Thomas Reed, RN
June 23, 2025
The Certified Nursing Assistant role provides essential care support to nurses and patients throughout nursing homes, hospitals, and home healthcare settings. The responsibilities of CNAs include helping patients perform their daily tasks such as eating, bathing, and dressing as well as mobility needs. The role of CNAs includes both monitoring patient vital signs while reporting their health status.
Westminster, MD - Public 2-Year - carrollcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Carroll Community College offers a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) Certificate program, delivering a 132-hour curriculum completed in 2-3 months. With a total cost of $2,178, this campus-based program includes hands-on clinical training, teaching essential skills like vital sign monitoring and personal care. No entrance exam is required, and it prepares students for Maryland Board of Nursing certification, providing a fast-track to healthcare careers with strong job prospects and opportunities for advancement.
Frederick, MD - Public 2-Year - frederick.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Frederick Community College's campus-based Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program trains students for essential healthcare roles, emphasizing clinical skills and patient care. It requires rigorous health screenings, background checks, CPR certification, and adherence to professional standards, including a medication safety exam. No specific entrance exam is mentioned, as this is a certificate-level program focused on practical training for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Baltimore, MD - Public 2-Year - ccbcmd.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Community College of Baltimore County offers a Nursing Assistant program that leads to Maryland state certification as a CNA or GNA. This campus-based program can be completed in 1-3 months, providing hands-on clinical training and covering essential skills such as patient care, vital signs monitoring, and daily living assistance. With an affordable tuition of approximately $1,909, it includes CPR certification and requires a high school diploma and medical documentation for enrollment. No entrance exams are needed, making it accessible for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Bel Air, MD - Public 2-Year - harford.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Harford Community College's Certified Nursing Assistant program offers a robust blend of theoretical learning and practical experience, with 66 hours of clinical training at local healthcare sites. Approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, it prepares students for the NNAAP certification exam, covering essential skills in patient care. The program includes CPR certification and costs approximately $1,953, encompassing all necessary fees and materials. Graduates are well-equipped to support medical teams and promote patient wellness in various healthcare settings.
North East, MD - Public 2-Year - cecil.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Cecil College's Nursing Assistant program offers evening and weekend classes with 150 hours of instruction and clinical experience, preparing students for CNA or GNA certification. It includes theoretical and hands-on training, approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. Prerequisites are a high school diploma or GED, background check, and BLS certification. No entrance exam is required, as this is a certificate-level program.
Online CNA programs that offer full program completion do not exist in Maryland because of the necessity for hands-on learning. The training. Students in hybrid programs learn theory components through online resources but must physically attend clinical sessions for practical experience. State regulations require students to complete clinical hours while demonstrating competency in vital sign measurement as well as patient bathing and mobility assistance. Hybrid programs benefit students who need scheduling flexibility because they learn theory materials online while fulfilling essential hands-on requirements in person. Some training programs provide scheduling options during evenings and weekends for students who work.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Carroll Community College |
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| Frederick Community College |
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| Harford Community College |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | At least 16 years old, valid photo ID and SSN/ITIN, cleared fingerprint-based criminal background check, required immunizations and physical exam, and CPR certification (often obtained during training) |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Maryland Department of Health, Board of Nursing – Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | Complete a Board-approved 100-hour course (minimum 60 classroom hours, 16 pre-clinical orientation hours, and 40 supervised clinical hours) |
| Exam and Application Fees | No state application fee, competency exam fees paid directly to the testing vendor (amounts vary by provider) |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the written or oral knowledge test and a five-skill hands-on evaluation within your program’s eligibility period |
| Registry Activation Time | Testing vendor submits passing results electronically, initial certification is entered into the registry within 2–4 days of passing both exam components |
| Renewal Requirements | Renew every two years by your birth-month date, pay a $40 renewal fee and complete a criminal background check if required, no work-hour or continuing-education mandates |
| License by Endorsement | Active, unencumbered CNAs certified in other states apply by submitting proof of equivalent certification and training to the Board, no retesting required |
The average hourly wage for Certified Nursing Assistants in Maryland reaches approximately $19. The starting wage for entry-level CNAs is lower than the wages earned by experienced CNAs who work in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Maryland requires many Certified Nursing Assistants to fill positions throughout its hospitals, nursing homes, home healthcare facilities, and other medical institutions. The aging population of Maryland leads to increased requirements for Certified Nursing Assistants. The surrounding areas of Baltimore and Washington D.C. experience an increasing need for healthcare workers because they provide more available jobs with better pay for CNAs.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Maryland | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $38,300 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $18.43 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$45,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $38,300 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$31,500 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~7,200 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Carroll Community College |
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| Community College of Baltimore County |
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| Harford Community College |
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Becoming a CNA in Maryland creates opportunities for future advancement into nursing specializations. Nursing assistants who want to advance their careers usually choose to earn LPN or RN certification after their CNA training. The state of Maryland provides educational pathways that enable CNAs to move into LPN or RN programs by utilizing their clinical experience with patients. Community colleges run these programs which adapt their schedules to support students who work while attending school. Healthcare organizations that employ CNAs sometimes provide financial assistance for education or pay for their employees to pursue additional studies. Healthcare workers who take these opportunities can obtain better salaries and advanced career positions throughout the healthcare sector.
Additional Nursing Programs in Maryland
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