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.
These 10 Maryland schools stand out for combining affordable CNA or dual CNA/GNA training with hands-on clinical experience. Most are community colleges with tuition under $2,500, though a few run closer to $1,700 or $1,900. Program-level earnings data are not yet published for every program, so the school-wide median earnings and debt figures shown below offer context.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
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| #1 | Carroll Community College | Westminster, MD | ~$3,000/yr (est.) | Learners wanting GNA exam included | |
Carroll Community College offers a CNA and GNA certificate with clinicals at Carroll Lutheran Village, a U.S. News 2025 Best Nursing Home. The program takes 2 to 3 months and 132 hours, with GNA exam fee and fingerprinting included. Program-level earnings are not yet available; institution-wide, graduates report median earnings of about $44,349 and median debt of $11,750. The institution-wide graduation rate is 39%.
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| #2 | Montgomery College | Rockville, MD | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | Learners needing needs-based scholarship support | |
Montgomery College combines CNA and GNA training with classroom, hands-on practice, and clinical experience under RN supervision. No certification exam is required for CNA after course completion. Program-level earnings are not yet published; institution-wide median earnings are about $50,159 with median debt of $10,415. The institution-wide graduation rate is 32%.
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| #3 | Hagerstown Community College | Hagerstown, MD | $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Hagerstown Community College offers CNA courses that prepare students for Maryland CNA or GNA certification. Coursework includes medical terminology, infection control, and clinical experience in hospitals or long-term care. Program-level earnings are not yet available; institution-wide median earnings are about $41,615 and median debt $11,000. The institution-wide graduation rate is 39%.
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| #4 | College of Southern Maryland | La Plata, MD | $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) | ||
College of Southern Maryland offers a workforce training certificate through continuing education, with two required courses and 100% attendance expectations. The total cost is $2,389, and uniforms are an additional $200 to $300. Program-level earnings are not yet available; institution-wide median earnings are about $44,435 and median debt $8,500. The institution-wide graduation rate is 33%.
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| #5 | Harford Community College | Bel Air, MD | $9,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Harford Community College's CNA program includes theory and clinical courses with 66 to 75 clinical hours at an area healthcare facility. The total cost is about $1,953, covering CPR, fingerprinting, the NNAAP fee, and MBON registration. Program-level earnings are not yet published; institution-wide median earnings are about $44,608 and median debt $9,812. The institution-wide graduation rate is 39%.
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| #6 | Prince George's Community College | Largo, MD | $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Prince George's Community College offers a CNA program approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing with day and evening schedules at multiple campuses. Costs are split between $1,000 for theory and $600 for clinical, plus textbooks and background checks. Program-level earnings are not yet available; institution-wide median earnings are about $47,548 and median debt $10,500. The institution-wide graduation rate is 18%.
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| #7 | Howard Community College | Columbia, MD | ~$11,000/yr (est.) | ||
Howard Community College offers a five-week hybrid CNA program combining online theory with 40 hours of clinical training at local hospitals. Tuition is $1,700 including fees. Program-level earnings are not yet published; institution-wide median earnings are about $49,020 and median debt $10,500. The institution-wide graduation rate is 24%.
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| #8 | Cecil College | North East, MD | ~$10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Cecil College offers an evening/weekend CNA/GNA program with 150 hours of instruction and clinical training across three states. Graduates can apply for Maryland certification and Delaware reciprocity. Program-level earnings are not yet available; institution-wide median earnings are about $43,952 and median debt $9,536. The institution-wide graduation rate is 37%.
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| #9 | Allegany College of Maryland | Cumberland, MD | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Allegany College of Maryland offers a 16-credit Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Aide certificate that can be completed in one semester with 45 clinical hours. Daytime and evening options are available, and open enrollment makes it accessible. Program-level earnings are not yet available; institution-wide median earnings are about $38,476 and median debt $13,702. The institution-wide graduation rate is 40%.
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| #10 | Community College of Baltimore County | Baltimore, MD | $4,000 – $11,000/yr (est.) | ||
Community College of Baltimore County offers multiple nursing assistant pathways, including a 1-3 month option and a four-month Geriatric Nursing Assistant concentration. Employer tuition reimbursement is supported and classes start rolling throughout the year. Program-level earnings are not yet published; institution-wide median earnings are about $43,729 and median debt $11,528. The institution-wide graduation rate is 19%. Employer tuition reimbursement
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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.
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 3% increase in nursing assistant positions between 2025 and 2035. 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.
