Online CNA Classes in Maine: Review Top Schools & Compare
Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) provides the opportunity to work with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to give patients the best possible experience during a difficult time in their lives. Choosing the best online CNA class can help you jumpstart a new career in Maine’s allied health field. Read on to learn more about prospective programs, how much they will cost, what the admission requirement are, and what to expect from the curriculum. We have also provided answers to FAQs about financial aid opportunities, the certification process in Maine, and accelerated programs.
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Exploring Online CNA Classes in Maine
When you’re ready to move into an exciting career that allows you to use hands-on skills to help patients, an online CNA course might be your ideal option. The training to become a CNA can take as little as four weeks. These courses prepare you to sit for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam – which you must pass to work as a nurse aide. Once you pass the test, you’ll have the credentials to work anywhere CNAs are needed.
Online CNA classes in Maine offer a flexible, convenient way to start a healthcare career. These programs typically combine online coursework with in-person clinical training. The online portion covers theoretical topics like basic nursing skills, infection control, and patient care, while clinical hours provide supervised, hands-on experience at a local healthcare facility.
If you’re ready to learn more about the online CNA course Maine has to offer, read on!
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Apprentice Training Program – MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Portland
MaineHealth Maine Medical Center (MHMMC) offers a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed to meet Maine’s 130-hour training requirement. This program combines in person coursework, lab-based learning, and hands-on clinical training to prepare students for CNA certification and a successful career in healthcare. Although this is an in-person program, it is only seven weeks long and offered at no charge for students, in fact apprentices get paid $17.34 per hour plus benefits throughout the duration of the program. At the end of the program MHMMC will pay all fees for the CNA exam. The only catch is that you must work for MHMMC Portland for at least one year after graduating.
Duration: 7 weeks (28 hours of training over 4 days per week)
Mode: In person
Cost: No cost
Admissions Requirements:
- 18 years of age by the start of the course
- Maine resident
- A clear criminal record and background check
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
- Pass the CASAS assessment with a score of 240 or above
- Two letters of recommendation
- Provide high school diploma or equivalent
Curriculum:
- Age-specific care through the lifespan
- Safe patient care delivery
- Infection control principles and practices
- Body mechanics and mobility skills
- Communication skills
- Assisting with activities of daily living
- Nutrition and assisting patients with meeting nutritional needs
- Common health problems and nursing assistant care
- CPR and basic life support (BLS)
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Certified Nursing Assistant Course – Maine College of Health Professions
The Maine College of Health Professions offers a wide variety of certificates, certifications, and degrees in all areas of allied health, including the Certified Nursing Assistant course. The college has been assisting healthcare professionals in earning their credentials for more than 132 years and currently has a 100% job placement rate; anyone who graduates from this CNA program is virtually guaranteed a position in their desired field.
The curriculum follows the guidelines set forth by the state of Maine to ensure that graduates can work anywhere in the state. This CNA course in Maine includes classroom and clinical instruction, which covers everything from communication to legal aspects of the job to the practical hands-on skills necessary to take care of patients. Full-time and part-time options are available, as well as assistance in paying for tuition. There are three starting dates each year for even more flexibility.
Duration: Four to 16 weeks
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $700 – $1,200
Admissions Requirements:
- 18 years of age by the start of the course
- A clear criminal record and background check
- Proof of immunization
- Provide high school diploma or equivalent
Curriculum:
- Caring for the patient’s physical systems
- Infection control
- Care of patients throughout the lifespan
- Concepts of legal and ethical aspects of care
- Communication
- Documentation
- Safety
Providing Answers to Popular Questions from CNA Students
Navigating the path to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the healthcare field. Below, we’ve compiled and answered some of the most common questions prospective CNA students in Maine often ask, covering everything from free training programs to licensing requirements and career outlooks.
Are there free CNA training programs in Maine?
Yes, free CNA training programs are available in Maine through various initiatives. Maine Medical Center offers a unique program where students are paid to complete their CNA training in exchange for a one-year employment commitment post-graduation. Free training programs are also offered through high schools and medical facilities in Maine.
Additionally, high schools and medical facilities often sponsor free programs to encourage more students to join the workforce. These programs typically cover your tuition, books, and even uniforms. If you’re interested, check with local healthcare facilities or state workforce development offices for information on eligibility and application processes.
How do online CNA programs in Maine facilitate clinical placements?
Online CNA programs in Maine provide flexibility for coursework but require in-person clinical rotations to meet state certification standards. While coursework, such as anatomy and patient care, is completed online, clinical rotations must occur in person to meet state certification standards.
Most schools partner with local healthcare facilities to ensure students gain practical experience under supervision. You should inquire about clinical site locations, hours, and any associated requirements, such as background checks or uniforms, during the application process. This hybrid model ensures that you are prepared for the practical demands of CNA work while accommodating to your schedule.
How long does a CNA license last in Maine?
Your license is good for two years. After that, you must renew your license by meeting employment and continuing education requirements, as well as paying a $40 fee.
Employers often assist with the renewal process by providing proof of employment or covering part of the renewal fee. Staying up to date ensures you remain eligible to work and keeps your skills aligned with state standards for quality care.
How long is CNA training in Maine?
CNA training programs in Maine typically last between four and 12 weeks, depending on the format and schedule. Accelerated programs, such as those lasting four weeks, are ideal for students who can commit to full-time study.
Standard programs may take longer but are often more accommodating for working students or those with family obligations. Maine mandates 130 hours of training, which includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical rotations. While accelerated programs are quicker, students should ensure they can meet the intensive demands of condensed schedules.
What is the average cost of a Maine CNA program?
That number is tough to pin down. Some programs run just over $1,000, while others are only a few hundred. Some offer reimbursement for costs, and others cover certain expenses or pay students to take the course. In general, expect to pay between $400 and $700 to get your CNA education. In many cases, CNA scholarships are available.
Keep in mind that some CNA programs are not-for-credit programs, which means they are ineligible for many types of financial aid, including federal financial aid. However, you may still be able to qualify for private financial aid like scholarships or loans. Check with the program administrator to see if your program qualifies for federal financial aid, and if there are other opportunities to get assistance.
Who accredits/approves Maine CNA programs?
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) approves the CNA programs in Maine, whether they’re online or in person. Always check with the DHHS to make sure a program you’re interested in has been approved; this is the only way to know for sure that you’ll be allowed to sit for the exam and that employers will be willing to hire you.
Career Prospects and Salary for CNAs in Maine
While Maine offers a promising career path for CNAs, it's important to understand the specific nuances of the job market. By examining the salary and job growth data, aspiring CNAs can make informed decisions about their future. Although the job growth for CNAs in Maine is slightly lower than the national average, there are still stable employment opportunities within the state. Factors such as a smaller population and a more rural landscape can contribute to a slower pace of job growth compared to more urban states.
When it comes to salary, the Lewiston area offers the highest median salary for CNAs, while the Bangor area has a lower median salary. These variations can be attributed to factors such as the cost of living, the concentration of healthcare facilities, and the specific needs of the local healthcare market. Remember, your actual salary as a CNA will depend on factors like experience, location, and company. To better understand what you might make as a CNA in Maine, explore the table below.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | $36,750 | $43,120 | $49,130 |
| Bangor, ME | $37,410 | $41,790 | $47,810 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $36,740 | $45,060 | $49,100 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | $37,610 | $43,120 | $51,720 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,361,300 | 1,417,800 | 56,500 | 4.20% | 202,400 |
| Maine | 7,920 | 8,120 | 200 | 2.50% | 1,160 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
