CNA Training in Maryland
Maryland CNA programs must include at least 100 hours of instruction, including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. The Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) approves programs and certifies nursing assistants. To work in a nursing home you also need the Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) credential, which requires passing the state exam through Credentia.
If a nursing home employs you or has offered you a job before training starts, it can't charge you for training or testing. Below you'll find each step, pay, ways to train free, and approved programs statewide.
Training
100+ Hours
Median Pay
$20.79/hr
Exam Cost
Varies
The 4 Steps to Certification in Maryland
Pick a State-Approved Program
MBON approves every nursing assistant training program. Your options:
- Community colleges: including Montgomery, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Baltimore County, and Howard.
- Hospitals and nursing homes: many train people they hire, and nursing homes can't charge you for it.
- Private schools: set their own prices. Ask whether the program is on the Board's current approved list.
Complete at Least 100 Hours
Maryland requires more than the federal minimum.
As of April 1, 2026, the Board can no longer certify applicants who attended a CNA-only program, so pick a program listed as a full Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program.
Pass the Exam for GNA
The CNA certificate comes after training and a background check. The GNA credential, needed for nursing homes, also requires the state exam through Credentia.
| Knowledge + skills exam | Set by Credentia |
| Board certification application | Paid to MBON |
| Renewal (every 2 years) | $40 |
Stay Active
Renew with the Maryland Board of Nursing every 2 years.
- Show you worked by sending a verification of employment. GNAs need at least 16 hours of paid practice in the 2 years before expiration.
- Complete the required course an approved implicit bias and structural racism course, required for renewals starting April 1, 2026.
- Pay $40 to renew.
💰 How to Get CNA Training Free in Maryland
Get hired first, or use a free program.
Nursing Home Training
✨ Free When You're HiredHospital Programs
✨ Train Where You WorkMaryland Workforce (WIOA)
✨ Grant-Funded, If You QualifyMaryland CNA Pay by Area
Maryland CNAs earn about $0.47 an hour more than the national median.
| Area | Median Hourly | Median Annual | CNAs Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland (statewide) | $20.79 | $43,240 | 27,720 |
| United States (national) | $20.32 | $42,260 | 1,505,900 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Nursing Assistants (31-1131). Medians exclude overtime and shift differentials.
What It Costs to Get Certified
Train through a nursing home that hires you and the main costs are covered.
Varies
Free through a nursing home that employs you. Colleges and private schools set their own prices.
Set by Credentia
Paid when you register with Credentia for the GNA exam.
Varies
Required for certification. Fees vary by location.
$40
Every 2 years.
Moving to Maryland?
If you're a nursing assistant in another state, you can apply to MBON for certification by endorsement.
Active CNA in Another State
Start an endorsement application in the Board's online system. Questions about CNA endorsement go to the Board's endorsement email.
Lapsed or Never Tested
If you're no longer active in another state, expect to train and test in Maryland.
Questions? Call
(410) 585-1900
Maryland Board of Nursing
CNA Schools in Maryland
Board-approved nursing assistant training programs across Maryland: community colleges and private schools. Search by name, city, or county, or filter by county.
