Nursing assistants must be certified in Maryland before they can work. CNA is the basic certification, and other credentials such as GNA are added on top of it. This program is planned and is not yet enrolling.
Who it is for
- Anyone starting a career in patient care
- Caregivers who need formal certification to work in facilities
What you will learn
- CNA role, infection control, safety, and the Heimlich maneuver
- Communication and patient rights
- Hands-on patient care skills in the lab and in a clinical setting
- Preparation for the Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) examination, which tests 20 skills
Class format
- Board program standard: 100 hours, 60 didactic and 40 clinical, with a 16 hour pre-clinical requirement
- The Board has updated CNA requirements effective April 2026, so final hours are confirmed at enrollment
After the class
- Examinations are offered through Credentia
- Initial certification fee is $20, and renewal is $40 every 2 years (fees set by the Board)
- Join the waitlist to be told when enrollment opens
Sources
- Maryland Board of Nursing: Nursing Assistant Certification
- Maryland Board of Nursing: Facts About Nursing Assistant Certification
- Maryland Board of Nursing: CNA Training Program resource packet
Information is summarized from the sources above. Requirements can change, so we confirm current details at registration.