Online CNA Classes in Maryland: Compare Schools, Get Info & More
If you’re considering transitioning to a medical profession but don’t know where to begin, a role as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) could be right for you as they play an essential role in healthcare settings. The path to becoming a CNA in Maryland can be more convenient than you might think. Here, you will learn about how online CNA programs work, earning licensure, and more. Uncover how an online CNA program in Maryland can jumpstart an exciting new career in healthcare by reading on.
Online CNA Classes in Maryland: A Comparison
Online CNA classes in Maryland offer a convenient and flexible way to begin your healthcare career, combining online coursework with in-person clinical requirements. These hybrid CNA programs typically include virtual lessons covering patient care, infection control, medical ethics, and other foundational topics. However, to meet Maryland Board of Nursing standards, hands-on clinical training is mandatory and often conducted at local healthcare facilities.
Most programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED, pass a background check, and meet health requirements such as vaccinations and TB testing. While the theoretical portion can often be completed online at your own pace, clinical rotations are scheduled and in-person, providing essential practical experience.
When choosing a program, you should verify that it is state-approved and accredited, as well as ensure that it fits into your schedule, budget, and learning preferences. Additionally, consider whether the school offers financial aid, career services, or pathways to further nursing education. With the right balance of online and in-person training, Maryland’s CNA programs prepare students for licensure and successful careers in healthcare. Take a look at some top options for students like you:
CNA/GNA Program — Frederick Community College
The CNA program offered at Frederick Community College is accredited, and students can complete in about five months. Established in 1957, connecting the mountainous Western Maryland with the bustling Baltimore/Washington metro area, the college offers a range of various career training programs for students to choose from.
In this CNA training program, students complete a blend of in-person, online, and hands-on clinical classes. This flexible and affordable online CNA class in Maryland requires the completion of four sections, which you can find details of below.
Duration: 5 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: Up to $5,500
Admissions Requirements:
- Prospective students must be at least 16 years old and demonstrate English reading and listening skills
- Before completing the clinical portion of the class, students must pass a physical assessment, provide a negative TB test, and show documentation of various required vaccines
- Applicants also complete a criminal background check and drug screen
Curriculum:
- Foundations for Healthcare Careers
- Certified Nursing Assistant Part I
- Certified Nursing Assistant Part II
- Certified Nursing Assistant-Clinicals
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Rasmussen University
PROGRAM:
Health Sciences - Medical Assisting - Diploma
For nearly two decades, Rasmussen University has invested in online degrees so that students like you can balance work, life, and school. Not only is it important to find an online program that fits your schedule, but it's also important to find one that prepares you to pursue your career goals with confidence. With over 50 fully online degree programs our learning options allow you to earn your credential your way.
Arizona State University
PROGRAM:
Health Sciences, BS
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Arizona State University offers 300+ top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs online. As an online student, you'll have access to the same robust curriculum designed and taught by the ASU's award-winning and globally acclaimed faculty. Always pushing the boundaries of education, ASU is repeatedly ranked #1 for innovation in the U.S. for making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students and technology. That's a degree better.
CNA Course — Hagerstown Community College
Situated in Western Maryland, Hagerstown Community College offers an online CNA training class that also allows students to complete requirements for a CNA certification as well as a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA). After completing the program, students will have the knowledge and skills to secure their Maryland state certification.
As students work through this CNA program, they’ll complete a mix of online, in-person, and real-world clinical training. Students tackle various foundation topics, including medical terminology, infection control, HIPAA regulations, and practical healthcare skills. Course requirements include a foundation of healthcare introduction, two CNA modules, and a CNA clinical experience.
This online CNA class in Maryland typically takes between six and nine weeks to complete the classroom section, followed by a 45-hour clinical externship. Before gaining admission into this program, students must successfully complete the foundational healthcare career course. Students pay for each section of the training program but do have access to workforce training scholarships.
Duration: 6-9 weeks + externship
Mode: Online
Cost: Varies
Admissions Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED
Curriculum:
- Foundations of Healthcare
- Certified Nursing Assistant Module 1
- Certified Nursing Assistant Module 2
- Certified Nursing Assistant Clinical
CNA/GNA Program — Howard Community College
Situated between Baltimore and Washington, DC, Howard Community College offers an online CNA/GNA program in Maryland. Aligned with the Maryland Board of Nursing’s CNA regulations, this program prioritizes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on learning to prepare students for CNA certification in the state. Students work collaboratively with experienced instructors and a long list of healthcare facilities and organizations.
