CNA Training Classes in Maine

Free guide to CNA training classes and education programs in Maine (ME)

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is something that many people will find as a particularly positive and engaging career step. Being a CNA offers many people a satisfying career with significant advancement opportunities. Many nurse aides decide to return to school and become LPNs or RNs and earn higher salaries. Before taking the leap into becoming a CNA and undertaking the necessary training, it is important to know what roles and duties that will be required as part of the job. As the title of the role suggests, a CNA works under the supervision and guidance of a fully qualified nurse, and will have proactive contact with the patients and residents being cared for. The role of a CNA includes assisting patients with the following tasks: dressing, eating, mobility, recovery, bathing, toileting and understanding their medications and conditions. A CNA also performs duties involved in the observational side of treatment such as logging behavior, measuring and recording vital signs, recording patient progress in a daily log.

How Can I Find CNA Training Programs Near Me?

Browse our list of Maine schools that offer CNA training courses to become a certified nursing assistant. Nurse aide programs are usually offered at community colleges, junior colleges, trade schools and technical/vocational schools. Our directory includes as many CNA programs as possible, but is not complete as there may be additional CNA programs that are not listed here. Many long-term care facilities offer CNA training to current employees and trainees. In many cases these programs are not widely advertised, but can be found by calling the facilities directly.

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How Much Can You Make as a CNA in Maine?

The average CNA salary in Maine is $52,555 per year, depending on experience, location, economic conditions and employer. Nursing assistants can usually find jobs that include full health benefits for themselves and their families. Nursing assistants in Farmington make an average of $49,491 per year.

How to Become a CNA in Maine

Students can earn their CNA certification and start their career as a certified nursing assistant in less than six months. The first step is to find and complete an approved CNA training program. Each individual state sets its own required amount of credit hours necessary to become a CNA. Typical programs take around 6-12 weeks to complete and must include a minimum of 75 hours of training. The average cost of a CNA course is between $800 – $1,500. The second step is to take the Maine CNA certification exam and achieve a passing score. The third and final step is to register with the Maine Nurse Aide Registry as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Can I Transfer My CNA License to Maine?

If you are a certified nursing assistant from another state and have just moved to Maine you can apply to the Nursing Aide Registry in Maine for what is called “reciprocity”. As long as you can provide verification that you completed a state approved CNA certification program, are currently certified in another state, and have worked as a CNA recently. You would not need to take the Maine exam or training if you are granted reciprocity. All CNA licenses need to be renewed every two years and must have worked a minimum of 160 hours within those two years.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost? How Long Does it Take?

When it comes to completing the training to become a CNA, this will usually be completed through a formal training course, which will usually include a number of practical assignments and training designed to help the candidate gain all of the required experience and skills to become a fully trained CNA. For the duration of the course, training will be mostly patient or resident oriented, and will examine the techniques and methods which will be implemented by the CNA in their routine work responsibilities. The course itself will usually last between 180 and 200 hours, and at the end of this training there will be an exam assessment before the candidate can be fully licensed and authorized to work as a CNA. For people who think that becoming a CNA is for them, then it can be a good idea to start discussing the idea with actual nurse aides who can provide greater insight about the actual job. Becoming a CNA is not going to be a career choice which will suit everyone, but it is a valuable role within the health care system, and can provide a very satisfying job for many people.

CNA Training Programs in Maine