Compare top-ranked Maryland CNA schools by cost, program length, outcomes, and certification pathways.
Maryland’s demand for CNAs is intensifying across Baltimore, the Washington D.C. suburbs, and rural communities as an aging population fuels need in hospitals and long-term care. A scan of top-ranked programs shows training costs as low as $1,900 and often under $3,000, with most schools bundling CNA and GNA credentials in one course sequence. Because many nursing homes and assisted living facilities require the Geriatric Nursing Assistant endorsement, choosing a program that delivers both certifications from the start keeps more doors open across the state’s varied work settings.
Maryland offers a wealth of CNA training options, from low-cost community college certificates to fast-track hybrid programs. The schools below are ranked based on a combination of net price, graduate outcomes, and program distinctiveness, with special attention to GNA readiness and clinical placement quality. Whether you're a first-time student or a career changer, this list will help you find the best fit.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Carroll Community College | Westminster, MD | $3,000/yr | Affordability-focused newcomers to nursing | |
Carroll Community College offers a 132-hour CNA/GNA certificate that can be finished in just two to three months for a total cost of $2,178. Clinical training takes place at Carroll Lutheran Village, an award-winning long-term care community, and the GNA exam is administered on campus. The program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing as of 2026 and hosts a public pinning ceremony, signaling strong local employer recognition.
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| #2 | Montgomery College | Rockville, MD | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | Earnings-focused learners avoiding extra exams | |
Montgomery College stands out for its CNA/GNA program that does not require a separate certification exam after completion. Students earn a median of $50,159 ten years after graduating, the highest among all ranked schools. The program includes classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and clinical experience under RN supervision, with needs-based scholarships potentially covering costs.
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| #3 | Howard Community College | Columbia, MD | ~$11,000/yr (est.) | Fast-paced learners wanting hybrid flexibility | |
Howard Community College delivers a five-week hybrid CNA program blending online theory with in-person skills lab and 40 hours of clinical training at local hospitals. Total tuition is $1,700, and graduates are prepared for Maryland CNA licensure and the GNA exam. Institutional median earnings ten years out reach $49,020, and the program is known for its strong hospital partnerships in central Maryland.
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| #4 | Hagerstown Community College | Hagerstown, MD | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Hagerstown Community College's CNA courses cover medical terminology, infection control, and personal care skills through classroom and clinical experiences. Scholarships may cover program fees, and graduates are eligible for both CNA and GNA certification in Maryland. The institution serves the Hagerstown area with a modest net price of $6,835 and has a graduation rate of 39%.
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| #5 | College of Southern Maryland | La Plata, MD | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
The College of Southern Maryland offers a CNA/GNA workforce training certificate through its Continuing Education division for $2,389. Students complete two courses: Nursing Assistant Fundamentals and Practice, and must be 18 or older with a Work Keys Assessment. The program boasts a high ROI ratio of 5.23 and requires 100% attendance and clinical site obligations.
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| #6 | Cecil College | North East, MD | $10,000/yr | ||
Cecil College's Nursing Assistant program includes 150 hours of evening/weekend instruction, preparing students for both Maryland and Delaware certification. With a median graduate debt of $9,536 and a graduation rate of 37.4%, it is a solid choice for northeastern Maryland residents. The program's multi-state clinical experiences and NC-SARA approval add flexibility for border-area students.
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| #7 | Prince George's Community College | Largo, MD | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Prince George's Community College offers a CNA program with flexible daytime and evening schedules at multiple campuses in the Largo, University Town Center, and Laurel areas. Program costs are $1,000 for theory and $600 for clinical, though textbooks and background checks add extra. The college reports strong median earnings of $47,548 ten years out, though graduation rates are low at 18.4%.
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| #8 | Allegany College of Maryland | Cumberland, MD | $9,000/yr | ||
Allegany College of Maryland's Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Aide certificate is a 16-credit, one-semester program that includes a 45-hour clinical experience. The program is open enrollment with placement test requirements and financial aid eligibility. However, median earnings of $38,476 and higher median debt of $13,702 result in a lower ROI ratio of 2.81.
