CNA and GNA Classes in Baltimore

As a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) or GNA (Geriatric Nursing Assistant) in Baltimore, you will be providing essential care and support to patients in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. Your responsibilities may include helping patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, as well as assisting with mobility and transfers, feeding, and toileting. You may also be responsible for taking vital signs, recording patient information, and reporting any changes in the patient’s condition to the nursing staff.

To work as a CNA in Baltimore, you will need to complete a state-approved CNA training program and pass a competency exam. The Maryland Department of Health maintains a registry of certified CNAs in the state, and you will need to be listed on this registry in order to work legally as a CNA.

There are many healthcare facilities in Baltimore that hire CNAs, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. You can search for job openings online, through job placement services, or by contacting healthcare facilities directly.

Working as a CNA can be a challenging but rewarding job, as you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients who need your help and support. It can also be a good stepping stone to other healthcare careers, such as nursing or medical assisting.

Highlights

  1. There are an estimated 13,900 Certified Nurse Assistants employed in the Baltimore-Columbia-Townson  metro area.  There are 11 acute care hospitals in Baltimore as well as dozens of nursing homes and long term care facilities for CNAs to work in.
  2. CNAs in Baltimore can make as much as  $42,330 depending on their experience and place of employment.
  3. The Baltimore – Columbia – Towson area has several CNA programs in for those looking to earn their CNA certification.
  4. Many of the CNA programs in the Baltimore area offer 4 week track programs to quickly CNAs to their certification and begin working and earning an income.


CNA Requirements in Baltimore

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Maryland, you must meet the following requirements:

Complete a state-approved CNA training program: You must complete a state-approved CNA training program that includes at least 120 hours of instruction, including classroom and clinical training. The hours break down this way:

  • 120 total hours:
    • 48 hours lecture
    • 30 hours of clinical practice
    • 42 hours of clinical experience
  • After completing the training program, you must pass the CNA competency exam, which consists of a written test and a clinical skills test.
  • Pass a criminal background check: You must pass a criminal background check before being certified.
  • Be at least 18 years old: You must be at least 18 years old to become a CNA in Maryland.
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED.
  • Complete a health screening: You must complete a health screening that includes a tuberculosis (TB) test and a physical examination.

Note that the specific requirements for becoming a CNA in Maryland can change periodically, so it’s important to check with the Maryland Board of Nursing for the most up-to-date information.

Best CNA Classes Near Baltimore

Exploring CNA programs in Baltimore? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the ten best programs to help you in your educational and career search. Keep reading for detailed information about the cost and location of each course. Here are the ten best 10 CNA classes near you in Baltimore:

RankSchoolPhone#
1Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute410.528.1600
2Health Focus, Inc.410.488.6600
3Caroline Center410.563.1303
4itWorks Learning Center410.881.0684
5Fomen Nursing Assistant Training Academy301.328.0423
6Baltimore City Community College410.986.3207
7Stein Academy410.922.4910
8Vision Allied Health Institute443.520.0801
9Bon Secours410.801.5100
10Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc.410.837.1800

Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute

Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute’s CNA/GNA certification program is an excellent choice for those looking to become certified nursing assistants in a short amount of time. This program can be completed in just 5 weeks and meets all state training requirements. The program is designed to prepare students to function in the role of a nursing assistant under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). It is also structured to meet the curriculum requirements set forth by the Maryland Board of Nursing and Maryland Higher Education Commission.

The program is 115 hours in length and includes theory, laboratory, and clinical components. The theory component is 40 hours, the laboratory component is 35 hours, and the clinical component is 40 hours. With a focus on practical training and meeting state requirements, students can feel confident in their ability to enter the workforce as a certified nursing assistant after completing this program.

Price: $1,395
Address: 11 E. Mount Royal Ave. Suite 001
Baltimore, MD 2120
Phone: 410.528.1600
URL: https://tkhci.com/
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: Morning, weekend, and evening classes available.

