CNA Classes in Baltimore MD
State Requirements for CNA Programs
Hours in Total
Classroom Hours
Clinical Hours
In Maryland, the CNA certification is one of the most basic certification one can achieve to enter the healthcare field. In order to further enhance not only their skills but also their employment opportunities, students can take specialty programs that lead to additional certifications. These certification programs include Certified Medicine Aide (CMA), Dialysis Technician, Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA), and Home Health Aide (HHA). These additional certifications may require prerequisite certifications and are listed on the CNA certification card.
The Maryland Board of Nursing keeps a GNA registry combined with the CNA certification database as mandated by the Federal law. The combined register aids in ascertaining the GNA certification status of CNAs and any disciplinary actions they received.
Baltimore City Community College
The Baltimore City Community College or BCCC educates more than 15,000 students every year. BCCC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division along educates and trains 8,000 students. Students receive affordable, high-quality education and training that are in-demand and can provide plenty of job opportunities.
The Workforce Development Division offers different training programs in child care, construction, court reporting, customized business training, cybersecurity, healthcare, and hospitality and tourism. Programs leading to CNA certifications include Medicine Aide Theory (Part I), Medicine Aide Clinical (Part II), Medicine Aide Update, Multi-Skilled Medical Technician, Nursing Assistant Theory (Part I), and Nursing Assistant Clinical (Part II).
The CNA training program prepares students for employment acute care and long-term care facilities. The Nursing Assistant Theory covers topics in health and disease (across all ages), patient care skills (with laboratory exercises) and medical terminology. A CNA: Medical Terminology course is a prerequisite for the program. Prospective students also need to have prior department approval before registering into the program.
To qualify for the program, prospective students need to pass a Math and reading exam and pass a federal and state level criminal background check. The following requirements need to be submitted during the registration process: a negative TB skin test (PDD) result or clear chest X-ray (for those with a history of TB), proof of immunizations or positive titer (MMR and varicella), proof of Hepatitis B vaccination series completion (or submission of a signed waiver), and in-season flu shots. The PDD test result and chest X-ray should be at least from the past 12 months.
The 32-hour Medical Terminology course costs $244, the 104-hour Nursing Assistant Theory costs $703, and the 40-hour Nursing Assistant Clinical costs $487.
Community College of Baltimore County
There are many credit and non-credit programs offered in CCBC. These programs provide many options for different types of learners, ensuring that there’s a program that meets their needs. CCBC’s Continuing Education department, for example, offers courses and programs under three categories: Professional Development and Job Training, Life Enrichment, and Basic Education (Adult).
The Certified Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Nursing Assistant training program is one of the Health and Human Services Career options. It is available under Nursing professions. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate and they can sit for the state certification exams for both CNA and GNA. Students can complete the 155-hour program within one to three months.
Prospective students need to have prior departmental approval before registering into the program and attend a mandatory orientation (available online). Prospective students also need to complete at least high school, is computer literate and has access to the internet. Admission requirements include a negative PPD test result or a negative chest x-ray (no older than 12 months), proof of vaccinations or positive titer for MMR and varicella, Hepatitis B vaccination series or a declination form, Tetanus shot (taken within 10 years), health insurance card (copy), and a complete PMER provided by the college.
The prerequisite courses (HIPPA training and CPR for Health Care Providers) cost around $198-218. The Nursing Assistant Theory course costs $1,155 while the Nursing Assistant Clinical course costs $880. There are different payment and financial aid options. Students can pay partially (via Nelnet Business Solutions). There’s an additional 4-hour GNA exam review that costs $59.
American Red Cross – Greater Chesapeake Region
The Red Cross chapter in the Chesapeake Region had been around since 1905. Just like Red Cross’s other chapters, the Chesapeake Region chapter provides disaster relief and emergency response. Red Cross also offers training and certification programs like CPR, AED, First Aid, BLS, babysitting, lifeguarding, and CNA training.
