Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Baltimore, MD: What You Need to Know
Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) can lead to a very rewarding career, and with the increasing demand for healthcare workers, it can be a very secure source of employment for many people.
If you are interested in becoming a certified nursing assistant, or CNA, in Baltimore, MD, there are a few things you’ll need to understand before starting on your journey.
Certification is a requirement of working in the healthcare field as a nursing assistant, and in order to become certified, it’s important to find a great CNA training program.
Finding a program in Baltimore, MD that is known for a high success rate can help increase your likelihood of passing the required certification exam.
Finding an Approved Training Program
Certified Nursing Assistant training programs must be approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) and Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) prior to accepting students.
Therefore, it’s absolutely essential to check before applying or sending tuition money to a program that it has been approved by the MBON and MHEC. In order to become certified, you will need to complete an approved training program; for a list of approved programs, click here.
Look for a program with small enough class sizes that you will be given adequate attention in the program, and try to find one that has a high exam pass rate—this can contribute to your success as a CNA.
In order to apply for a CNA program, you must be 18 years of age and have either a high school diploma, GED, or a college diploma. If you do not have any of those prerequisites, a school may require that you take an entrance test.
The entrance test consists of basic math and English questions. Check with the program to find out if there are any health requirements that need to be met prior to enrolling in their CNA program.
You’ll also need to provide identification such as a photo ID as well as your Social Security card. Some programs may also require a background check.
Understanding the Training Program Components
Certified Nursing Assistant training in Baltimore is comprised of three parts:
• Theory
• Laboratory
• and Clinical
Theory is usually the bulk, at 44-60 hours, followed by clinical (40 hours), and finally laboratory (16-35 hours).
The breakdown of the program hours will vary depending on which CNA school you attend. In the program, you will learn: basic nursing skills including hygiene, grooming, nutrition, toileting, principles of infection control, communication techniques, taking of vitals signs, and more.
After program completion, you are now eligible to become certified as a nursing assistant by MBON. After you’re certified and after your first renewal, you’ll need to renew your certification every two years.
Start your journey today! Contact an admissions counselor at TKHCI or request an informational packet to learn more about CNA training in the state of Maryland.
