FAQs

CNA & GNA Training Programs

• What does CNA stand for?

  CNA stands for certified nursing assistant. A certified nursing assistant or certified nurse aide is someone who has successfully completed an approved nursing assistant training program. Upon program completion the graduate must submit an application to become certified by the Maryland Board of Nursing. The application fee is $20.00 for initial applicants and $40.00 for renewal applicants.

• What does a CNA do?

  CNAs work under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse (LPN or RN) and are an important part of the healthcare team. CNAs assist residents or patients with activities of daily living. Examples of activities of daily living are bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, transferring and positioning. CNAs also collect important information such as vital signs, and intake & output and report it to the licensed nurse. CNAs work very hard to ensure that their residents or patients are safe and comfortable.

• What does a GNA stand for?

  GNA stands for geriatric nursing assistant.

• What is the difference between a CNA and a GNA?

  A CNA is a person who has completed an approved nursing assistant program and has been certified as nursing assistant by the board of nursing. A GNA is a CNA who has passed the GNA state exam.

• What are the duties of a geriatric nursing assistant?

  Most geriatric nursing assistants working in long-term care facilities or nursing homes, with the supervision of registered nurse (RN) and other qualified health care professionals.

• What are the skills of a CNA?

  There are five main skills that CNAs should have to be effective in their field, including:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Astute observation skills to identify potential problems that others may overlook
  • Ability to follow strict rules and protocol in various situations
  • Time management and organizational skills
  • Compassion and empathy

• How to Become a GNA

  • Find the right nursing assistant school
  • Choose the appropriate GNA program
  • Pay the necessary fees for the GNA exam
  • Pass the Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) exam
  • Meet all federal requirements
  • Renew your GNA certification when needed
  • Retake the nursing assistant training program when needed

• What is the cost of the GNA exam?

  The cost of GNA exam is $105.00. This exam is not mandatory, meaning required. Only CNAs who want to work in nursing homes or on rehabilitation units in the hospital are mandated to be certified as GNAs in Maryland.

• How long does the CNA and GNA certification last?

  After your first renewal, your certification will need to be renewed every two years.

• Is there a cost associated with renewing your CNA and GNA certification?

  Yes, the cost is $40.00 every two years. The $40.00 covers the cost of your CNA and GNA certification.

• Can I use my certification as a nursing assistant in another state?

  If you are certified as a nursing assistant in a state and wish to transfer or obtain certification as a nursing assistant in another state, you must contact that state’s board of nursing. For example, you are certified as a nursing assistant in Pennsylvania and wish to become certified as a nursing assistant in Maryland. You must contact the Maryland Board of Nursing. Some states may accept your certification from your home state, while others may not. In that case you would have to complete an approved nursing assistant training program again.

• I was a CNA in the past, but it has expired. Do I need to take the entire program again?

  If your license has been expired for 24 months or longer, you are required to retake the entire nursing assistant training program again. If it has been less than 24 months, you should contact the Maryland board of nursing (MBON).

• Where can I work as a CNA?

  Becoming a certified nursing assistant offers endless possibilities. As a certified nursing assistant (CNA) you can work in hospitals, assisted living facilities, adult daycare centers, home care agencies and in the school system.

• How much do you make as a CNA?

  The pay for CNAs varies. On average our graduates can expect to make from $13/hr up $17/hr once certified as a CNA. There are many variables that can determine someone’s pay like location, shift and the type of setting one works in.

• What does a CNA license look like?

  In the state of Maryland, paper licenses/certifications are no longer issued to certified nursing assistants. To obtain an electronic copy of your license, please visit mbon.maryland.gov. Scroll to the bottom of the page, and click on “Look-up License”. Scroll again to the bottom of the page and click on “Proceed to look-up your license/verification”. Enter your first and last name in the search criteria box and click search. Once your CNA certification is up, click print. 

• How long can I work in a certified facility without being a CNA?

  In the state of Maryland, persons interested in obtaining their CNA/GNA certification can work in a long-term care facility for up to 120 days. The 120 days begin on the first day of employment. Within those 120 days, the person must complete an approved CNA/GNA training program, successfully pass the GNA certification exam and receive results within the allotted timeframe.

  Please note, long-term care facilities are nursing homes. This does not include hospitals or private-duty agencies.

• What should I look for in a nursing assistant training program?

  Please see our blog post – Registering at Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute

• Where is the school located?

  Top Knowledge is located at 11 East Mount Royal Avenue, Suite 001, Baltimore, MD 21202.

• What is the total cost of the program?

  The total cost of the program is $1,395.00. This price includes your tuition, textbook, and registration fee.

• What items should I bring when I come to register?

  Photo ID, Social Security Card, High school diploma, college diploma or GED and $100.00 for the registration fee to hold your seat in the class.

• If I don’t have a diploma or a GED can I still apply to your program?

  Yes. However, you will have to take a basic English test by Wonderlic. Please call the school to schedule an appointment.

• I graduated from high school but I can’t find my diploma. What should I do?

  You can request a high school transcript from where you graduated. You can also submit a copy of your college diploma or transcript. Finally, you take a basic English test by Wonderlic. Please call the school to schedule an appointment.