Health Focus, Inc.

At Health Focus, Inc., the Certified Nursing Assistant and Geriatric Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA) certification program provides students with the necessary skills to obtain jobs in senior care facilities, private residences, and hospitals. This comprehensive program is designed to teach students personal care, infection control, ambulatory transfers, preventative healthcare methods, and basic nursing and restorative skills. Additionally, the training covers documenting and charting a patient’s vital signs and current condition, measuring solid and liquid intake and output, and reporting to a higher-up in the nursing staff.

The Nursing Assistant Training program is 114.5 clock hours and meets the federal and state training requirements of certified nursing assistants and geriatric nursing assistants in Maryland, including 48 clock hours of lecture/theory, 24 clock hours of lab/practice, and 42.05 clock hours of clinical experience. In a matter of weeks, students can earn a certification and start a rewarding career in healthcare.

Price: $1,515 – includes all expenses.
Address: 4900 Belair Rd.
Baltimore, MD 21206
Phone: 410.488.6600
URL: https://www.hfischool.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: 114.5 total clock hours included in the program.

Caroline Center

Caroline Center provides a 15-week education and career skills training program for individuals interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant or Geriatric Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA). Inspired by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Caroline Center’s program boasts exceptional teaching and proven results evidenced in their many confident, successful, and highly qualified healthcare professional graduates, who are in demand by major area healthcare employers.

The program’s comprehensive curriculum covers a range of topics such as the roles and responsibilities of the CNA/GNA, understanding direct patient care, nursing theory and clinical skills practice, patient assessment, personal care, patient mobility, creating a comfortable environment for the patient, and personal interaction. Trainees have access to a fully equipped and recently updated Skills Lab where they can practice their clinical skills in small groups. Additionally, CNA candidates participate in week-long clinical internships under the supervision of a registered nurse preceptor in area hospitals, assisted living communities, and long-term care centers.

Price: Contact the school for current fee info.
Address: 900 Somerset St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410.563.1303
URL: https://caroline-center.org/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: The program covers your professional licensing fee costs (approx. $250-$300)

itWorks Learning Center

ItWorks Learning Center offers a flexible and convenient Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program. With day and evening schedules offered monthly at three locations in Baltimore City, students can choose what works best for them. The registration process is straightforward and includes attending an information session, filling out an application, paying a $50 fee to reserve a seat, and taking a math and reading test.

The center’s experienced instructors are registered nurses who have worked in long-term care. Payment plans are available, and students can pay weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly while taking the class. Lifetime job assistance is included in tuition, and the center hosts a semi-annual job fair. Students can also take advantage of unlimited skills reviews to prepare for the GNA examination. ItWorks Learning Center provides an on-site location for the GNA exam, which is necessary to obtain certification. For any inquiries, their highly trained administrative staff is available by phone or email.

Price: $1,800 – includes tuition and fees.
Address: 1217 W Fayette St.
Baltimore, MD 21223
Phone: 410.881.0684
URL: https://www.itworkslearning.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Flexible schedules, multiple locations in Baltimore and lifetime job assistance.

Fomen Nursing Assistant Training Academy

Fomen Nursing Assistant Training Academy offers an opportunity for students to receive a comprehensive education in nursing assistant training. Upon completion of the program, graduates will receive a CNA Achievement Certificate from the academy and a CNA Certification from the Maryland Board of Nursing. The academy’s experienced instructors aim to prepare students with a range of skills necessary for a successful career in the industry, including understanding healthcare settings, legal and ethical issues, communication, and cultural diversity.

Students will also receive training in safety and body mechanics, emergency care and disaster preparation, human needs, and development, and positioning, transferring, and ambulation. The academy’s curriculum also covers admitting, transferring, discharging, and the resident’s unit, ensuring that students are fully prepared for their roles as nursing assistants.

Fomen Nursing Assistant Training Academy is committed to providing high-quality education that will prepare students to refine the standard of care in the industry with their services.

