Certified nursing assistants are at the heart of everyday care in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. If you are looking for meaningful work helping people, becoming a CNA in Maryland is a great place to start. Here is how the process works, step by step.
Quick takeaways
- In Maryland, nursing assistants are certified by the Maryland Board of Nursing after completing a Board-approved training program.
- To work in a Maryland nursing home, CNAs also need Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) certification, which requires passing a state exam.
- Many community colleges and training programs in the Baltimore area offer combined CNA/GNA courses.
- CNAs are the heart of daily care, and the role can lead to further careers in nursing.
What does a CNA do?
CNAs help residents and patients with everyday activities and comfort, working closely with nurses and therapists. A typical day might include:
- Helping with bathing, dressing, grooming and meals
- Assisting residents with walking, transfers and repositioning
- Taking vital signs and reporting changes to the nurse
- Keeping rooms safe, clean and comfortable
- Offering companionship and encouragement
CNA vs. GNA in Maryland
Maryland has two related credentials:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): certified by the Maryland Board of Nursing after completing a Board-approved training program.
- Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA): a CNA who has also passed the state GNA exam. GNA certification is required for nursing assistants working in Maryland licensed nursing homes, and it appears on your CNA certification.
How to become a CNA and GNA in Maryland
- Choose a Board-approved training program. The Maryland Board of Nursing publishes a list of approved programs. For nursing home work, choose a program that prepares you for the GNA exam, which includes at least 100 hours of training with clinical experience in a Maryland nursing home.
- Complete your training. Courses cover basic care skills, safety, infection control, communication and residents’ rights, along with hands-on clinical practice.
- Apply for CNA certification with the Maryland Board of Nursing, including a criminal background check.
- Take the GNA exam to earn your GNA designation for nursing home work.
- Keep your certification current by renewing on time and meeting work requirements.
The best CNAs bring skill and kindness together, and residents remember both.
Where to train near Baltimore
Many community colleges and training providers in the Baltimore area offer combined CNA/GNA programs, including the Community College of Baltimore County. Check the Maryland Board of Nursing’s approved program list before you enroll.
Working while you finish certification
Maryland rules allow nursing assistants a limited period, up to 120 days from their first day of employment, to complete training and testing requirements. Ask potential employers how this works for their positions.
Growing your career
Many nurses started as CNAs. Experience as a CNA or GNA can lead to roles such as certified medication technician, licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN). Working in a setting with both short-term rehab and long-term care builds a wide range of skills.
Is a CNA career right for you?
If you are patient, dependable, a good listener and enjoy helping people, you may find this work deeply rewarding. You will build real relationships with residents and families and make a difference every single day.
See current openings on our Careers page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I become a CNA in Maryland?
Complete a nursing assistant training program approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, then apply to the Board for CNA certification. A criminal background check is part of the process.
What is the difference between a CNA and a GNA in Maryland?
A CNA is certified by the Maryland Board of Nursing after completing an approved program. A GNA, or Geriatric Nursing Assistant, is a CNA who has also passed the state’s GNA exam. GNA certification is required to work as a nursing assistant in a Maryland licensed nursing home.
How long does CNA training take in Maryland?
Many programs can be completed in several weeks to a few months, depending on the schedule. Programs that prepare students for GNA include at least 100 hours of training with clinical experience in a Maryland nursing home.
Can I work in a nursing home while I finish GNA certification?
Maryland rules allow a limited period, up to 120 days from the first day of employment as a nursing assistant, to complete training and testing requirements. Employers can explain how this applies.
Where can I find CNA classes near Baltimore?
The Maryland Board of Nursing keeps a list of approved programs. Many Baltimore-area community colleges, including the Community College of Baltimore County, offer CNA/GNA programs.
This article is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Coverage rules can change, so confirm details with Medicare, your plan or your care team.
