Becoming a CNA in Maryland

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What is Involved in Completing CNA Training in Maryland?

Working as a nurse aide is quite rewarding on a personal level, and some students use their CNA certification as a stepping stone to a career as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. However, those who stay in this health care career will discover endless job opportunities at their disposal.

In Maryland, by law, you must be certified and registered in order to even be considered for employment in any type of licensed health care facilities. In order to be certified and placed on the registry, you must pass a CNA training course that is designated by the Maryland Board of Nursing, along with a state mandated licensing examination.

Enrollment and Completion of CNA Classes in Maryland

Step 1:

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

To get CNA certification in Maryland, you must participate and pass a training program that is approved and governed by the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Also, before you can enroll in the necessary CNA classes, a few prerequisites must be in order. Students will need to be at least 18 years of age, posses a high school diploma or GED, and be ready to undergo a full physical screening and background check. Because of the nature of the work, the screening will include testing for contagious illnesses. Your criminal history must be free from specific offenses that could place patients at risk.

Step 2:

Complete your CNA training program.

Training program requirements to meet the state mandated minimums include 100 hours of attendance. This time is divided between classroom work and hands-on training.

CNA classes will include curriculum such as changing linens, controlling disease, preventing infection, and understanding medical terminology. You will also learn how to operate commonly used medical equipment such as blood pressure devices and scales. Other courses may involve teaching you basic phlebotomy skills and how to handle emergency situations with patients.

Available Programs in Maryland State

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Name	Address
Sojourner-Douglass College	500 N Caroline St, Baltimore, Maryland 21205-1898	Program cost	Financial Aid	Request Information
Allegany College of Maryland	12401 Willowbrook Rd SE, Cumberland, Maryland 21502-2596	Program cost	Financial Aid	Request Information
Anne Arundel Community College	101 College Pky, Arnold, Maryland 21012-1895	Program cost	Financial Aid	Request Information

CNA Testing Procedures and Applying for CNA Certification in Maryland

Step 1:

Preregister to take the certification exam. This must be done after you complete your CNA training.

Step 2:

Find an exam location.

The exam can be taken at one of eight regional Red Cross facilities located in the state of Maryland. The exam costs $20.00 for initial certification and $40.00 for renewals, which need to be done every 24 months.

A number of schools also serve as authorized testing centers. However, some schools do not, which means you will need to preregister with a nearby training facility.

Step 3:

Pass the exam.

The first section of the exam consists of multiple-choice questions followed by a reading portion. The second part of the exam includes a test on clinical skills, which will require successfully completing five basic nurse aide tasks that are chosen at random by the instructor. These may include any of the tasks required of a nurse aide, such as brushing a patient’s hair or teeth, taking a pulse, or performing CPR.

You will be allotted roughly 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete both portions of the exam. When the exam is complete, results will be forwarded to the registry. If you passed both portions of the exam, you will receive your CNA certification, allowing you to start working.

Our practice tests can help you prepare for this exam.

Step 4:
Once you’ve passed the certification exam, you can then create a resume, and start looking for work.

Step 5:

Although a CNA career is rewarding and fullfilling for most, don’t necessarily dismiss the possibility of furthering your education. Many CNAs go on to take RN or LPN courses, for instance.

For additional information regarding CNA certification in Maryland, visit:

Maryland Nurse Aide Registry
Maryland Board of Nursing
4140 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 585-1900
Fax: (410) 585-8042