board of Nursing).

However, an aspiring CNA-M must prove at least 10^th grade level on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE).

Know Your Future: Maine CNA Salary

Average CNA salary in Maine is currently at $30,490, but the strong demand for this kind of service is expected in the future, so there is a good possibility of increase.

This job will be a good choice for people who want a secure workplace and an opportunity to show their dedication and skill, even if the salary is modest in comparison to some other occupations.

 To get an overview of salary situation per city, please take a look at the following table.