Best Online CNA Classes in Maryland
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) play an essential role in healthcare settings. See how an online CNA program in Maryland can jumpstart your healthcare career.
If you’re interested in a healthcare career and are searching for a flexible, affordable, and quick way to get started, online CNA classes in Maryland might be a solid choice. A CNA career is a good option for anyone interested in healthcare, whether a fresh high-school graduate or a career-changer. A CNA training program offers the knowledge, skills, and clinical experiences you need to secure your state certification.
Certified nursing assistants are key members who help run a functioning healthcare organization and administer patient care. These licensed professionals work in a range of facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, or in home health and ensure patient safety, assist with daily activities, monitor vital signs, and maintain a clean and organized clinical environment.
So, if you’re interested in working in a healthcare environment, keep reading. In this article, we highlight three online CNA classes in Maryland and walk you through the process. Read more to understand the steps you need for licensure, review salary and employment data, and commonly asked questions See how online CNA classes in Maryland can help you jumpstart your healthcare career.
Inside Maryland’s Standout Online CNA Classes
Finding the right online CNA classes in Maryland is the first step in your healthcare career journey. Programs differ between schools, with online options, curriculum, and can have varying costs. To get you started on your school search, we selected good CNA training classes in Maryland that will be helpful for you. Read to see how these quality programs can help you launch your healthcare career.
Frederick Community College
Established in 1957, connecting the mountainous Western Maryland with the bustling Baltimore/Washington metro area, Frederick Community College offers a range of career training programs. Their CNA program is accredited and students can complete in about five months.
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: foundations for healthcare careers, certified nursing assistant parts I & II, and certified nursing assistant clinicals.
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.
Hagerstown Community College
Situated in Western Maryland, Hagerstown Community College offers an online CNA training class that also allows students to complete requirements for geriatric nursing assistant (GNA) certification. After completing the program, students should 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 foundations 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.
Howard Community College
Situated between Baltimore and Washington, DC, Howard Community College offers online CNA classes 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.
Prospective students must have a social security number and be at least 18 years old. Additionally, students must complete a background check, a drug screen, a physical, and provide proof of vaccinations. Students can choose between an entirely in-person delivery or an online/in-person hybrid option.
How to Become a CNA in Maryland Online
Finding the right online CNA classes in Maryland is a significant first step, but it’s also essential to have a solid understanding of the steps it takes to become a CNA in Maryland. Keep reading as we offer a step-by-step breakdown of becoming a licensed practitioner in the Old Line State.
Step 1: Meet Basic Background Requirements
Understanding and meeting background requirements is an essential step in pursuing your CNA career in Maryland. You’ll want to ensure that you have clean criminal records and hold a high school diploma or GED. It’s also common for prospective CNAs to complete a physical exam and pass a drug screen. These requirements help ensure the safety of your future patients and co-workers.
Step 2: Graduate from an Approved CNA Program
Completing a state-approved online CNA class in Maryland is perhaps the most significant step toward your healthcare career. You’ll want to seek out a program that meets Maryland’s requirements for both classroom and clinical training. Online CNA classes in Maryland help students develop the knowledge and skills they need to pass their exams and jumpstart their careers. While coursework varies between programs, students typically cover topics like patient care and effective communication skills. Before graduation, students also complete a hands-on clinical residency.
Step 3: Take the NNAAP Examination
After completing your online CNA classes in Maryland, the last step before licensure is the National Nurse Aid Assessment Program Competency Exam (NNAAP). This national exam tests both your clinical skills and theoretical knowledge, and you’ll complete both written and practical sections of the test. Test-takers can anticipate questions that assess their understanding of essential CNA topics, while the practical sections evaluate patient care skills. Passing this exam not only leads to licensure but shows potential employers that you have the competencies required to be a valuable healthcare team member.
Step 4: Start Working as a CNA
After passing the NNAAP exam and securing your Maryland CNA license, you’re cleared to begin working as a CNA. CNAs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, and community health situations. New CNAs work closely with a team of healthcare professionals offering competent and compassionate care.
Step 5: Renew Your CNA License Periodically
In Maryland, a CNA certification is valid for two years. After securing your CNA certification, do note that it expires biannually on the 28th day of your birth month, so mark your calendars and plan to renew it accordingly. The cost of the CNA certification renewal is $40.
Salary and Career Prospects for CNAs in Maryland
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online CNA Classes in Maryland
We have curated important questions and answers to guide you in the process. Read the section below to equip yourself with important information.
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.
Are there free CNA training programs in Baltimore?
While we can’t verify how consistently they’re offered, in general, 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.
Can you take the CNA test without classes in Maryland?
It is common for experienced healthcare professionals and out-of-state CNAs to take the CNA test without completing a state-approved program. Still, adequate preparation for the test is essential as test-takers are asked to demonstrate their knowledge and clinical proficiency. Online CNA classes in Maryland introduce foundational healthcare topics and require hands-on training before graduation.
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 typically 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.
