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CNA/GNA Training Program Information

Program Information

Students enrolled in the certified nursing assistant/geriatric nursing assistant (CNA/GNA) certification program can complete this course in as little as 5 weeks! Our CNA/GNA certification program meets all the state training requirements. This course prepares students to function in the role of a nursing assistant under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). This course is also designed to meet the curriculum requirements set forth by the Maryland Board of Nursing and Maryland Higher Education Commission.

The CNA/GNA certification program is 115 hours in length. It is divided into  theory, laboratory and clinical components. The theory component is 40 hours, the laboratory component is 35 hours and the clinical component is 40 hours.

CNA/GNA Training Program Classes: Theory

This part of the CNA/GNA course is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge needed to perform basic patient care services for patients and residents under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Students enrolled in the CNA/GNA certification program are taught principles of hygiene and grooming, basic anatomy and physiology, nutrition, medical terminology, principles of toileting, principles of infection control, communication techniques, measuring of vital signs, and other topics.

CNA/GNA Training Program Classes: Laboratory

Along with lecture, students enrolled in the CNA/GNA certification program are taught practical hands-on skills. To ensure our students have mastered these skills, the school has doubled the minimum required hours from 16 hours to 35 hours. This has helped boost the confidence of our students and has empowered them to become the best CNA/GNA possible. Some of the practical skills learned in the CNA/GNA certification program include:

  • Transferring, ambulating, positioning and moving patients
  • Measuring vital signs and weight
  • Performing personal hygiene and grooming
  • Feeding
  • Hand washing
  • Bed making

CNA/GNA Training Program Classes: Clinical

Students enrolled in the CNA/GNA certification program are required to complete a 40-hour clinical externship. This 40-hour clinical externship will occur in a long-term care facility in the Baltimore area and is affiliated with the school. During this clinical externship you will gain hands-on practical experience under the guidance and supervision of a registered nurse.

Daytime CNA/GNA Training Program Class Schedule

  • 5 weeks in duration
  • Class meets Monday-Thursday from 9 am-2:30 pm. During clinical week, class will meet Monday-Friday from 7 am-3:30 pm.
  • Please note: This is a fast-paced program. Students are required to spend about 8-10 hours of additional time outside of class completing and submitting online assignments each week. Please consider this when registering for the CNA program.
Daytime Program
Start Dates
Daytime Program
End Dates
May 6
This class is grant funded. Please call 410 528 1600 for details.
June 14
This class is grant funded. Please call 410 528 1600 for details.

Evening CNA/GNA Training Program Class Schedule

  • 5 weeks in duration
  • Class hours: Monday-Thursday in person from 5 pm-10 pm. This is a fast-paced program. Students are required to spend about 8-10 hours of additional time outside of class completing and submitting online assignments each week. Please consider this when registering for the CNA program.
Evening Program
Start Dates
Evening Program
End Dates
Not available Not available

Weekend CNA/GNA Training Program Class Schedule

  • 7.5 weeks in duration
  • Class meets on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am-4:30 pm in person.
  • Please note: This is a fast-paced program. Students are required to spend about 8-10 hours of additional time outside of class completing and submitting online assignments each week. Please consider this when registering for the CNA program.
Evening/Weekend Program Start DatesWeekend Program End Dates
Not availableNot available

CNA/GNA Training Program Enrollment Requirements (Due before or on first day of program)

  1. A Photo ID and SS card or Tax ID number.
  2. Proof of High school diploma, transcript, GED or pass the Wonderlic Basic English Test.
  3. Pay the $100.00 registration fee at the time of registration.
  4. Proof of a health physical examination performed within 9 months prior to start date. Click here for the health physical form.
  5. Proof of Immunization records or blood titers for Hepatitis B or a signed waiver form Click here for the Hepatitis B waiver form.
  6. Proof of a Tuberculosis skin test or Chest X-Ray performed within 9 months prior to start date.
  7. Proof of a negative COVID-19 test performed within 10 days prior to start date.
  8. Acceptable background check. Click here for the background check instructions and form.
  9. CPR certification from American Heart Association or American Red Cross. For those interested, a CPR class will be offered once during the program and the cost is $85.00.

Please note that you are not required to have a high school diploma to register for the traditional CNA/GNA training program.

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Tuition Free CNA/GNA Training

Tuition free CNA/GNA training is now available to eligible students. To be eligible students must:

  1. Be a Maryland resident
  2. Be 18 years or older
  3. Provide proof of a high school diploma or GED
  4. Pass the TABE test
  5. Have a clear criminal background
  6. Submit proof of enrollment requirements

CNA/GNA Training Program Tuition and Fees

CNA/GNA Training Program Payment Plan

Amount Due Date

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant or Geriatric Nursing Assistant

What Does A CNA/GNA Do?

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide support to patients and help them with daily activities such as grooming and mobility. They also take vital signs. CNA’s work under RN supervision. Geriatric nursing assistants (GNA) assist senior patients with daily activities and, like CNAs, take vital signs of patients.

How Do You Get A CNA/GNA Certification?

To become a certified nursing assistant (CNA), you must complete an approved nursing assistant training program. Then, after completing your CNA classes, you must submit an application to be certified by your state’s Board of Nursing.  Having a criminal history can hinder a person from becoming certified by the board of nursing.

To become a GNA in Maryland, one must complete a CNA program, submit an application to be certified by the board of nursing, and submit an application to Credentia. The fee is $105, and the exam must be taken within 12 months of CNA program completion date.

Where Can I Work as a CNA or GNA?

CNAs have many career options. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) can work in hospitals, assisted living facilities, home care agencies, adult daycare centers, and in the school system. GNAs can work everywhere a CNA can work plus long-term care (nursing homes) facilities.

Enroll in CNA/GNA Courses Near You

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.

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