TKHCI, Author at TKHCI

Everything You Need to Know About Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) Training Courses in Montgomery County, MD

Are you considering a career in healthcare that involves direct patient care and essential clinical duties? Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) training could be your pathway to a rewarding profession. In Montgomery County, MD, aspiring CMAs have the opportunity to embark on a transformative educational journey with Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute.

What Is a Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA)?

A Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) is a vital member of a healthcare team who assists physicians and other healthcare professionals in clinical settings such as hospitals, clinics, and medical offices. Their responsibilities include taking patient medical histories, preparing patients for examinations, assisting during procedures, administering medications under the direction of a physician, and performing basic laboratory tests. CMAs play a crucial role in ensuring efficient patient care delivery and maintaining the smooth operation of medical facilities.

Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute is offering CMA classes in Montgomery County. Reach out to us if you’re considering a career as a CMA! Sign up below to get more information.

What to Expect in CMA Training Courses

Approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), our CMA program is meticulously designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for success in clinical settings.

Upon successful completion of the Clinical Medical Assistant program, students will receive a certificate of completion from our institution, validating their dedication and achievement. Additionally, graduates will be eligible to sit for the national Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), opening doors to professional certification and advancement opportunities in the healthcare field.

Some of the things you can expect to learn include:

Medical Terminology

Understand medical terminology that is fundamental for effective communication in healthcare settings.

Anatomy & Physiology

Gain a basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology for performing clinical procedures and communicating with healthcare professionals.

Patient Care Procedures

Learn techniques for taking patient medical histories, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting with various clinical procedures.

Vital Signs Monitoring

Learn how to accurately measure and record vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, and respiratory rate.

Medication Administration

Understand proper techniques for administering medications, including injections and oral medications, dosage calculations, and medication safety protocols.

Medical Laboratory Procedures

Learn basic laboratory procedures such as specimen collection, handling, and processing, as well as performing simple diagnostic tests.

Medical Office Procedures

Develop proficiency in administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing medical records, and billing procedures commonly performed in medical office settings.

Medical Ethics & Law

Understand ethical and legal considerations in healthcare, including patient confidentiality, informed consent, and HIPAA regulations.

Infection Control

Learn techniques for preventing the spread of infections in clinical settings, including proper hand hygiene, sterilization, and disinfection procedures.

Emergency Procedures

Learn basic first aid techniques, CPR, and emergency response protocols for handling medical emergencies.

How Long Does CMA Training Take?

CMA training typically varies in duration based on the program’s format and intensity. Some programs offer accelerated options that can be completed in a matter of months, while others may extend over several months, especially if they include extensive clinical experience or internship components.

Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute offers CMA training with flexible scheduling options to accommodate different lifestyles. Our evening CMA training classes are held Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 pm and span approximately 3 months. Alternatively, our weekend CMA training classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 4 pm, also lasting about 3 months. Both programs require approximately 8 hours of additional weekly study outside of class to ensure comprehensive learning and skill development.

Where to Find CMA Training Classes in Montgomery County

Looking for reputable CMA training courses in Montgomery County, MD? Look no further than Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute. Situated in the heart of the county, our institute is dedicated to providing high-quality education and training for aspiring CMAs. We understand the importance of offering flexible scheduling options to meet the needs of our diverse student body, whether you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments.

What sets us apart from other training institutes is our state approval from MHEC. In addition, our commitment to hands-on learning and practical skill development. Our experienced instructors provide personalized attention and guidance to each student, ensuring they acquire the knowledge and proficiency needed to excel in their future roles as CMAs. Additionally, our facility creates an optimal learning environment where students engage in interactive lectures, simulation labs, and real-world clinical experiences.

With a focus on learning by doing, our curriculum incorporates practical, real-life scenarios that prepare students for the challenges they’ll encounter in the field. At Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute, we’re dedicated to empowering our students for success in their CMA careers.

Get Started with Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute’s CMA Training Classes in Montgomery County, MD

By choosing Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute for your CMA training, you’re not just enrolling in a program—you’re investing in your future career success. Contact us today to learn more about our training programs and start your journey toward becoming a skilled and competent CMA.

What You Need to Know About Pharmacy Technician Training Courses in Montgomery County, MD

Are you considering a career in healthcare that offers dynamic opportunities and a chance to make a meaningful impact? Pharmacy technician training could be the perfect pathway for you. Before enrolling in pharmacy technician training courses in Montgomery County, Maryland, it’s essential to understand what these programs entail and what to expect from the training process.

