CNA Classes in Maryland (Top Schools)

By definition, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is anyone who does nursing tasks assigned by an LPN or RN.

In Maryland, a CNA status is considered a basic level of certification.

As such, you only have to complete a state-approved training program to receive certification from the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBoN).

And then, you still have to be added to the Maryland Nurse Aide Registry to work in the state.

That’s why you must take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam.

Taking on a CNA Training Program in Maryland

The MBoN administers and regulates the CNA training programs in the state.

Many training facilities follow the MBoN’s outlines to ensure that you’ll receive a uniform, standard training.

During the program, you’ll undergo 100 hours of training, with 40 hours spent on clinical practice.

The duration depends on the training facility, but it usually takes four to 12 weeks to finish.

Here are the colleges and private entities that offer the CNA program.

CNA Candidates Eligible for Certification

The following candidates are eligible for CNA in Maryland provided that they submit the appropriate documents.

• Newly trained CNAs
• Nursing students currently studying or recently graduated
• Nursing graduates working as nursing assistants
• Out-of-state CNAs currently in good standing
• Military healthcare workers
• Foreign RNs or LPNs

You may visit the MBoN’s website for the details.

Certifying a CNA Candidate

Unlike other states, Maryland doesn’t require its CNAs to undergo an exam to be certified.

Instead, you’ll have to submit to the MBoN the following to apply for the Initial Nursing Assistant Certification (INAC):

• Application form
• Transcript of completing the state-approved CNA training program
• Criminal History Record Check
• Certification fee of $20
• 2″x2″ full-face photograph

You can apply for INAC either through:

• Online at https://license.mdbon.org/INAC/Home.asp
• Email at mdbon.inac@maryland.gov

Note that the CNA certification is only valid for two years after your first license renewal.

So you’ll have to apply for the renewal before then, paying the renewal fee of $40.

CNA as a Base for Additional Certification

As mentioned, Maryland considers CNA as a basic certification level.

According to MBoN, you can complete the CNA in conjunction with any additional certification.

In other words, the CNA training serves as the baseline for the following certification:

• Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA)
• Certified Medicine Aide (CMA)
• Dialysis Technician (DT)

These three will appear as additional certifications on your CNA certification card.

Do note that these additional certifications have their own training requirements and examinations.

The NNAAP Exam

As you know, employers want assurance that you’ve acquired the necessary skills and knowledge for the job.

For them, that assurance comes from the fact that you’ve been added to the state registry.

So for you to be employed, especially as a GNA, you’ll have to take the NNAAP exam.

This exam, which is administered exclusively by Credentia, consists of two distinct tests:

• Knowledge test (written or oral)
• Skills test

Here’s the breakdown of the tests:

• Knowledge test
  • If written – 70 multiple-choice questions
  • If oral – 60 multiple-choice questions and 10 reading comprehension questions
• Skills test – accurate execution of five random nurse aide skills in 30 minutes

You need to at least get a score of 70% for each test to pass the NNAAP exam.

Should you fail, you have three other attempts to secure a passing score.

But you should do so within 24 months from the date of completing your CNA training.

Otherwise, you’ll have to undergo 100 hours of training again to take the NNAAP exam.

Applying for the NNAAP Exam

To be eligible, you must satisfy these three requirements:

• Complete the state-approved CNA training program
• Review the Candidate Handbook
• Create a CNA365 account

You can download the handbook and create an account here: https://credentia.com/test-takers/maryland.

Credentia also provides practice exam guides that you can use for review and get familiar with the test questions.

As for the exam fees, here’s how much they will be:

• Written test – $35
• Oral test – $35
• Skills test – $70
• Written and skills tests – $105

Potential Salary

Becoming a CNA in Maryland is a stable job with a high enough salary for you to live comfortably.

Of course, like every other job, your salary level depends on several factors, like:

• Skills
• Education
• Experience
• Place of work
• Nature of tasks
• Seniority

As of this writing, the average annual salary for a CNA in Maryland is approximately $32,000.

The table below shows how much the salary offers are in the different places in the state.

CNA Schools by City

• Baltimore