The CNA training program prepares students for the state certification exam. Students learn and develop skills to provide care in a wide range of healthcare settings. Included in the program are courses in AED, CPR, and First Aid. The core CNA course covers topics in infection control, vital signs, range-of-motion exercise, patient care delivery, and other vital CNA skills. Red Cross designed this program to help students build the necessary fundamental knowledge and good CNA habits before they pursue further specialized training.
Class sizes are small and only available in daytime schedules. The instructors are professional and highly experienced nurses. They provide personalized and hands-on attention to each student. Instructors will also provide practice certification exams before students take the on-site state certification exam.
A fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice (DOJ) is a requirement for CNA classes in Maryland. Prospective students also need to submit and comply with state-mandated requirements in order to train as a CNA.
The program costs $1,250.
Caroline Center
Founded in 1996 and named after the founder of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Caroline Center offers different educational courses and workforce development programs for women. Local employers consider the center and in turn their graduates, as the best in patient care and customer service.
One of the center’s programs is the CNA/GNA training program. The center’s instructional approach is holistic, with the aim of imprinting the knowledge to students so that they can use the knowledge and skills consistently. The latter is very important for the center since the center’s programs are designed to enrich the women’s lives.
The 15-week program is available in the months of January, April, and September. The center only offers limited seats. Online applications are reviewed on a first-come-first-serve basis. To be considered for the program, applicants need to be: a resident of Baltimore City, at least 20 years old, drug and alcohol-free, completed at least high school or equivalent, and pass the TABE Locator reading and math test. Applicants need to also attend the information session and one-on-one interview.
The center will perform the drug tests and background checks on applicants. Applicants will only receive acceptance letters 7-10 days after they finish the one-on-one interview. The program is scholarship-based. Students only need to pay a $213 professional fee (includes liability insurance, professional license, fingerprinting, and the GNA certification exam).
Formen Nursing Assistant Training Academy
FNAA is a respected local healthcare training provider offering CNA, GNA, CMT, CPR and First Aid programs. With campuses in Hyattsville and Glen Burnie, FNAA believes that trust is the foundation of a great patient-caregiver relationship. That’s why they ensure that their students uphold their patient’s trust through honest, quality, and respectful service.
During their training, students will learn the ins and outs of healthcare settings, the roles of a CNA as a member of a healthcare team, ethics and law in the context of health care, infection control, communication skills, cultural awareness and sensitivity, safety procedures, body mechanics, emergency and disaster preparation, human needs and development, patient positioning, transferring, and ambulation and many more CNA skills and responsibilities. Upon completion of the program, students can receive a CNA Achievement Certificate.
Day and evening classes are available. Students can complete the program within four weeks. Applicants need to be at least 18 years old (applicants need to submit proof of age). Admission requirements include: a completed application form, proof of high school graduation or passing scores on the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test (200 for verbal and 210 for quantitative), a negative PPD test result (TB test) or clear chest x-ray result (at least one year prior to application), and a copy of a physical exam and immunization records.
The total cost of the program is $1,175. This includes the application fee ($25), the registration fee ($50), and the tuition fee ($1,100). FNAA accepts scholarships approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
Gandhi Health Career Services
Founded in 2004, the Gandhi Health Career Services (GHCS) is a diverse, student-centered institution. GHCS offers allied health programs like Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, and Nursing Assistant training.
The CNA/GNA training program prepares students to pursue further education in nursing and eventually future careers as a licensed nurse, specialist clinical nurse, and as an executive in the healthcare industry. The program is for a total of 129 contact hours. The theory portion of the program is for 84 hours with five hours dedicated for the CPR training. Clinical experience will be for 40 hours.
Prospective students can select from weekday (day and evening) and weekend classes. Weekday classes meet from Monday through Thursday for four weeks. The schedule for day classes is theory classes from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and clinicals from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Evening classes hold theory classes from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and clinicals from 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Weekend classes, on the other hand, meet on Saturdays and Sundays for six and a half weeks. The theory classes will be on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and clinicals on Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.cThere will be a total of 21 hours of weekly classroom theory for weekday classes and 16 hours for the weekend classes.