What Is a Pharmacy Technician?

A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who assists pharmacists in dispensing medications to patients. They work in various settings such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, mail-order pharmacies, and managed care facilities. Their responsibilities include preparing prescriptions, maintaining inventory, processing insurance claims, and providing customer service. Pharmacy technicians must have strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and a solid understanding of pharmaceutical terminology and practices.

Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute is offering Pharmacy Technician classes in Montgomery County. Reach out to us if you’re considering a career as a Pharmacy Technician! Sign up below to get more information.

What to Expect in Pharmacy Technician Training Courses

Pharmacy technician training courses cater to individuals with minimal or no prior pharmacy experience, as well as those seeking support in obtaining national certification.

Upon completing the course successfully, you’ll qualify to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the PTCB. A passing score on the PTCE enables you to register as a pharmacy technician in Maryland or any other state in the US that mandates national certification for registration or certification.

Some of the things you can expect to learn include:

Pharmacy Law and Ethics

Gain a comprehensive understanding of legal and ethical principles governing pharmacy practice.

Medications & Drug Classifications

Explore various medications and their classifications, including their uses and effects.

Prescription Processing & Preparation

Learn the intricacies of processing and preparing prescriptions accurately and efficiently.

Drug Compounding

Acquire skills in compounding medications according to specific patient needs and prescriptions.

Medication Safety & Error Prevention

Understand crucial protocols to ensure medication safety and minimize errors in pharmacy practice.

Pharmacy Calculations

Develop proficiency in performing pharmaceutical calculations essential for dosage determination and preparation.

Pharmacology

Dive into the fundamentals of pharmacology and other pertinent topics essential for a successful career as a pharmacy technician.

How Long Does Pharmacy Technician Training Take?

Pharmacy technician training typically ranges from several months to a year, depending on the program’s intensity and format. Some programs offer accelerated options that can be completed in as little as a few months, while others may be part-time and extend over several months. Additionally, online courses and traditional classroom-based programs may have varying durations.

Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute offers pharmacy technician training with flexible scheduling options to accommodate various lifestyles. Students can choose between evening or weekend programs, both available online with live instructors. The evening program spans approximately three months, with classes held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm to 9:30 pm, while the weekend program also runs for about three months, with classes on Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Additionally, students are expected to dedicate at least 8 hours per week outside of class for online assignments.

Where to Find Pharmacy Technician Training Classes in Montgomery County

If you’re seeking top-notch pharmacy technician training courses in Montgomery County, MD, look no further than Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute. Our institute prides itself on offering comprehensive and dynamic training programs designed to equip aspiring pharmacy technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the field.

At Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute, we understand the importance of quality education. Our online platform, coupled with experienced instructors, ensures that students receive the same level of excellence as they would in a traditional classroom setting. Whether you’re a newcomer to the field or looking to enhance your existing skills, our courses cater to individuals at all levels of experience.

Conveniently accessible from Montgomery County, MD, our institute provides easy access to residents seeking quality education in healthcare. With flexible scheduling options, including evening and weekend programs conducted online with live instructors, we strive to accommodate the diverse needs of our students.

Get Started with Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute’s Pharmacy Technician Training Classes in Montgomery County, MD

Join us at Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute and take the first step towards a rewarding career as a pharmacy technician. Contact us today to learn more about our training programs and start your journey toward success in the healthcare industry.

Looking for Phlebotomy Classes in Montgomery County, MD

Considering enrolling in phlebotomy training courses in Montgomery County, Maryland? There are certain things to keep in mind.

What Exactly Is Phlebotomy?

The first thing to understand is precisely what phlebotomy is and what it entails. Phlebotomy is a practice involving the removal of blood from the body or the veins. This extracted blood is then used for the purpose of donation, medical testing, or other potential clinical uses.

The people who perform phlebotomy procedures are nurses, doctors, or specialized medical technicians such as phlebotomists specifically trained in this area.

Top Knowledge Healthcare will soon be offering MA classes in Montgomery County. Reach out to us if you’re considering a career as a Medical assistant (MA)! Sign up below to get more information.