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| #9 | Community College of Baltimore County | Baltimore, MD | $4,000 – $11,000/yr | ||
The Community College of Baltimore County provides a flexible CNA/GNA program across multiple campuses (Dundalk, Essex, Randallstown) with program lengths of 1 to 4 months and costs between $1,909 and $2,194. MBON-approved, the program requires 88 hours of theory and 48 hours of clinicals. The institution has a lower retention rate of 56% but serves a high percentage of Pell-eligible students.
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| #10 | Anne Arundel Community College | Arnold, MD | $4,000 – $12,000/yr | ||
Anne Arundel Community College's CNA/GNA training consists of 136 hours of campus-based coursework for $2,856 for county residents. The program is open to adults 18 and older without a college application, and no high school diploma is required, though employers may prefer one. AACC's median debt is a low $8,250, and graduates earn a median of $46,219.
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| #11 | Frederick Community College | Frederick, MD | $4,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Frederick Community College's CNA program is offered through Continuing Education and includes preparation for the GNA exam. Unique benefits include dual enrollment for high school students, with free tuition and textbooks for eligible FCPS students. The college reports a high ROI of 5.70 and median debt of $8,150, though institutional net price is $9,465.
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| #12 | Harford Community College | Bel Air, MD | $9,000/yr (net price) | ||
Harford Community College's CNA program costs approximately $1,953, covering 66 clinical hours and exam fees. The curriculum runs over three months and includes theory and clinical components, with students placed at local healthcare facilities. Graduates are eligible for Maryland certification and can take the NNAAP exam. Median earnings are $44,608 with moderate debt of $9,812.
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Choosing a CNA program in Maryland means finding a training course that aligns with state regulations, your personal schedule, and your career goals. While many schools offer classes, only those approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) give you a direct path to certification. Here is what to look for as you compare options.
Only graduates of MBON-approved programs can register for the Maryland Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, the state exam required for certification. If you complete a program that is not on the approved list, you will not be eligible to take the test or join the Maryland Nurse Aide Registry. Always cross-check any program against the official MBON Approved CNA Training Programs Grid. This list is updated regularly, and program status can change, so confirm just before you enroll. A recent policy shift underscores the importance of this step: effective April 1, 2026, the MBON no longer certifies applicants from CNA-only training tracks. Programs must now include Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) training to meet the full certification standard. This makes MBON approval even more critical, as older CNA-only programs may no longer qualify you for the exam.
Maryland CNA programs come in several formats to accommodate different work and family commitments. Many schools run daytime cohorts, but you can also find evening and weekend classes. For example, Carroll Community College offers its CNA Certificate program in daytime, evening, and weekend versions. If you need maximum flexibility, look for programs that offer multiple starts per year or part-time pacing. Some institutions, like the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), provide a set schedule with a total of 136 hours (88 theory, 48 clinical), all in person. Before committing, map out the clinical rotation dates, these often have stricter attendance requirements and may fall outside your preferred class times.
Maryland is unique in requiring nursing assistants working in long-term care facilities to hold a GNA credential. Because of the 2026 MBON rule change, even those aiming for hospital or home health roles may find that a combined program is the only path to initial certification. Look for programs that bundle CNA and GNA training from the start, which can save you from having to complete additional coursework later. Montgomery College’s CNA/GNA Program, for instance, covers both sets of competencies and runs three times a year. Asking about dual-track content early helps you avoid duplication and extra expense.
In Maryland, fully online CNA training is not permitted. The state allows a hybrid model where some theory or information sessions can be delivered online, but all lab skills practice and clinical hours must happen in person. Montgomery College’s program uses an online information session, yet all other coursework is hands-on. This blend can lighten your commute for the didactic portion but does not eliminate the need for regular on-site attendance. Confirm the exact ratio of online to in-person hours before you sign up, and be realistic about travel time, especially for clinical sites.
Even if a program appears on the MBON grid, approval conditions can shift. A school may have a warning, a temporary suspension, or a re-approval pending. Contact the program directly and ask when the board last reviewed their status. This extra step protects you from enrolling in a course that may lose approval before you finish. It also gives you a chance to ask about pass rates on the competency exam, an indirect indicator of program quality.
With these factors in mind, you can select a CNA program in Maryland that not only meets state standards but also fits your daily life and long-term nursing ambitions.