The program costs include the tuition fee ($950), registration fee ($50), textbook ($75), workbook ($25), NNAAP GNA exam fee ($105) and uniforms ($20 per set). Payment plans and financial assistance options are available.
Health Focus, Inc.
Health Focus focuses on the success of their students. This training school wants to keep up with the growing demand for health careers by providing comprehensive health care training and complete facilities. Aside from training programs, Health Focus, Inc. also offers review classes and industry certifications.
The combined CNA and GNA training program’s design prepares students to work in a wide range of healthcare facilities performing different roles and responsibilities like Caregiving, Home Health Aide, and Companion Care/Personal Care Assistant. The comprehensive program also teaches students to become more patient and show more compassion towards others. Several of the skills that students will learn include interpersonal skills, personal care, infection control, addressing patients’ psychosocial needs, ambulatory transfers, basic nursing skills, and restorative skills.
The program is for a total of 114.5 clock hours (four weeks). About 48 clock hours is set aside for the theoretical portion of the program. Laboratory practice is for 24 clock hours while the clinical experience portion clocks at 42.05 hours. Theory classes meet Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Clinicals are on the last week of the program and meet Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Health Focus requires applicants to be at least 18 years old and at least a high school graduate. Applicants also need to submit proofs of Hepatitis B vaccination, current physical exam (within six months), a copy of a valid photo ID, and a Social Security Card.
The total cost of the program is $1,420. This already includes expenses that students need to pay out-of-pocket.
Maryland Center for Adult Training, Inc.
MCAT specializes in workforce development training. It is one of Maryland’s best facilities of its kind; providing career development opportunities and empowerment for unemployed and under-employed individuals in Baltimore City. Established and incorporated in 1998, MCAT gained 501 (c)(3) status in 1999. To date, MCAT trained over 2,400 individuals, 600 of these eventually became CNAs and GNAs.
MCAT’s programs are customized, including the CNA/GNA training program. The program focuses on skills and proficiencies necessary for employment in acute care and long-term care facilities. Students will learn about health and disease across all ages, First Aid/CPR, and hands-on patient care skills in a laboratory setting.
The regular day program is for eight weeks – six weeks of theory and laboratory training and two weeks of clinical experience. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The evening program is 12 weeks long and meets Monday through Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Off-site clinicals meet Monday through Friday from 6:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There’s a bonus week for GNA certification exam review sessions.
A passing TABE test result (at least 9.0 in reading and 7.0 in Math) is a requirement along with a clean criminal background, negative drug screening result, a resume, and two reference letters. Other admission requirements include proof of high school completion, a valid photo ID, Social Security card, immunization/vaccination records, and proof of physical capacity to perform the necessary tasks.
MCAT provides job placement opportunities. About 85 to 90 percent of the school’s job placements are successful. The school follows-up on these placements for a year and has maintained an 80 percent retention rate.
Stein Academy
A school offering health, technology, and career development training programs, Stein Academy (SA) believes that its success is directly correlated to its graduates’ success. The CNA/GNA training program is for a total of 115 contact hours, consisting of 75 contact hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical experience.
Day and evening classes are for four weeks while weekend classes are for eight and a half weeks. Day classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for classroom instruction and 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for clinicals. Evening classes also meet from Monday through Friday but from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for lecture and from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for clinicals. Weekend classes meet on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There are day and evening options for the weekend class clinicals. There is a day class schedule meeting on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
SA accept applicants aged 17 and up. There is an entrance exam for those that didn’t complete high school level of education (with a $35 fee). Applicants need to present a valid photo ID, Social Security Card, IRS Tax ID or a US Immigrations Number, proof of health insurance coverage (or a waiver form), and a proof of CPR and First Aid Training. There are also state-mandated health requirements that include immunization records.
