Becoming a CNA in Maine

If you’ve decided to take the plunge and pursue CNA certification in Maine, you’re making a wise decision. The need for qualified nurse aides is on the rise statewide, and plenty of superb employers are on the prowl for qualified candidates who are available immediately. Thankfully, it doesn’t take long to complete your CNA training in Maine, and most training programs can be completed in a few short months.

Enrollment and Completion of CNA Classes in Maine

Step 1:

Find and enroll in an approved program in your state:
Find a CNA Training Program

You will need to select a program that is approved and accredited by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services in order to take the certification exam.

Before attempting to enroll in a state approved course, you will need to be at least 16 years of age as well as pass a background check. This is to prevent unsavory candidates from pursuing a degree in the medical field, which can help ensure patient safety at all times. You will also need to be in generally good health and disease free, as passing any illnesses onto patients could be disastrous. This involves submitting to a full physical check up, including a two-part tuberculosis screening.

Step 2:

Complete your CNA training.

CNA classes will include learning how to assist patients with day to day activities like brushing hair, feeding, and bathing. Since nurse aides will also be responsible for cleaning and tidying up, you will also learn how to change bedding and sanitize objects to prevent infection. Nurse aide students will also learn how to interact properly with the patients, other nurses, and staff members in the establishment in order to effectively perform their duties.

CPR certification is also usually required as well.  Most programs offer CPR training, but if not, you will need to pursue this on your own. Many students find the American Red Cross to be the most affordable and effective option to learn these skills.

During the course of your studies, you will be required to participate in a total of 180 hours of training. Half of these hours will be spend in the classroom. Seventy hours of your training will be spent performing actual nurse aide procedures in a clinical setting under the supervision of a registered nurse. You will be tested on this hands-on training when you sit for the state CNA certification exam.  The remaining 20 hours will be spent on lab studies.

CNA Testing Procedures and Applying for CNA Certification in Maine

Step 1:

Register to take the CNA certification exam.

Once the required courses are completed, nurse aides can take the state certification exam by registering at one of several local testing sites approved by the state.

Step 2:

Prepare for the CNA exam by taking some of our practice tests.

Step 3:

Pass the CNA exam.

One section of this exam requires you to successfully complete five nursing aide tasks before a nurse aide. You must pass this portion to continue on to the second part of the test, which is a written exam of multiple-choice questions. Once you pass both parts, you will be officially certified as a nurse aide in Maine.

In order to get on the registry after the test is passed, you must contact the Maine Nurse Aide Registry and provide them with the following:

• proof of a completed approved training course no more than 2 years old
• proof of a passing score from the competency exam
• a copy of the criminal check done by the program instructor

Afterward, you can create a resume, and start searching for employment in local hospitals, retirement communities, hospice providers, clinics, and several other medical environments.

Step 4:

Once you’re listed on the nurse aide registry, you can apply for jobs. Create a resume in our job search area, and let employers know that you are looking for work.

The Maine Department of Labor predicts a  7.7% increase in the need for people with CNA training and certification statewide. The average CNA salary in Maine is around $24,000 on average, and wages will increase along with experience and additional certifications.

Step 5:

Lastly, try not to think of CNA training as the final rung of your education.  This should be just the start. If you have the ambition, consider an LPN or RN course.

For additional information regarding CNA Certification in Maine visit:

Maine Nurse Aide Registry
Maine Department of Human Services – Division of Licensing & Certification
State House Station #11
442 Civic Center Drive
Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: (207) 287-9310
Fax: (207) 287-9325