Some students pay out-of-pocket for CNA training because it leads quickly to a paycheck, while others secure employer-sponsored programs that cover the full cost in exchange for a work commitment. The right choice depends on your financial situation, career timeline, and willingness to tie yourself to a specific employer after certification. Use the Maryland Board of Nursing website as your starting point: it maintains a list of state-approved programs and often links to financial aid resources. Also check the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) for state-specific wage and employment data that can help you evaluate whether a program’s cost makes sense against typical entry-level earnings.
Many nursing homes, hospital systems, and long-term care facilities in Maryland train their own CNAs at no upfront cost because they face persistent staffing shortages. In exchange, you agree to work for them for a set period, often six months to a year. This arrangement eliminates tuition entirely but requires you to read the contract carefully.
Nonprofit organizations and workforce development boards across Maryland frequently fund CNA training for people who meet income guidelines, are unemployed, or belong to specific populations such as veterans or single parents.
Maryland’s community college system is a major pipeline for CNA training, and many campuses offer financial aid beyond federal Pell Grants.
No matter which pathway you explore, always confirm that the program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. An unapproved program will leave you ineligible for certification, regardless of how little you paid for it.
In Maryland, nursing assistants face a choice between two distinct credentials: the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and the Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA). While they share the same foundational training and competency exam, the settings where you can work differ sharply. Choosing the wrong path could limit your job options right out of the gate.
A standard CNA completes a state-approved program of 100 to 120 hours and passes the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. CNAs work in hospitals, medical offices, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies, assisting with activities of daily living, vital signs, and basic patient care. The credential is issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON). However, Maryland law prevents a CNA from working in a nursing home or long-term care facility unless they also hold the GNA designation. That single restriction creates the need for dual certification.
The GNA is not a separate training program. Once you have your CNA certification, you can apply for GNA status through the MBON at no extra fee. There are no additional clinical hours or classes required beyond your initial CNA curriculum. The GNA designation simply verifies that you are listed on the Geriatric Nursing Assistant registry, which is mandatory for any nursing home job in the state. Because most Maryland nursing homes will not hire a CNA who lacks the GNA, graduates of CNA-only programs often scramble to obtain the GNA listing later. Planning ahead saves time and stress.
Both CNA and GNA candidates take the exact same NNAAP exam administered by Credentia, the MBON-approved vendor. The test has two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge section and a hands-on skills demonstration. A passing score on that single exam qualifies you for both credentials, provided you have completed an MBON-approved training program. The board then issues your CNA certification, and you can immediately request GNA inclusion if your program reported you as eligible. Some training programs automatically register their graduates for both, while others handle only the CNA portion. Always confirm with the program coordinator before enrolling.
Many of the ranked CNA programs in Maryland offer combined CNA+GNA preparation, often through designated clinical rotations in nursing homes that satisfy the geriatric focus. Others leave the GNA step entirely to you. If your goal is to work in long-term care, a program that explicitly includes the GNA component streamlines the process. Even if you attend a CNA-only program, you can still obtain the GNA after graduation, just be aware that you will need to contact the MBON and verify your eligibility, which can add a short delay before you qualify for nursing home positions.
Maryland began a significant CNA redesignation in April 2026. New applicants now receive a CNA-I or CNA-II classification instead of the traditional CNA/GNA labels. CNA-I permits work in all settings, including long-term care, essentially absorbing the GNA scope. CNA-II is restricted to acute care and other facilities that do not include nursing homes. Nurses certified before April 2026 retain their existing credentials. If you are entering a program now, this transition means the dual certification path may soon consolidate, but for the immediate future, understanding the CNA versus GNA distinction remains vital for choosing the right training and clinical placements.
Becoming a certified nursing assistant in Maryland follows a clear, structured process overseen by the Maryland Board of Nursing. Here's a step-by-step overview from training to registry listing and renewal.
Maryland is one of the few states that mandates a separate Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) credential for long-term care, while most states cover geriatric skills under the CNA umbrella. Enrolling in a combined CNA+GNA program from the start helps you avoid a second round of training and testing, saving time and money.
How much can you expect to earn as a CNA in Maryland, and what does the local job market look like over the next several years?
Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median annual wage of $39,530 for nursing assistants in May 2024. Earlier OEWS data from May 2022 showed a mean annual wage of $36,220 nationwide, with the bottom 10 percent earning roughly $28,030 and the top 10 percent earning about $45,940. In that same year, the 25th percentile was $30,770 and the 75th percentile reached $39,260. These figures give a useful benchmark, but wages in Maryland tend to run higher due to the state's above-average cost of living.