Price: $975
Address: 7411 Riggs Road, Ste. 210
Hyattsville, MD 20783
Phone: 301.328.0423
URL: http://www.fomennursingassistant.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Day and evening classes are available as well as CMT and CPR/First Aid courses. Scholarships are available for qualified students.

Baltimore City Community College

Baltimore City Community College offers a comprehensive CNA/GNA training program that prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare. The program covers various topics including patient care, nursing theory, infection control, anatomy and physiology, and legal and ethical issues. The college has a state-of-the-art lab facility where students can practice their clinical skills in a simulated environment.

The program also includes a clinical internship where students get hands-on experience working with patients under the supervision of a registered nurse preceptor. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the Maryland Board of Nursing’s certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant or Geriatric Nursing Assistant. With small class sizes and experienced instructors, Baltimore City Community College is the perfect place to start a career in healthcare.

Price: $1,434
Address: 710 E. Lombard St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410.986.3207
URL: https://www.bccc.edu/Page/1133
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Features state-of-the-art facilities.

Stein Academy

Stein Academy, a State of Maryland and Maryland Board of Nursing-approved private career school, is committed to providing top-notch training in technology, medical, and allied health careers. Their CNA/GNA training program, designed to prepare students to become Certified Nursing Assistants or Nurse Aides, is a perfect choice for those who wish to help care for the physically or mentally ill, injured, disabled or infirm individuals in different settings.

Certified Nursing Assistants work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, providing hands-on care and performing routine tasks. To learn more about what CNAs/GNAs do, where they work, how much they earn, and more, interested individuals can visit Stein Academy’s website.

The CNA/GNA program consists of 115 hours of class, lab, and clinical instructions, which include 75 hours of classroom work and 40 hours of clinical training. Prospective students are required to meet several admission requirements, such as passing a pre-admission test or providing proof of a high school education, possessing a social security card, IRS tax ID or U.S. immigrations number, submitting proof of immunizations and negative tuberculosis test, providing a physical exam report from their physician stating they are in good health, and more.

Prospective students must also be at least 17 years old by the last scheduled class meeting day of the program. With its comprehensive training and supportive faculty and staff, Stein Academy’s CNA/GNA program is a great opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a valuable healthcare professional.

Price: $995 – only covers tuition and lab fees.
Address: 3610 Milford Mill Road, 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21244
Phone: 410.922.4910
URL: https://www.steinacademy.com/healthcare-training-cna-gna-program
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Payment plans are available.

Vision Allied Health Institute

The Certified/Geriatric Nursing Assistant program (CNA/GNA) at Vision Allied Health Institute is an excellent option for individuals interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. The program is designed to provide 120 hours of instruction, including 42 hours of clinical experience, 48 hours of lecture/theory, and 30 hours of lab/practice.

Upon successful completion of the classroom and lab components, students will be assigned and scheduled for their clinical experience within 2 weeks. The theory and lab practice require 3 weeks to complete, followed by 42 hours of clinical which involves 42 hours per week, Monday through Friday, for one week. The total program length is 4 weeks.

The CNA/GNA program at Vision Allied Health Institute satisfies the educational prerequisites for certification with the Maryland Board of Nursing, and the placement rate for the program is an impressive 95%. At an affordable price of $1,280.00, the program is a great opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become a valuable healthcare professional.

Price: $1,280
Address: 1045 Taylor Ave.
Towson, MD 21286
Phone: 443.520.0801
URL: https://www.visionalliedinstitute.org/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: 4-week accelerated CNA course.

Gandhi Health Care

Gandhi Health Care offers CNA classes in morning, evening, and weekend sessions to provide flexibility for prospective students. The program requires 120 hours of instruction, with 88 hours dedicated to theory and skills lab practice, and 40 hours of clinical experience.

