Healthcare Career Community

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA)

Our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA) program delivers fundamental training, from initial introduction to advanced clinical experience, to prepare you for Certified and Geriatric Nursing Assistant exams. CNA credential is also eligible for academic credit conversion.

FCC CNA student in blue scrubs and stethoscope smiling in the Health Sciences simulation lab

Program Information

Today's expanding healthcare industry is creating an ever-increasing demand for highly qualified personnel. FCC healthcare career training programs feature a wide range of opportunities, from initial introduction to advanced hands-on clinical experience.

In the CNA/GNA program, you will acquire basic patient care skills and learn to measure vital signs and record medical information. Approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, instruction covers the CNA/GNA role, disease processes, infection control, and safety. The program meets requirements for CNA certification in the state of Maryland and serves as preparation for the Geriatric Nursing Assistant exam.

Course Sequence Order

FCC Completion Awards

Earn an FCC Completion Award for each course completed, recognizing your growing skills and commitment to the field.

Maryland Board of Nursing CNA Certification

Upon successful completion of this four-course series, you are eligible to sit for the Maryland Board of Nursing CNA Certification exam. Passing the exam adds you to the Maryland CNA Registry. Most licensed nursing facilities require registry listing for employment. From there, many CNAs go on to pursue additional credentials, including the Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) certification.

Academic Credit Conversion

Upon successful completion of the Certified Nursing Assistant program, earn your Maryland Board of Nursing CNA Certification, and you can apply for academic credit toward a degree, certificate, or transfer program at Frederick Community College.

FCC Workforce Training Certificate

Earning a Workforce Training Certificate (WTC) demonstrates your acquired knowledge, proven skills, and recognized capabilities in the field, preparing you for direct entry into the industry. Review the certificate information below and the eligibility requirements to get started.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA) Workforce Training Certificate

Upon successful completion of this 4-course sequence, you are eligible to receive this Construction & Applied Technologies Institute credential that documents your foundational patient care skills and prepares you for CNA certification in the state of Maryland. Approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON), this program also serves as preparation for the Geriatric Nursing Assistant test.

Eligibility Requirements

Participants are required to successfully complete the course series identified as a Workforce Training Certificate program, as approved by the College.
Students may request approval to transfer up to 25% of total Certificate contact hours of prior learning from an accredited institution for select Workforce Training Certificates.
Please note, course substitutions are not permitted and completion is based upon competency.

Important Information

Certificates are awarded monthly following course completion, rather than at the end of a traditional semester.
These programs consist of Workforce Training (non-credit) courses with fee structures subject to change.
Courses are not eligible for federal financial aid.

If you hold a qualifying healthcare certification or license, you may be eligible to receive credit for prior learning in the following courses.

CAH145 may be waived with any of the following current certifications or licenses: CNA, CMA/CCMA (or other Medical Assistant certification), LPN, RN, EMT-B or EMT-I, CRT, AEMT, or Paramedic.
SAF157 CPR Basic Life Support may be waived with a current AHA Basic Life Support CPR card valid through your program end date.

If you are seeking credit for prior learning, please contact Healthcare Careers at [email protected] to verify your eligibility before registering for a program.

Get Started

Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) requirements vary by program. CNA program participants are expected to:

Demonstrate English reading and listening skills
Be 16 years of age or older at the time of registration
Take a physical exam before clinical start
Provide proof of a negative TB test and current vaccines including COVID-19
Provide a current AHA Basic Life Support CPR card or SAF157 CPR Basic Life Support registration
Participate in a background investigation to include fingerprinting and drug testing (costs included in program fees)

Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) duration & format varies by program. Please read individual course descriptions for details. The full CNA program schedule is:

Length: Five months
Timing: Day and evening classes available
Format: Hybrid - in-person and online participation required

Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) tuition & fees vary by program. Please read individual course descriptions for details about the following:

Tuition and Fees (approximate): up to $3,750
A $15.00 one-time-per-year non-refundable registration fee is due at the time of your first registration of the year.
Residency fees apply to students outside Frederick County.
- Maryland students are assessed an additional $5 per course.
- Non-Maryland students are assessed an additional $10 per course.
Certification Fees: Included in program costs.

Financial assistance options are available for eligible Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) students to offset the cost of training. Resources include:

CEWD scholarships
Workforce development funding
Program-specific financial aid opportunities
Payment Plan options

Explore Financial Assistance Options Financial Assistance Request Form

At a Glance

211,800Annual Job Openings

$40,000Median Annual Wage

1,400+Employers in Maryland

Median annual wage for nursing assistants in Maryland is $40,000. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Career Opportunities

Three smiling healthcare professionals in navy scrubs standing together outside a hospital building, one wearing a stethoscope.

Certified Nursing Assistants

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide direct patient care under the supervision of licensed nurses. Daily responsibilities include assisting patients with bathing, dressing, and mobility; measuring and recording vital signs; supporting nutrition and hydration; and observing and reporting changes in patient condition. CNAs work across hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health settings, serving as an essential link between patients and the broader care team.

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Two smiling healthcare students in blue scrubs carrying backpacks and walking through a hallway, one wearing a stethoscope.

Job Outlook

CNAs and GNAs are in demand across hospitals, long-term care and rehabilitation facilities, home health agencies, and assisted living communities throughout Maryland. With over 211,800 job openings nationally each year and a median annual wage of $40,000 in Maryland, nursing assistance offers stability and a clear path forward. Many CNAs go on to pursue additional credentials in medical assisting, phlebotomy, or nursing.

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Two smiling healthcare students in scrubs standing together outside a building, one in pink scrubs and one in teal scrubs.

Secure Your Future

Many CNAs use certification as a foundation for a longer career in healthcare. From there, you can pursue the Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) credential, advance into medical assisting, phlebotomy, or other allied health roles, or pursue a nursing degree. FCC offers a range of healthcare career programs to support your next step, and credits earned through select CEWD programs may be eligible for academic credit conversion toward an associate degree.

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.