You can sometimes receive help from your employer to train for free for a new career. If you are looking to become a CNA in Maryland, this can be possible if you are working for some type of healthcare provider especially if you are working for a nursing care community or retirement community. For example, you might be working as a secretary or receptionist but be hoping to enter into the nursing assistant field to start a healthcare career. You should discuss your goals with your employer or the HR department so that you can determine if they offer or are willing to offer tuition assistance. Of course, you will need to continue working for that employer if they do pay for your training. We have listed below possible options for receiving training at no-cost.
There are typically government backed programs that can help you train to become a CNA for free. You might qualify for WIA benefits or other special programs designed to help individuals who are out of work or who have a low income. There can be adult education programs that offer training for free to individuals who apply and who are accepted to the program.
You should also seek out scholarships for CNA programs or that can be used for vocational or career training programs. They can go a long way in helping you to become a nursing assistant for free.
Continue below to read more or pick a different state:
Through WIA Approved Colleges:
Carroll Community College – 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, MD 21157
The course is listed as a CNA and Geriatric Nursing Assistant Program. Students will need to complete a total of 138 hours of classes, labs and clinical rotations. Students can then apply to sit for the nursing assistant certification exam. Students should be well prepared for this test after passing the CC College CNA course. This college is WIA approved.
Hartford Community College – 401 Thomas Run Road • Bel Air, MD 21015
You can give consideration to the CNA program at Hartford Community College if you are looking to obtain excellent CNA training and the opportunity to benefit from WIA program benefits. The nursing assistant program will make it possible for students to sit for the certification exam for geriatric nursing assistants within the state of Connecticut. This program is a great option for individuals looking for an entry level healthcare career where they can become gainfully employed.
Garrett College – 687 Mosser Road, McHenry, Maryland 21541
If you are looking to attend a CNA training program at a WIA approved college, you should explore the CNA program offered at Garrett College. The program is offered through the Workforce Continuing Education Program at the college and in conjunction with state WIA programs. Students will be able to apply for enrollment in a CNA program that consists of about 117 hours of training. Graduates from the program will be eligible to apply for the exam to become certified and then to be listed on the nursing aide registry once they pass that exam.
St Ambrose Family Outreach Centre – 3445 Park Heights Avenue-Baltimore, MD 21215
This outreach center is listed among state approved CNA training providers in the state of Maryland. They offer a range of community services programs to help reach out to individuals of all ages. St. Ambrose specifically works with military veterans and their family members. Since they are part of workforce development programs, you could potentially receive training at no cost to you to become a CNA. Additionally, you can determine if any military education benefits could be used for the CNA program offered there.
Through Nursing Homes:
Nursing homes usually have vacancies where they are either looking for HHA or CNA’s. Ask around in a few nursing homes to see if they have any job opening and if they do, ask them about a possibility for them to train you in return you can work there for a specified period. We have gathered a list of a few good nursing homes which have excellent ratings in Maryland and this can be a great starting point, Hope it helps:
Hillhaven Nursing Center – Adelphi, MD
St. Joseph’s Nursing Home – Catonsville, MD
Broadmead – Cockeysville, MD
St. Vincent Care Center – Emmitsburg, MD
Peninsula Regional Medical Ctr – Salisbury, MD
Riderwood Village – Silver Spring, MD
Sacred Heart Home Inc – Hyattsville, MD
The Villa – Baltimore, MD
Vantage House – Columbia, MD
Althea Woodland Nursing Home – Silver Spring, MD
Homewood – Williamsport, MD
COLLEGE REVIEWS.
Carroll Community College – Professors are nice and helpful, very positive environment, a great place to earn basic transferable credits.
Garrett College – The professors actually know your name and you can get one-on-one time with them since its a small school with very few students. The campus is small and cozy, the staff is very nice.
CNA SALARY INFORMATION – MARYLAND.
The average salary for a CNA in Maryland ranges from $30,000 to $37,000.
The employer and job location are a major criteria affecting the annual income of a CNA in Maryland. Working in rural areas might get you quite a low income compared to urban sectors.
LICENSE TRANSFER TO MARYLAND
Maryland typically only offers certification through endorsement from certain states. If your application for endorsement is not accepted, you will need to attend a training course in Maryland and then sit for the nursing assistant certification exam. Endorsement is usually offered to a small number of CNAs who received certification in: Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, New York, Oregon, Virginia and West Virginia.
The Transfer Process:
- Verify that your certification from the former state is active.
- Contact the Maryland CNA program for an application to transfer your certification. You can call: 410-585-2044.
- Complete each section of the endorsement application as instructed.
- Submit a copy of your current CNA certification from the state where you are certified.
- Pay a $20.00 fee
- Include a passport size photo of yourself with your application.
- Submit proof that you had your fingerprints taken for the background check.
- Send all the information to the address on the application.
- You must note that if all requirements are not met, the application will be returned to you.
LICENSE TRANSFER FROM MARYLAND TO ANOTHER STATE.
The Process:
- Complete an application for a new CNA license for the state you are moving to.
- Submit a current and active official copy of your CNA license from your current state.
- Provide proof of continuous employment as a CNA in your current state.
- Submit a form for a criminal background check.
CNA Training FAQs.
How long does the CNA certification last? After your first renewal, your certification will need to be renewed every two years.
If I don’t have a diploma or a GED can I still apply to your program? Yes you can, you will have to come between 8:30-5:00 pm to take the test. The test is free, it is basic Math and English that will take you about an hour to complete.
What items should I bring when I come to register? Photo ID, Social Security Card, High school diploma, college diploma or GED and $100.00 for the registration fee to hold a seat in the class.
What is the cost for renewing my CNA certification? It costs $40.00 every two years.
Do you need a GED to be a CNA in Maryland?
No, it is not necessary to have a high school diploma or GED. As long as you are at least 18 years old and have a clear criminal background, you can enroll in any CNA training program.
Can a CNA put oxygen on a patient?
CNAs are NOT qualified to administer oxygen. Only the nurse or Respiratory Therapist are equipped and responsible to start, maintain and discontinue oxygen.
Why does the CNA program require a drug test, PPD and CPR?
The drug test, PPD and CPR are required for clinicals which is the hands-on training portion of the CNA course curriculum.