Morning classes are held from 9 am to 2:30 pm on Zoom Meeting and Google Classroom from Monday to Thursday, while evening classes are held from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Weekend classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays for six weeks, from 9 am to 3:30 pm on Zoom Meeting and Google Classroom. Skills lab practice is scheduled on selected days and is required to complete the program.

To graduate, students must complete all 80 clock hours for theory/skills lab with a minimum 90% attendance rate, not miss and make up more than 8 clock hours of absence, complete all 40 clock hours of clinical with a minimum 80% attendance rate, achieve an accumulative 80% average on all quizzes and exams, receive a “Pass” score in all skills lab and clinical competencies, and satisfy all financial obligations to Gandhi Health Care.

Price: $1,205 – includes tuition, textbook, workbook, and exam.
Address: 1400 Reisterstown RD Suite B
Pikesville, MD 21208
Phone: 443.352.8030
URL: https://gandhihealthcare.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Free skill lab to practice during your coursework.

Bon Secours **Free CNA/GNA Courses

Bon Secours Community Works is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization and a division of Bon Secours Mercy Health. Bon Secours offers a CNA and GNA training program in Baltimore that provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in the field of nursing.

The program is designed to prepare students for a career in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The program curriculum is comprehensive and includes both theoretical and practical components.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the certification exam to become a CNA or GNA. With a focus on hands-on learning and personalized instruction, Bon Secours is dedicated to helping students achieve their career goals in the nursing profession.

Price: $0
Address: 1800 Washington Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21223
Phone: 410.801.5100
URL: https://www.bonsecours.com/
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: The employment services team works with students to find full time work.

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc.

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc. offers a 12-week Certified Nursing Assistant/ Geriatric Nursing Assistant training program in collaboration with Baltimore City Community College. The program is designed to meet the standards of the Maryland Board of Nursing by providing fundamental nursing courses, CPR training, skill labs, and clinicals.

To qualify for the program, applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, pass an educational assessment and medical screening, and have updated immunization records. Additionally, a clean criminal background and COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations are required.

Price: $0 – tuition-free
Address: 3700 Koppers St.
Baltimore, MD 21227
Phone: 410.837.1800
URL: https://goodwillches.org/programs/cna-gna-training/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: 12-week program in partnership with BCCC.

How Much Do CNAs Get Paid in Baltimore?

The average salary for CNAs in Baltimore is $36,830 per year or $17.71 per hour according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This wage is higher than the Maryland state average of $37,180 and it is just slightly higher than the U.S. average of $36,220 annually.

CNAs EmployedAvg. Annual PayAvg. Hourly Pay
Baltimore13,900$33,540 $16.13
Maryland27,180$34,040 $16.37
United States1,314,830$33,250 $15.99

How Much Do CNA Courses Cost in Baltimore?

The cost of CNA courses in Baltimore can vary depending on the specific training program and the institution offering it. In general, the cost of CNA training in Baltimore can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Some programs may include additional fees, such as the cost of textbooks, uniform, and other materials.

Some institutions in Baltimore that offer CNA training include community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities. The cost of training may be lower at community colleges, which typically offer more affordable tuition rates compared to private institutions.

Additionally, some programs may offer financial aid or scholarship opportunities for students who meet certain eligibility requirements. It’s a good idea to research different CNA training programs in Baltimore and compare their costs and other factors to find the best option for your needs and budget.

Job Opportunities for CNAs in Baltimore

As of the most recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics report, they are approximately 13,900 CNAs working in Baltimore. As the population in Maryland ages, healthcare needs will continue to grow and job opportunities will also improve for CNAs. Where do CNAs work in Baltimore? Check out the top industries employing local CNAs in Baltimore below.

Industry TypeBaltimore CNAs Employed
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)4,798
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals3,936
Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly1,434
Home Health Care Services851
Employment Services396
Individual and Family Services369
Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals266
Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation)264
Offices of Physicians178
Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation)164
State Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation)144
Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities121
Outpatient Care Centers120
Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals93
Elementary and Secondary Schools67

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