What to Expect in Phlebotomy Courses

During a phlebotomy training course in Montgomery County, you’ll learn all of the aspects you need to learn to become a successful phlebotomist. Whether you’re planning on working in a laboratory, hospital, clinic, or blood donation center, you’ll learn what you need to know for any environment.

Some of the things you can expect to learn include:

Blood Collection Procedures – This is vital to the everyday duties of phlebotomists. Procedures you learn will include venipuncture techniques for various patients, including newborns, children, and seniors.
Lab Safety Practices – Learn about the different lab equipment and proper cleaning processes.
Point-of-Care Testing and Special Collections – Gain familiarity with unique and specific collection processes for blood and other bodily fluids.
Blood and Cell Make-Up – In your course, you’ll learn how infection affects both cells and blood and how to prevent any potential issues when drawing blood.
Physiology and Anatomy – Get a complete understanding of the core physiology and anatomy involved in phlebotomy especially the vascular system.
Medical Terminology – Learn the specific vocabulary used in phlebotomy, including technical and scientific terms.

How Long Does Phlebotomy Training Take?

Phlebotomy training program and course durations will depend on the type of program in which you’re enrolled. Programs can range anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

Where to Find Phlebotomy Classes in Montgomery County

If you’re trying to find the best phlebotomy class in Montgomery County, MD, you’ll be able to get the training you need here at Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute. We can help you get the training and certification you need within 6-8 weeks.

To learn more about our phlebotomy training program, simply contact us and we’ll provide you with all of the information you need to get started. We’ll be opening new course offerings in Montgomery County soon!

Can You Get a CNA Certification Without a GED or High School Diploma?

If you’re interested in becoming a CNA, but you don’t have a high school diploma or GED, that’s okay! You can still attend classes, complete a CNA program, and take the GNA certification exam. Check out frequently asked questions about becoming a CNA without a GED or high school diploma and learn more about CNA programs below.

Do You Need a GED to Enroll in CNA Classes?

There are no state regulations stating that individuals are required to have a high school diploma or GED prior to attending nurse aide or CNA classes. However, some schools and nursing facilities offering CNA classes may require a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) to enroll in the program. A program coordinator at the school or nursing facility that is offering CNA classes should be able to tell you what is required.

At Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute, you are not required to have a high school diploma or GED to register for our CNA/GNA training program.

Do You Need a High School Diploma to be a CNA?

You do not need a high school diploma to become a CNA. In fact, plenty of successful CNAs never earned a GED or high school diploma.

While you don’t need a high school diploma of GED to become a CNA, having a diploma can certainly help improve your job prospects, considering some employers prefer to hire CNAs with a high school education. Additionally, if you plan to move into a different health care field or profession, you’ll need to have a GED or high school diploma.

How Long Is a CNA Program?

CNA programs vary in length, but they can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks to complete.

Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute offers a CNA/GNA certification program that is 115 total hours in length. Our daytime and evening CNA training programs are 5 weeks in duration, and our evening/weekend CNA training program is 6.5 weeks in duration.

Can I Get My CNA Online?

Many CNA programs—including Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute’s program—offer CNA classes online. However, there will always be an in-person component to CNA training programs.

How Much Do CNA Classes Cost?

The cost of CNA classes varies from program to program and state to state. However, CNA programs can cost up to $2,000 for tuition in addition to textbook costs and other fees.

At Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute, our total program cost is $1,395, including all tuition, textbook, and workbook fees.

How to Get Your CNA License Without a GED

1. Complete a CNA Training Program

To become a CNA, you will need to complete a state-approved training program. Find a CNA training program that does not require you to have a high school diploma or GED.

Different states have different requirements for CNA training and certification. For example, CNA programs in Maryland must include a minimum of 100 hours of total training, with a minimum of 40 total clinical hours.

2. Submit Your CNA Application

After completing your CNA classes, you must submit an application to be certified by your state’s Board of Nursing. It is important to note that having a criminal history can hinder you from becoming certified.

3. Pass a Certification Exam

The final step is passing your GNA exam. The GNA certification exam is optional and must be taken within 12 months of your CNA program completion date.

Get Started with Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute’s CNA Classes—No GED or Diploma Required!

In-Person & Online CNA Classes Near You

You are not required to have a high school diploma or GED to register for our CNA/GNA training program. To learn more about Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute’s CNA/GNA certification training program, contact us today. We offer convenient weekend, daytime, and evening classes to help make it easier to achieve your goal of becoming a CNA or GNA.