In this program, students complete 100 hours of CNA theory training along with 45 hours of clinical training. Unlike some CNA programs, students can complete theory and practical classes simultaneously. Theory classes cover various essential healthcare topics, including lifespan development, patient care best practices, and vital signs.
Duration: 5 weeks
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $1,640
Admissions Requirements:
- Prospective students must have a social security number and be at least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- Students must complete a background check, a drug screen, a physical, and provide proof of vaccinations
Curriculum:
- Certified Nursing Assistant: Clinical and Theory
Frequently Asked Questions from Maryland CNA Students
We’ve covered the basics for CNA programs in Maryland — but it’s likely you may still have more questions. To help you make the right decision, we’ve gathered up some FAQs to help answer topics like accreditation, free training opportunities, and more. Be sure to explore our various resources linked in this section to learn more.
Are online CNA classes in Maryland accredited by the state?
Yes, the Maryland Board of Nursing accredits all nursing programs in the state, ensuring they meet all educational and clinical standards. Accreditation acts as a stamp of approval, verifying that CNA programs offer quality training that adequately prepares students for both state licensure and their careers. If you want to become a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse later in your career, you’ll want to be sure that the CNA program and school you choose are both accredited.
Are there free CNA training programs in Baltimore?
While we can’t verify how consistently they’re offered, free CNA training programs are often available in Baltimore. The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development provides a list of free training classes, including CNA programs — you can check it out here. The Baltimore Red Cross, for example, offers a nursing scholarship for volunteers and employees.
Furthermore, scholarships and other financial aid are available for students wanting to mitigate the costs of their healthcare educational journey.
Can you take the CNA test without classes in Maryland?
Every state will have different requirements for certification, so you’ll want to check the State Board of Nursing website. According to the Maryland Board of Nursing, you need to attend an accredited program before earning your CNA certification. This ensures that you will have the necessary technical skills and clinical knowledge to offer safe, effective care.
A few exceptions apply to this rule, however. For example, active or inactive student nurses as well as graduate nurses may qualify to take the CNA examination without additional training.
How do Maryland CNA courses prepare students for licensing and professional practice?
The best online CNA classes in Maryland prepare students for certification and professional practice by supplying a comprehensive curriculum that’s steeped in essential CNA skills and patient care best practices. Hands-on clinical rotations during the course prepare the students well in putting their theoretical knowledge into practice.
How long does it take to become a CNA in MD?
The time it takes to become a CNA in Maryland varies between programs, but the timeframe typically lands somewhere between six weeks and five months. For example, students at Howard County Community College can complete their coursework and clinical experience in six to eight weeks.
How much does a CNA course cost in Maryland?
The cost of a CNA course can vary between schools and includes tuition, fees, and supplies. While the cost of your CNA training can feel daunting, students at accredited programs often have access to various financial aid options, including loans, grants, and scholarships. For example, Hagerstown Community College offers multiple workforce training scholarships to help cover some or all of the cost of a CNA training program.
Salary and Career Growth for Maryland CNAs
Now that you know what the path to becoming a CNA looks like, let’s explore the job market in Maryland. Maryland's CNA job market is experiencing significant growth, outpacing the national average by nearly double, with a projected 26,970 new openings per year. This job growth is a result of several key factors, including an aging population, increasing healthcare needs, and a strong emphasis on quality healthcare.
When it comes to paychecks, Maryland’s median salary for CNAs is $38,620, but there’s great variation throughout the state. For example, the California-Lexington Park area offers the highest median salary for CNAs at $40,460, while Cumberland has one of the lowest median salaries at $35,690. 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. Explore the table below to gain deeper insight into the CNA job market in Maryland.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $32,920 | $38,620 | $49,130 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $31,510 | $38,390 | $50,470 |
| California-Lexington Park, MD | $32,280 | $40,460 | $48,190 |
| Cumberland, MD-WV | $31,200 | $35,690 | $44,490 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | $31,580 | $37,840 | $48,570 |
| Salisbury, MD-DE | $31,750 | $38,190 | $46,130 |
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 |
| Maryland | 24,790 | 26,970 | 2,180 | 8.80% | 3,880 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