| Program | City | County | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| A New Horizon, LLC101 Dixon Drive, Chestertown, MD 21260 | Chestertown | Baltimore City | Not listed |
| A Watchful Eye2343 York Road, Timonium, MD 21093 | Timonium | Baltimore | Not listed |
| Allegany College of Maryland12401 Willowbrook Road SE, Cumberland, MD 21502 | Cumberland | Allegany | Not listed |
| Allied Health of Maryland4010 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, MD 20722 | Brentwood | Prince George's | Not listed |
| AMC Career Institute, LLC3475 Leonardtown Rd., Suite 206, Waldorf, MD 20601 | Waldorf | Charles | Not listed |
| American Health Career Institute2520 Pennsylvania Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21244 | Baltimore | Baltimore | Not listed |
| American Red Cross4800 Mount Hope Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215 | Baltimore | Baltimore city | Not listed |
| Anne Arundel Community College101 College Parkway, Johnson 204, Arnold, MD 21012 | Arnold | Anne Arundel | Not listed |
| Aspire School of Learning312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 104, Laurel, MD 20707 | Laurel | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Baltimore Academy of Nursing Assistants617 Stemmers Run Road, Suite J, Essex, MD 21221 | Essex | Baltimore | Not listed |
| Baltimore City Community College2901 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215 | Baltimore | Baltimore city | Not listed |
| Beacon Institute7090 Samuel Morse Drive, Suite 400, Columbia, MD 21046 | Columbia | Howard | Not listed |
| Bethel HealthCare Institute5617 Ager Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782 | Hyattsville | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Cambridge Nursing Assistant Academy, Gaithersburg438 North Frederick Avenue #215, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 | Gaithersburg | Montgomery | Not listed |
| Cambridge Nursing Assistant Academy, Hyattsville3311 Toledo Terrace C202, Hyattsville, MD 20782 | Hyattsville | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Care 'Xpert Academy, LLC13321 New Hampshire Ave., Ste. 205, Silver Spring, MD 20904 | Silver Spring | Montgomery | Not listed |
| Caroline Center900 Somerset Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 | Baltimore | Baltimore city | Not listed |
| Carroll Community College1601 Washington Road, Westminster, MD 21157 | Westminster | Carroll | Not listed |
| Cecil CollegeOne Seahawk Drive, North East, MD 21901 | North East | Cecil | Not listed |
| Cedar Care, LLC9470 Annapolis Road, Suite 217, Lanham, MD 20706 | Lanham | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Certified Home Nursing Solutions, LLC9920 Franklin Square Drive, Suite 115, Nottingham, MD 21236 | Nottingham | Baltimore | Not listed |
| Chesapeake College1000 College Circle, Wye Mills, MD 21679 | Wye Mills | Talbot | Not listed |
| College of Southern Maryland8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata, MD 20646 | La Plata | Charles | Not listed |
| Community College of Baltimore County, Dundalk7200 Sollers Point Road, Baltimore, MD 21222 | Baltimore | Baltimore | Not listed |
| Community College of Baltimore County, Essex7201 Rossville Boulevard, ECHP 301, Baltimore, MD 21237 | Baltimore | Baltimore | Not listed |
| Community College of Baltimore County, Randallstown3637 Offutt Road, Randallstown, MD 21133 | Randallstown | Baltimore | Not listed |
| Compassionate Academy Inc7241 Hanover Parkway, Suite C&D, Greenbelt, MD 20770 | Greenbelt | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Coppin State University2500 W North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21216 | Baltimore | Baltimore city | Not listed |
| Dema's Academy, LLC9101 Cherry Lane, Suite 212, Laurel, MD 20708 | Laurel | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Developmental Disabilities Administration Potomac Center1380 Marshall Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740 | Hagerstown | Washington | Not listed |
| Dominion Academy Inc.8855 Annapolis Road #305, Lanham, MD 20706 | Lanham | Prince George's | Not listed |
| ELH Nursing Solutions, LLC222 Schilling Circle, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 | Hunt Valley | Baltimore | Not listed |
| Fomen Nursing Assistant Training Academy, Glen Burnie7452 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Ste. 201A, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 | Glen Burnie | Anne Arundel | Not listed |
| Fomen Nursing Assistant Training Academy, Hyattsville7411 Riggs Road, Ste 210, Hyattsville, MD 20783 | Hyattsville | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Frederick Community College7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702 | Frederick | Frederick | Not listed |
| Gandhi Health Care LLC1400 Reisterstown Road, Suite B, Pikesville, MD 21208 | Pikesville | Baltimore | Not listed |
| Garrett College687 Mosser Road, McHenry, MD 21541 | McHenry | Garrett | Not listed |
| Global Care Institute419 Burnt Mills Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20901 | Silver Spring | Montgomery | Not listed |
