3 Free CNA Classes in Baltimore MD

Learn about CNA training opportunities in Baltimore MD

Written by Sybil Morneau on May 31st, 2013

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a professional career in the healthcare industry. It is physically demanding, and it can be mentally and emotionally draining. CNAs find employment in nursing homes, hospital and assisted care facilities. The State of Maryland requires all nursing assistants to be trained through a program endorsed, accredited or approved by the state. The program must be a minimum of 100 hours and include clinical hands on assistant nursing care. All nursing assistants must pass a state approved exam to work as a CNA. There are a number of training programs available and the cost of the program varies, but there are classes that can be taken for no cost.

The Caroline Center

The Caroline Center is a facility that educates unemployed and underemployed women in careers that offer advancement. The Center empowers women to reach their potential by helping them to create a future full of hope. The Center offers a variety of programs for women, including a CNA program, at no cost to the women.

To be considered for the program, women must be at least 20 years of age and have a high school diploma. Classes are held between the hours of 8:45 Am and 3:00 PM. Students will be required to wear the appropriate uniform for class and internship.

The CNA program is certified by the Maryland Board of Nursing. Class work includes courses in anatomy, medical terminology, physiology, dementia care and CPR certification. There are several nursing homes in the Baltimore area provide clinical internships and often hire students after successful completion of the program.

Baltimore Job Corps

The Job Corps was designed to offer young people training programs at no cost. The programs are for people over the age of 16 who are considered low income to train for a career that is both rewarding and will last a lifetime. Jobs Corps is sponsored by the United States Department of Labor and was formed under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Job Corps provides no cost nursing assistant training and prepares the student to take the State of Maryland licensing exam to become certified.

The program includes classroom and clinical training in the necessary nursing skills that enable the student to work in a healthcare facility under the direction of a registered nurse (RN). The classes include basic nursing skills, nutrition, anatomy, restorative and personal skills care. The program also includes clinical training in an approved healthcare facility.

The student must attend all classes and participate in the clinical training as well as pass all tests and quizzes. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be to submit an application to the state licensing board and take the certification exam. Job Corps will also assist graduates with job placement.

Wor-Wic Community College and Peninsula Regional Medical Center

A CNA training program is offered through a partnership between Wor-Wic Community College and the Peninsula Regional Medical Center. The Medical Center provides a testing program to find qualified candidates and the Community College provides the classroom training, and the Medical Center provides the clinical training. The Medical Center covers the cost of the training.

The classroom courses include basic nursing skills, personal and restorative care, nutrition, anatomy, interpersonal skills, physiology, caring for dementia patients and medical terminology. The Medical Center provides the clinical training under the direction of a registered nurse.

The students will work with patients at the Medical Center and administer basic hygiene, dressing, feeding and assisting patients in and out of bed and wheel chairs. The program will provide the necessary training to allow the student to take the state mandated certification exam. Successful graduates will find employment with the Medical Center or one of the area nursing homes or other health care facilities.