The program cost is $995. Additional costs include books ($105), uniforms ($35/pair or 3 for $100), fingerprinting and background check ($57.25), GNA review ($100), GNA review materials ($30), CNA certification exam fee ($20), and the GNA certification exam fee ($105).
Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute
Also known as TKHCI, Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute is a career school that offers exam preparation, GNA Certification Training, and traditional CNA/GNA Training Programs. TKHCI takes pride in the quality of its programs and teachers. The school also has above 94 percent passing rate in the GNA state certification exam.
The traditional CNA/GNA Training Program is comprehensive and designed to prepare students in performing the roles of a CNA. Specific topics include medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, hygiene and grooming, nutrition, toileting, vital signs, and infection control.
The program is for a total of 115 contact hours. There is a day (four weeks), evening (five weeks), and weekend class options (nine weeks). Day classes meet for classroom and laboratory sessions on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Evening classes meet Monday through Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Weekend classes meet on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Requirements include a completed application form, valid photo ID, Social Security Card, high school diploma/GED (or pass the basic English proficiency exam), clean background check, proof of Hepatitis B vaccination (or a waiver), and physical exam with a negative PDD test result (within 9 months). A CPR certification from the AHA or American Red Cross is a prerequisite. Students can also take the course concurrently with the CNA/GNA program ($60 for the 5-hour course).
The total cost of the program is $1,345. The breakdown is as follows: $1,145 for the tuition fee, $100 for the registration fee, $50 for the textbook and workbook, and $50 for the background check. Payment plans are available.
University of Maryland – Baltimore Washington Medical Center
Located in Glen Burnie, UM BWMC is a nationally-recognized, state-of-the-art medical facility. A member of the University of Maryland Medical System, UM BWMC has 288 beds, 700 physicians, and about 2,200 employees. Within the medical center’s compound are “Centers of Excellence” that offer quality outpatient services. The medical center also offers classes and events for the community and educational programs for health professionals. These programs include a Nurse Residency Program, clinical experience opportunities for nursing students, and a Novice Patient Care Assistant Program.
The Novice PCA Program prepares individuals for the CNA state certification exam. Students will receive hands-on training and skills practice on the necessary PCA skills with an emphasis on effective communication skills and teamwork. PCAs are well-rounded and multi-skilled. They need to provide besides care to patients of different ages and health needs. They need to ensure that the patient’s physical and psychosocial needs are met.
The 8-week program is available on-site and offered twice a year. It is available for both UM BWMC employees and outsiders. UM BWMC requires interested individuals to be at least 18 years old to join the program. They also need to present a high school diploma or equivalent and a current CPR for Healthcare Providers card.
Edmondson Westside High School
Edmondson Westside High School is a merger of Edmondson Senior High School and Westside Skill Center. Westside Skills Center was aimed towards providing vocational and career oriented skills training.
The Nursing Assistant Course offered at Edmondson Westside High School is designed to build on the student’s previous learning experiences to assist in increasing knowledge and skills of nursing care. This will help the student in meeting the needs of the health care consumer who is required to adapt to limitations of daily living, interruption with the family or return to the community.
The training includes assessment, observation and clinical performance skills in patient care, principles of nutrition, medications, the aging process and its impact on the patient, restorative care and communication. Students will be required to spend long periods of time in clinical practice with a focus on acute, sub-acute and long-term care. Clinical experience will take place in hospitals and acute and chronic health care facilities.
Common core standards were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators and experts with the aim of providing a clear and consistent framework to prepare students for college and the workforce. The standards require rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order thinking which will help students to succeed in the global society. Emphasis is placed on aligning the nursing assistant course with the Common Core Standards. With teachers, students and parents all on the same page and working towards a common goal, progress is assured and students are prepared to succeed in college or in the workforce.
Other Classes to Consider
Here are other schools and facilities that have the approval to offer CNA training:
IT Works Learning Center, Inc.