Is A Phlebotomy Training Program Right for You?

What is a Phlebotomist?

Phlebotomists draw and prepare blood for laboratory testing, blood transfusions or blood donations. Phlebotomists are trained to collect blood via venipuncture, finger pricks, or in the case of infants, heel pricks.

Where does a Phlebotomist Work?

Phlebotomists can work in many different healthcare settings. For example, Phlebotomists can work in clinical laboratories, hospitals, dialysis centers, physician’s practices, nursing homes, blood donation centers and in clinics.

What are the duties of Phlebotomist?

The duties of a phlebotomist will vary depending on where you work, however in most healthcare settings, the duties are very similar. Being aware of what to expect before you start your phlebotomy training class and eventually apply for a job is important so you can decide if phlebotomy is right for you.

Expect the following duties once you start a phlebotomy training program and when you begin employment:

Identifying patients prior to blood or specimen collection
Preparing patients for blood draws
Ensuring all the correct supplies are available and organized
Finding usable veins
Performing blood draws (venipuncture)
Collecting and labeling blood specimens
Maintaining standard precautions
Using proper sterilization techniques

What certifications do I need as a Phlebotomist?

Most employers require Phlebotomists to hold a certificate from an approved college or a career school. Phlebotomy programs typically last less than a few months and include classroom and laboratory instruction.

Employers may also require Phlebotomists to obtain and maintain certification from a certifying organization, including but not limited to the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) and National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Interested in becoming a phlebotomist? Request program registration information! Fill out the form below.

Phlebotomy Training Classes: What to Expect

What is Phlebotomy?

Before we deep-dive into phlebotomy classes, it’s important that you have a clear understanding of what exactly phlebotomy is. Phlebotomy is the practice of removing blood from the veins or body for the purpose of medical testing, donation, or other uses.

Phlebotomy is often performed by a nurse, doctor, or by a specialized technician such as a phlebotomist.

What Does A Phlebotomist Do?

At its most basic, the main function of a phlebotomist is draw out and prepare blood. Some of the ways in which blood is typically collected is through finger pricks, heel pricks (for infants), or venipuncture (drawing blood through a vein). The blood can then be used for a variety of medical tests, transfusions, or donation.

How Do You Get A Phlebotomy Certification?

Currently, there are only four states that require a certification to practice phlebotomy: California, Louisiana, Washington, and Nevada. This means that, while in many other states a phlebotomy certification isn’t required, having one would certainly give an advantage to those seeking careers in the field. To become a certified phlebotomy technician (CPT) generally requires the completion of a specific number of hours in classes/training, a specific number of hours in clinical practice of different types of blood draws, and a written exam.

Which Phlebotomy Certification Is Best?

There are three levels of certification. Each level signifies what types of phlebotomy or blood draws the holder is qualified to perform:

Limited Phlebotomy Technician (LPT) – skin puncture only
Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I) – skin puncture and venipuncture
Certified Phlebotomy Technician II (CPT II) – skin puncture, venipuncture, and arterial draws

Each subsequent level of certification will have higher requirements in training and clinical experience.

What Will I Learn in Phlebotomy Class?

In phlebotomy class, you’ll learn everything you need to know to have a successful career in healthcare such as a hospital, laboratory, blood donation center or clinic setting. In phlebotomy training, expect to learn:

Blood Collection Procedures: This is core to the daily processes of a phlebotomist. You’ll learn venipuncture techniques for different people (newborns, seniors, etc.).
Special Collections and Point-Of-Care Testing: You will become familiar with specific and unique collection procedures for bodily fluids.
Lab Safety Practices: You’ll become an expert in safely handling lab equipment & clean up processes.
Anatomy & Physiology: You’ll become well-versed in the core anatomy and physiology that you deal with as a phlebotomist.
Cell & Blood Make-Up: In class, you will learn how infection affects the blood and cells and how to prevent this when drawing blood.
Medical Terminology: You will learn special vocabulary of scientific and technical terms used in the healthcare setting.

How Long is Phlebotomy Training?

The duration of phlebotomy training classes varies from program to program. Programs can be as long as a few months or as a few weeks. Learn more about the various programs we offer.

