CNA Certification in Maine

CNA Certification in Maine

If you have decided to take the plunge to pursue CNA certification in Maine, then you are making a wise decision. The need for qualified  nurse aides in on the rise statewide, and plenty of superb employers are on the prowl for candidates that they can hire right away. It does not take long to complete your CNA training in Maine, and most courses can be completed in a few short months. However, there are a few prerequisites that you should be aware of before enrolling, and you will need to select a program that is approved and accredited by the state board of health in order to qualify to sit for the licensing exam to to earn certification and listing on the Maine Nurse Aide Registry.

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

The CNA classes that you enroll in need to offer students no less than 180 hours in order to be approved by the state. Of the 180 total hours, 90 must be training that you receive in a classroom environment, and the other 70 are to be completed  in a hands-on clinical setting. The final 20 hours will specifically focus on performing the work in relation to the clinical studies.

Training in the 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 tidiness, they will learn how to change bedding elements and prevent infection. They also include inter- personal skills which teach how to interact with the patients and the other nurses and staff in the establishment in order to effectively perform duties. It is required that you receive CPR certification as well, and most programs offer the 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.

When the course is completed, the nurse aide can take the state skills evaluation testing by registering at one of several local testing sites administered by the state. The skills test contains both a written exam and a show of skills test and both of these must be passed. 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, and a copy of the criminal check done by the program instructors. You will then be ready to seek employment in local hospitals, retirement communities, hospice providers, clinics, and several other medical environments.

Nurse aides in Maine will find themselves in a very competitive field, and there are plenty of opportunities for advancement as you acquire new skills.  Your starting CNA salary will vary depending on where you live and work within the state.

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

2 total views, 1 today