| Greenbelt Career Institute6201 Greenbelt Road, Suite U8A, Greenbelt, MD 20740 | Greenbelt | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Hagerstown Community College11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21742 | Hagerstown | Washington | Not listed |
| Harford Community College401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD 21015 | Bel Air | Harford | Not listed |
| Health Beat Academy, LLC1038 Continental Drive, Suite A, Abingdon, MD 21009 | Abingdon | Harford | Not listed |
| Health Focus Inc.4900 Belair Road, Baltimore, MD 21206 | Baltimore | Baltimore city | Not listed |
| Healthcare Training Solutions, LLC4400 Stamp Road, Ste 206, Temple Hills, MD 20748 | Temple Hills | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Heart for Life (HFL) Nursing Assistant Training9525 Georgia Avenue, Ste 206 B, Silver Spring, MD 20910 | Silver Spring | Montgomery | Not listed |
| Heritage Care Inc.4922 LaSalle Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782 | Hyattsville | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Heritage Care Inc.1235 Potomac Valley Road, Rockville, MD 20850 | Rockville | Montgomery | Not listed |
| Howard Community College10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044 | Columbia | Howard | Not listed |
| It Works Learning Center, Inc.1419 Forest Drive, Suite 211, Annapolis, MD 21403 | Annapolis | Anne Arundel | Not listed |
| Jireh Healthcare Institute4000 Blackburn Lane #250, Burtonsville, MD 20866 | Burtonsville | Montgomery | Not listed |
| Knowledge First Institute11510 Georgia Avenue, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20902 | Silver Spring | Montgomery | Not listed |
| Lexington Healthcare Training Institute of St. Mary's County22738 Maple Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653 | Lexington Park | St. Mary's | Not listed |
| Maryland Center For Adult Training2901 Druid Park Drive #303, Baltimore, MD 21215 | Baltimore | Baltimore city | Not listed |
| Montgomery College7600 Takoma Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912 | Takoma Park | Montgomery | Not listed |
| Montgomery College Refugee Training Center930 King Street, CF 269A, Silver Spring, MD 20910 | Silver Spring | Montgomery | Not listed |
| Morning Star Academy101 Lakeforest Boulevard, Suite 402, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 | Gaithersburg | Montgomery | Not listed |
| New Destiny Health Career Center7600 Osler Drive, Suite 302, Towson, MD 21204 | Towson | Baltimore | Not listed |
| Nightingale School of Allied Health4 Professional Drive, Suite 130, Gaithersburg, MD 20879 | Gaithersburg | Montgomery | Not listed |
| NurseOne, Inc.9470 Annapolis Road, Suite 220, Lanham, MD 20706 | Lanham | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Perpetual School of Nursing Assistant1734 Elton Road, Suite 113, Silver Spring, MD 20903 | Silver Spring | Montgomery | Not listed |
| Precise Academy606 Main Street, Reisterstown, MD 21136 | Reisterstown | Baltimore | Not listed |
| Prince George's Community College301 Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 | Upper Marlboro | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Quality First Career Center6475 New Hampshire Avenue, Suite #501, Adelphi, MD 20783 | Adelphi | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Renaissance Health Institute50 Post Office Road, Suite #301, Waldorf, MD 20602 | Waldorf | Charles | Not listed |
| Silver Oak Academy999 Crouse Mill Road, Keymar, MD 21757 | Keymar | Frederick | Not listed |
| Stein Academy8138 Liberty Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244 | Windsor Mill | Baltimore | Not listed |
| The Nursing Assistant Academy5811 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 101, Riverdale, MD 20737 | Riverdale | Prince George's | Not listed |
| TidalHealth100 E Carroll Street, Salisbury, MD 21801 | Salisbury | Wicomico | Not listed |
| Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute11 East Mount Royal Avenue, Suite 001, Baltimore, MD 21202 | Baltimore | Baltimore city | Not listed |
| Trinity Nursing Academy, Inc.186 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 203, Frederick, MD 21702 | Frederick | Frederick | Not listed |
| Triumph Life Savers405 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 | Rockville | Montgomery | Not listed |
| Victory Academy & Healthcare Service7375 Executive Place, Suite 301, Lanham, MD 20706 | Lanham | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Vision Allied Health Institute1045 Taylor Avenue, Suite 101, Towson, MD 21286 | Towson | Baltimore | Not listed |
| Wor-Wic Community College32000 Campus Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804 | Salisbury | Wicomico | Not listed |
No programs match. Try a nearby city or pick "All counties."
Source: Maryland Board of Nursing, Approved Nursing Assistant Training Programs (updated August 30, 2026). High school programs, CNA-only programs, and closed programs are not included. Know of a closed program or a wrong number? Report a correction.