Top Knowledge’s Phlebotomy Certification Training Program & Classes: Baltimore and Montgomery County (Coming Soon)

Top Knowledge Healthcare Institution is your premier source for phlebotomy courses in Baltimore, Maryland. Top Knowledge offers a 100-clock hour phlebotomy technician training program composed of:

theory (40 clock hours)
laboratory (20 clock hours)
clinical (40 clock hours)

The program can be completed in as little as 6 weeks.

Learn more about program and enrollment requirements.

Interested in becoming a phlebotomist? Request program registration information! Fill out the form below.

Are Online Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Classes Right for You?

What does an online/hybrid certified nursing assistant (CNA) program entail?

A hybrid program is a program that consists of both online instruction and in-class instruction. This is very exciting because this type of program gives the student more flexibility. Hybrid programs allow students the opportunity to plan their study time around the rest of their day, instead of the other way around. Also, hybrid programs are a good option for students who need to balance their work and family commitments.

What is involved in the hybrid CNA Training Program?

The hybrid CNA training program is broken down into three different sections of coursework that is required for graduation. The first is the theory component. The theory component of the hybrid CNA training program consists of 40 hours, with the majority being completed online.

The second portion of the hybrid CNA training program is the laboratory component. The laboratory component consists of 35 hours and this training will be completed face-to-face in class. The student will learn basic nursing skills that include hygiene, grooming, nutrition, toileting, principles of infection control, taking of vital signs, how to safely lift, position and move patients and more.

The third and final component of the hybrid CNA training program is the clinical component and is comprised of 40 hours worth of training. This section will be completed in a nursing home, like all CNA training programs. During this clinical experience students will gain hands-on practical experience. You will also be under the guidance and supervision of a registered nurse.

Requirements To Enroll in a Hybrid CNA Training Program

Students interested in enrolling in the hybrid CNA training program will have to meet the minimum requirements needed for our traditional CNA program plus more. One additional requirement is having basic computer skills. Students will need to complete an online placement test using a computer to show basic computer skills. Another requirement is having access to a computer with reliable internet access. These two requirements are very crucial in determining one success in a program such as this because most of your assignments will be submitted or completed online.

What Does a Certified Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) do in a Nursing Home?

Residents living at a nursing home have a variety of needs. They require the right personnel with the proper training to deliver the highest quality care. A nursing home employs a wide range of professionals that complete a myriad of different tasks each and every day. Doctors, nurses, and certified geriatric nursing assistants are on hand each and every day to insure that each resident whether short term or long term (incomplete).

asia-1807539_1920

The Certified Geriatric Nursing Assistant’s Role at the Nursing Home

Though nurses and doctors are often seen as the highest up employees in this hierarchy, without a team of dedicated geriatric certified nursing assistants, patients would not get the one-on-one care they need to recover. Certified geriatric Nursing’s Assistants, or GNAs for short, complete a long list of varied tasks that differ from resident to resident. For the most part, a great deal of the time that a GNA spends with a patient is going to be attending to daily tasks that the resident cannot perform for themselves. General tasks include:

Bathing
One great example of this is bathing and oral hygiene. The GNA might help the resident bathe either in the shower or in the bed depending on their physical limitations, which helps to both raise spirits and keep residents healthy.

Grooming
GNAs might also help brush teeth, brush hair, dress the residents and more to help keep them clean and happy. A GNA might also be called on to help feed a resident if they are not able to feed themselves. This is a vital role that helps insure patients get the nutrients they need and that they still feel that they are cared for.

Toileting
On top of hygiene, GNAs may also be called on to help residents use the toilet and to clean up afterwards. This is a vital role as well as some nursing home residents do not have the strength that it takes to get up and go to the toilet on their own. GNAs are also vital when it comes to things like cleaning beds and changing sheets to again make sure that the resident is comfortable and clean at all times. GNAs will not be required to administer medication as it is the duty of the nurse to do so but a GNA may also help the nurse watch for possible side effects of medications to help keep residents healthy.

Keeping Company
Overall a GNA is going to be called on to help residents with the daily tasks that they can no longer do on their own. In a nursing home where there is a large staff, GNAs may also be asked to sit with residents to keep them company or to monitor them for any changes in their health. It is crucial that GNAs be kind, compassionate, and patient as those that are living in nursing homes can generally do very little for themselves and helping someone with every task may become trivial or at times become trying.

