Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 23, 2025
Maine’s healthcare system depends heavily on Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) as their vital members. The direct care responsibilities of these professionals assist nursing staff at hospitals, nursing facilities, and home healthcare facilities. The daily needs of patients receive assistance from CNAs who provide bathing services, feeding, and mobility support to maintain patient comfort and safety.
Online CNA programs do not exist in Maine because students need to complete hands-on training but hybrid programs do exist. Students can take theory lessons online to learn about infection control and anatomy as well as patient rights through these programs. All clinical hours required for certification must be performed in person at facilities that have received approval from the state. All students must receive hands-on training in real healthcare environments under instructor supervision according to Maine certification requirements. The scheduling flexibility of hybrid formats allows students to take classroom lessons during evening or weekend sessions. The state requires all CNA programs to include direct patient care practice as an essential part because in-person clinical hours remain mandatory.
| Eligibility Prerequisites | Must be at least 16, complete a DHHS-approved CNA program, provide proof of ninth-grade education, and clear criminal-history and health screenings |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants and Direct Care Workers, DHHS Licensing and Certification |
| Training Program Requirements | Minimum of 130 hours total (70 classroom, 20 lab, 40 supervised clinical) |
| Exam and Application Fees | No registry listing fee, competency exam fees paid directly to the testing vendor |
| Certification Exam | Pass both a written or oral knowledge test and a five-skill practical evaluation |
| Registry Activation Time | Entered into the registry within 30 days of complete application and exam approval |
| Renewal Requirements | Renew every 24 months by completing at least eight hours of qualifying employment and submitting a renewal form |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs submit a reciprocity application with proof of equivalent training, active certification, and cleared background, no retesting required |
The average hourly rate for CNAs working in Maine reaches $16.50 while beginners receive $14 per hour for entry-level work. CNAs who gain experience or work in hospitals and specialized care facilities can reach hourly earnings between $18 and above $18 per hour. The yearly earnings of full-time CNAs reach between $30,000 to $35,000 based on their location and work experience. The aging population of Maine creates a favorable job market for CNAs because their demand remains constant. The demand for CNAs remains strong because hospitals together with nursing homes and home healthcare services actively recruit staff to work in both urban and rural locations. The expanding healthcare requirements in Maine create stable employment opportunities for CNAs.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Maine | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $33,280 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $16.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$38,800 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $33,280 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$28,200 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~1,250 | ~54,000 |
Maine CNA certification provides individuals with an entry point to advance their careers in healthcare. Most CNAs pursue additional education to achieve their Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) certifications. LPN students need one year to finish their programs which enables them to perform medication administration tasks among other advanced responsibilities. The path to becoming an RN starts with CNA certification before students enroll in either community college or four-year university programs. LPNs can shorten their time to become RNs through bridge programs that specific schools provide. Healthcare organizations provide educational support to their staff members by offering financial assistance for continuing education along with work schedules that adapt to employee needs. CNAs can pursue multiple paths for career advancement inside healthcare organizations.
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