Maryland Nursing Homes That Train CNAs
Hospitals and nursing homes the Board has approved to train nursing assistants. Many train the people they hire for free. Search by name, city, or county, or filter by county.
| Program | City | County | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center9901 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 | Rockville | Montgomery | Not listed |
| Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center11890 Healing Way, Silver Spring, MD 20904 | Silver Spring | Montgomery | Not listed |
| Allegany Health Nursing & Rehabilitation Center730 Furnace Street, Cumberland, MD 21502 | Cumberland | Allegany | Not listed |
| Anchorage Healthcare Center105 Times Square, Salisbury, MD 21801 | Salisbury | Wicomico | Not listed |
| Atlantic General Hospital9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, MD 21811 | Berlin | Worcester | Not listed |
| Autumn Lake Healthcare at Calvert Manor1881 Telegraph Road, Rising Sun, MD 21911 | Rising Sun | Cecil | Not listed |
| Autumn Lake Healthcare at Long View3323 Main Street, Manchester, MD 21102 | Manchester | Carroll | Not listed |
| Charlotte Hall Veterans Home29449 Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 | Charlotte Hall | Charles | Not listed |
| Citizens Care & Rehabilitation Center, Havre de Grace415 South Market Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078 | Havre de Grace | Harford | Not listed |
| Clinton Healthcare Center9211 Stuart Lane, Clinton, MD 20735 | Clinton | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Complete Care at Corsica Hills205 Armstrong Street, Centreville, MD 21617 | Centreville | Queen Anne's | Not listed |
| Crofton Care and Rehabilitation Center2131 Davidsonville Road, Crofton, MD 21114 | Crofton | Anne Arundel | Not listed |
| Cumberland Healthcare Center512 Winifred Road, Cumberland, MD 21502 | Cumberland | Allegany | Not listed |
| Dennett Road Manor1113 Mary Drive, Oakland, MD 21550 | Oakland | Garrett | Not listed |
| Devlin Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center10301 Christie Road NE, Cumberland, MD 21502 | Cumberland | Allegany | Not listed |
| Egle Nursing and Rehab Center57 Jackson Street, Lonaconing, MD 21539 | Lonaconing | Allegany | Not listed |
| Fort Washington Healthcare Center12021 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744 | Fort Washington | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Frostburg Village Rehab Center1 Kaylor Circle, Frostburg, MD 21532 | Frostburg | Allegany | Not listed |
| FutureCare Cherrywood12020 Reisterstown Road, Reisterstown, MD 21136 | Reisterstown | Baltimore | Not listed |
| FutureCare Chesapeake305 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012 | Arnold | Anne Arundel | Not listed |
| FutureCare Homewood2700 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 | Baltimore | Baltimore city | Not listed |
| FutureCare Irvington22 South Athol Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229 | Baltimore | Baltimore city | Not listed |
| FutureCare Pineview9106 Pine View Lane, Clinton, MD 20735 | Clinton | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Garrett Regional Medical Center of West Virginia University Medicine251 North Fourth Street, Oakland, MD 21550 | Oakland | Garrett | Not listed |
| Genesis HealthCare, Fairland Center2101 Fairland Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904 | Silver Spring | Montgomery | Not listed |
| Genesis HealthCare, Franklin Woods Center9200 Franklin Square Drive, Baltimore, MD 21237 | Baltimore | Baltimore | Not listed |
| Genesis HealthCare, Hammonds Lane Center613 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park, MD 21225 | Brooklyn Park | Baltimore city | Not listed |
| Genesis HealthCare, Larkin Chase Center15005 Health Center Drive, Bowie, MD 20716 | Bowie | Prince George's | Not listed |
| Genesis Waldorf Healthcare Center4140 Old Washington Highway, Waldorf, MD 20602 | Waldorf | Charles | Not listed |
| Goodwill Mennonite Home891 Dorsey Hotel Road, Grantsville, MD 21536 | Grantsville | Garrett | Not listed |
| Homewood at Williamsport16505 Virginia Avenue, Williamsport, MD 21795 | Williamsport | Washington | Not listed |
| Homewood Living Frederick7407 Willow Road, Frederick, MD 21701 | Frederick | Frederick | Not listed |