GNAs are the backbone that helps keep nursing homes running smoothly and that helps residents remain healthy and happy despite the odds.

Top Knowledge Healthcare Students Get Top Scores on 2015 GNA Certification Exam

Recently, the Maryland Board of Nursing released their list of 2015 GNA certification exam pass rates in Maryland, which includes all private schools and community colleges in Baltimore. Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute appeared toward the top of the list with one of the best pass rates.

students

How We Got There

Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute’s high standards push students to discover their full potential as nursing assistants. We work hard to provide the most comprehensive education possible in this industry, and this achievement reflects those efforts.

The list includes pass rates from the beginning to end of 2015, with rates ranging from 100% at the top to 0% at the bottom. Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute is among the top rankings, with a combined average of 94.45% pass rate for the written and skills portions of the GNA certification exam. This pass rate displays how our school has effectively prepared students for careers as nursing assistants, with knowledgeable staff who have been able to provide students with the education they need.

With continued top-notch education and training, we hope we can raise that pass rate to 100% in the years to come.

Getting a CNA/GNA Certification at Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute

At Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute, we are dedicated to providing CNA and GNA students with the best possible education to prepare them for flourishing careers as nursing assistants. As our pass rate shows, we have managed to remain successful in our efforts, giving students all of the tools and resources they need to succeed.

Considering the fact that the Maryland Board of Nursing recognizes us for our ability to help nursing assistant students excel, we hope that this encourages future students continue to look to us for their education. The MBON has developed specific regulations for nursing assistant training programs and exams, which TKHCI exceeds.

When students take the GNA certification exam at our school, they should have the resources they need to perform well, and our pass rate shows that we have provided our students with all of the knowledge and training to help them get started.

Get Some of the Best CNA/GNA and GNA Training in Maryland

If you would like to be among the passing students who take the GNA certification exam at TKHCI, enroll with us today and we’ll help you begin a long and fruitful career as a certified nursing assistant.

What to Know about Renewal of CNA Certification in Baltimore

Healthy-tools
If you’re working as a CNA or GNA in Baltimore, Maryland, making sure that your certification is up to date each year is critical. Working without valid credentials can lead to serious problems.

CNA certification is the basic level of certification in Maryland, and any other certifications are in addition to CNA certification. In order to work in any facility or in-home care setup, workers MUST be CNA certified. Once certified, these workers will need to pay attention to when they need to renew their certification. The Board of Nursing in Maryland is responsible for processing CNA certification and renewals, not the testing service or the institution where a person attended CNA training courses.

What to Know About CNA License Renewal

Renewal guidelines are different in each state, but when you receive your CNA license, there should be an expiration date on it. If there isn’t, you’ll need to contact your state’s nursing board website, or contact them to look up your license and find out when you need to renew. In order to get your license renewed, you will need to have worked as a CNA for the required number of hours per week as required by the state, and your record must be clear of complaints of abuse or neglect. Some states also require continued education.

How Often Do You Need to Renew Your CNA Certification

CNA certification is generally for a two-year period, following the date of the first renewal. Thereafter, the CNA certification typically expires on the 28th day of the individual’s birth month in an even or odd year. That is, if the individual is born in an odd year, the certificate will expire in an odd year, and if the individual is born in an even year, the certification will expire in an even year.

Renewal is typically $40 per renewal.
doctor-appointment-schedule

What Happens If You Let Your CNA Certification Lapse

If you don’t renew your certification on time, or your license has changed from active to inactive, you will need to reinstate your license instead of renewing it. The reinstatement process is a bit more in-depth than simple renewal.

For reinstating your license after recent expiration, you will likely need to pay an additional late fee. However, if you are reinstating it because you haven’t been continually employed as a CNA and your license was marked null and void, you will need to follow reinstatement instructions that are similar to the requirements for initially getting a new CNA license. In other words, you will need to apply for a new license, pass a background check, and pass the CNA certification exam. In some states, you may be required to retake training courses.

Because the reinstatement process can take several weeks, you may need to apply for a temporary CNA license for the interim. Your eligibility for one—you cannot work without a license—will depend on the reason for reinstatement.

Learn More About CNA Certification

Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute in Baltimore, MD is proud to offer a comprehensive training program to prepare students for a CNA career. To learn more about our course offerings, contact us today or visit https://tkhci.com/program/.