State-level wage data for Maryland is published annually by the BLS OEWS program at bls.gov/oes. Because conditions change, it is essential to check the most current release for accurate local medians and percentile breakdowns. Generally, CNAs in Maryland can anticipate pay that aligns with or exceeds the national numbers, especially in metropolitan hubs. The Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area and the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria suburban counties historically report some of the stronger wage figures for healthcare support roles. Rural and smaller metro regions, such as Hagerstown-Martinsburg or Salisbury, may fall closer to national averages.
Across all settings, earnings can also shift based on employer type. Hospitals often pay more than long-term care facilities, while home health agencies and private-duty assignments may offer different compensation structures. Obtaining the Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) endorsement, a Maryland-specific add-on to CNA certification, can open doors to roles with higher starting pay, particularly in skilled nursing facilities.
At the national level, the BLS Employment Projections program expects a 2% increase in nursing assistant positions between 2024 and 2034. While this growth rate is modest compared to some healthcare occupations, it still translates into a large number of annual openings: approximately 211,800 nationwide, driven by workers leaving the field or retiring. Maryland’s aging population and concentration of healthcare institutions suggest a steady local demand. For precise state-specific projections, visit bls.gov/emp and select Maryland to view the latest numbers for nursing assistants (SOC 31-1131).
Beyond the federal BLS, Maryland’s Department of Labor maintains a dedicated Labor Market Information portal with occupational wage surveys down to the metro and workforce-region level. Regional nuances matter: for example, the Southern Maryland workforce region employed roughly 850 nursing assistants as of 2024. Community colleges with CNA programs often track employer-reported starting wages and can share recent graduate placement data. The Maryland Association of Health Care Assistants may also publish periodic salary surveys.
Salary aggregators such as Indeed and Glassdoor can give a real-time snapshot of advertised positions, but these figures should be cross-checked against BLS data. Job boards capture only posted openings and can skew toward higher or lower ranges depending on market activity. Government statistics remain the most reliable source for broad, unbiased wage and employment picture.
Comparing the national 2022 wage distribution (10th percentile $28,030 to 90th percentile $45,940) against local job postings can help you set realistic salary expectations before enrolling in a program. Remember that Maryland’s specific numbers are updated each spring in the BLS OEWS release, always use the most current dataset available.
Two common advancement paths for CNAs diverge early: the practical nursing certificate leading to LPN, and the associate degree in nursing leading directly to RN. The first is shorter and lets you continue working while studying; the second opens a wider range of career options but requires a larger upfront time commitment.
LPN programs in Maryland typically last 12 to 18 months and award a certificate or diploma. This path qualifies you to take the NCLEX-PN and practice as a licensed practical nurse. Many programs recognize your CNA experience and offer advanced standing or streamlined admission. Because the curriculum is condensed, you can often maintain part-time work as a CNA while enrolled.
An associate degree in nursing (ADN) is the next major step for those aiming for registered nurse licensure. These two-year programs include clinical placements and prepare you for the NCLEX-RN. After earning an RN license, nurses can pursue a BSN through an RN-to-BSN completion program, often with online flexibility. A BSN is the gateway to advanced practice roles, including nurse practitioner programs that require a master's or doctoral degree.
Several community colleges in our rankings offer dedicated bridge programs that compress the timeline between certifications. CNA-to-LPN and LPN-to-RN pathways let you apply previous coursework and clinical hours toward the next credential. These programs are designed for working adults, with evening and weekend cohorts common. Because they are housed at public two-year institutions, tuition is often among the lowest in the state.
Many Maryland hospitals and long-term care facilities offer tuition reimbursement or direct sponsorship for CNAs advancing to LPN or RN roles. Employers benefit from a more skilled workforce, so they frequently cover a significant portion of tuition, fees, and sometimes provide paid study time. Check with your human resources department to see what's available; even if a formal program isn't advertised, many organizations have discretionary funds for employee development.
Whether you're starting your nursing career or looking to advance, finding the right CNA program is crucial. Below are answers to common questions about CNA training in Maryland, including pathways for high school students.