| Julia Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center333 Mill Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740 | Hagerstown | Washington | Not listed |
| Kensington Healthcare Center3000 McComas Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895 | Kensington | Montgomery | Not listed |
| Laurelwood Healthcare Center100 Laurel Drive, Elkton, MD 21921 | Elkton | Cecil | Not listed |
| Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401 | Annapolis | Anne Arundel | Not listed |
| Meritus Medical Center11117 Medical Campus Road, Hagerstown, MD 21742 | Hagerstown | Washington | Not listed |
| Moran Nursing & Rehabilitation Center25701 Shady Lane SW, Westernport, MD 21562 | Westernport | Allegany | Not listed |
| Mountain City Rehab Center48 Tarn Terrace, Frostburg, MD 21532 | Frostburg | Allegany | Not listed |
| Sage Point Senior Living10200 La Plata Road, La Plata, MD 20646 | La Plata | Charles | Not listed |
| South River Healthcare Center144 Washington Road, Edgewater, MD 21037 | Edgewater | Anne Arundel | Not listed |
| Spring Grove Hospital Center55 Wade Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228 | Catonsville | Baltimore | Not listed |
| St. Elizabeth Rehabilitation and Nursing Center3320 Benson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21227 | Baltimore | Baltimore | Not listed |
| Stella Maris2300 Dulaney Valley Road, Timonium, MD 21093 | Timonium | Baltimore | Not listed |
| Sterling Care at South Mountain141 S. Main Street, Boonsboro, MD 21713 | Boonsboro | Washington | Not listed |
| Sterling Care Bel Air410 E Macphail Road, Bel Air, MD 21014 | Bel Air | Harford | Not listed |
| Sterling Care Bethesda5721 Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814 | Bethesda | Montgomery | Not listed |
| Sterling Care Forest Hill109 Forest Valley Drive, Forest Hill, MD 21050 | Forest Hill | Harford | Not listed |
| Sterling Care Riverside1123 Belcamp Garth, Belcamp, MD 21017 | Belcamp | Harford | Not listed |
| Sterling Care Rockville303 Adclare Road, Rockville, MD 20850 | Rockville | Montgomery | Not listed |
| The Soul of Medicine Training Center5910 York Road, 2nd Floor, Baltimore, MD 21212 | Baltimore | Baltimore city | Not listed |
| University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health500 Upper Chesapeake Drive, Bel Air, MD 21014 | Bel Air | Harford | Not listed |
| Westminster Healthcare Center1234 Washington Road, Westminster, MD 21157 | Westminster | Carroll | Not listed |
No programs match. Try a nearby city or pick "All counties."
Source: Maryland Board of Nursing, Approved Nursing Assistant Training Programs (updated August 30, 2026), hospital and nursing home programs. Phone numbers are not listed by the Board. Know of a closed program or a wrong number? Report a correction.
Maryland CNA Questions, Answered
Who certifies CNAs in Maryland?
The Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) approves training programs and certifies nursing assistants. Credentia runs the exam for the Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) credential.
How long is CNA training in Maryland?
At least 100 hours, including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice.
What is the difference between a CNA and a GNA?
The CNA certificate comes after approved training and a background check. The GNA requires passing the state exam and is needed to work in a nursing home.
Can I take a CNA-only program?
As of April 1, 2026, the Board can no longer certify applicants who attended a CNA-only program. Choose a full Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program.
Can I get CNA training for free in Maryland?
Yes. A nursing home can't charge you if it employs you or has offered you a job before training. Your local American Job Center can also help pay if you qualify.
How do I renew my CNA certificate in Maryland?
Renew with MBON every 2 years for $40, with verification of employment and the required implicit bias course.
Sources
- MBON: Certification Training Programs
- MBON: Approved CNA Programs (effective April 1, 2026)
- MBON: Certified Nursing Assistant
- NursingLicensure.org: How to Become a CNA in Maryland (hours, renewal)
- Credentia
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Last verified: October 2026. Training hours, the renewal fee, and renewal rules come from a secondary source (NursingLicensure.org); confirm with MBON. See something out of date? Report a correction.