IT Works has three locations in Baltimore city: the Fayette Health & Rehabilitation Center in Fayette Street, the Bon Secours Community Works in Fulton Avenue, and the ManorCare Roland Park in Falls Road. Both the Bon Secours Community Works and the ManorCare Roland Park campuses offer CNA/GNA training programs. The 140-hour CNA/GNA program is available in a part-time or full-time day or evening schedules. The program duration is 9-13 weeks. It costs around $1,800 (there are additional expenses). IT Works doesn’t require a high school diploma or GED. The school also guarantees lifetime job placement.
FutureCare Health is one of the leading short-term rehabilitation and nursing care providers in Maryland. There are about 15 FutureCare centers in the Baltimore-Washington area. The Irvington center offers services like short-stay rehabilitation, long-term care, hospice, and palliative care, case management, dementia care, dietary and nutrition needs management and many more. FutureCare has also been named as one of the state’s top employers for seven consecutive years. Aside from the regular employee benefits package, FutureCare has a tuition reimbursement program and continuous employee training, development, and educational opportunities that centers facilitate for their employees.
Genesis Healthcare has locations in Baltimore that have the approval to offer CNA classes. These locations are Heritage Center, Cromwell Center, and Franklin Woods Center. The Heritage Center offers occupational, physical, and IV therapy, among services and amenities. The Cromwell Center is continuously expanding its short-stay rehabilitation unit. The center also has an excellent hemodialysis unit, secured homestead community, and long-term care unit that takes care of small groups of residents at a time. Finally, the Franklin Woods Center provides short-stay rehabilitation, long-term care, transitional care, and hospice and respite care.
All State Approved CNA Classes in Baltimore
| Location | Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore , MD | Edmondson-westside High School | 501 N Athol Ave | 410-396-0685 |
| Baltimore , MD | Mergenthaler Vocational-technical | 3500 Hillen Rd | 410-396-6496 |
| Baltimore , MD | Milford Mill Academy | 3800 Washington Ave | 410-887-0660 |
| Baltimore , MD | Patterson High School | 100 Kane St | 410-396-9276 |
| Baltimore , MD | Reach! Partnership Middle-high School | 2815 St Lo Dr | 443-642-2291 |
| Baltimore , MD | Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy | 100 N Calhoun St | 443-984-2831 |
| Baltimore , MD | Baltimore City Community College | 2901 Liberty Heights Ave | 410-462-8300 |
| Baltimore , MD | Community College Of Baltimore Co. 1 | 7201 Rossville Blvd | 410-682-6000 |
| Baltimore , MD | Coppin State University | 2500 W North Ave | 410-951-3000 |
| Baltimore , MD | American Health Career Institute | 2520 Pennsylvania Ave | 443-438-4546 |
| Baltimore , MD | American Red Cross | 4800 Mt Hope Dr | 410-624-2000 |
| Baltimore , MD | Caroline Center | 900 Somerset St | 410-563-1303 |
| Baltimore , MD | Health Focus Nrsg Asst. Training | 4900 Belair Rd | 410-488-6600 |
| Baltimore , MD | I.t. Works | 1217 W Fayette St | 410-727-3947 |
| Baltimore , MD | Maryland Center For Adult Training | 2901 Druid Park Dr # 303 | 410-728-0679 |
| Baltimore , MD | Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute Cna | 22 Light St Suite 405 | 410-528-1600 |
| Baltimore , MD | Future Care Of Irvington | 22 S Athol Ave | 410-947-3052 |
| Baltimore , MD | Genesis Healthcare -franklin Woods | 9200 Franklin Square Drive | 410-574-4631 |
| Baltimore , MD | Maryland State Dept. Of Education | 200 W Baltimore St | 410-767-0100 |
| Baltimore , MD | Idf-independent Dialysis Foundation | 840 Hollins St | 410-468-0900 |
| Baltimore , MD | Community Colleges Of Baltimore Co. | 800 South Rolling Road | 443-840-2222 |