CNA Classes in Patuxent River, Maryland

Patuxent River CNA Training - Maryland

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Patuxent River, MD

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Patuxent River, MD, you’re on the right track to entering a rewarding and in-demand healthcare profession. As a CNA, you’ll provide essential care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. This guide will walk you through the process of becoming a CNA in Patuxent River, MD, including local training options, employment opportunities, and certification requirements.

About Patuxent River

Patuxent River, located in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, is best known for being home to the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, a major hub for naval aviation research and development. The town is nestled along the Chesapeake Bay and offers a peaceful, community-oriented lifestyle. Patuxent River is a great place to start your journey as a CNA, with access to both local healthcare facilities and nearby larger cities like Washington, D.C. for additional opportunities. For more information on the town, visit the official Patuxent River website.

CNA Training Programs in Patuxent River, MD

While Patuxent River itself may not have a large number of CNA programs, there are several excellent options in nearby towns and cities. Below are some schools offering CNA programs close to Patuxent River, MD:

1. College of Southern Maryland (CSM) – Leonardtown Campus
   Location: Leonardtown, MD (Approx. 15 miles from Patuxent River)
   The College of Southern Maryland offers a comprehensive CNA program that prepares students for the Maryland CNA certification exam. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience in healthcare settings.
   Learn more about CSM’s CNA program.

2. Chesapeake College – Wye Mills Campus
   Location: Wye Mills, MD (Approx. 45 miles from Patuxent River)
   Chesapeake College offers a CNA/Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) program designed to prepare students for certification in Maryland. The program includes both theory and practical training, with clinical experiences at local healthcare facilities.
   Learn more about Chesapeake College’s CNA program.

3. Prince George’s Community College (PGCC)
   Location: Largo, MD (Approx. 55 miles from Patuxent River)
   PGCC offers a CNA/GNA program that includes classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical rotations. The program prepares students to take the Maryland CNA certification exam and provides a solid foundation for a career in healthcare.
   Learn more about PGCC’s CNA program.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Patuxent River

Once you complete your CNA training, you’ll find several healthcare facilities in and around Patuxent River, MD, offering employment opportunities for CNAs. Below are some notable employers:

1. MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
   Location: Leonardtown, MD (Approx. 15 miles from Patuxent River)
   MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital is a full-service hospital offering a wide range of medical services. It’s one of the largest healthcare providers in the region and frequently hires CNAs to assist with patient care.
   Explore career opportunities at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital.

2. Charlotte Hall Veterans Home
   Location: Charlotte Hall, MD (Approx. 25 miles from Patuxent River)
   Charlotte Hall Veterans Home is a long-term care facility dedicated to serving Maryland’s veterans. CNAs play a critical role in providing care to the residents of this facility.
   Learn more about job openings at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.

3. CalvertHealth Medical Center
   Location: Prince Frederick, MD (Approx. 30 miles from Patuxent River)
   CalvertHealth Medical Center offers a wide range of healthcare services, including inpatient and outpatient care. CNAs are essential members of the healthcare team, providing direct patient care.
   Check out career opportunities at CalvertHealth Medical Center.

CNA Certification Requirements in Maryland

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Maryland, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Program: You must complete a Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) approved CNA training program, which includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
   Find more information on approved programs through the Maryland Board of Nursing.

2. Pass the CNA Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the CNA certification exam administered by the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). The exam includes both a written and skills portion.

3. Submit an Application to the Maryland Board of Nursing: Once you pass the exam, you’ll need to apply for certification through the Maryland Board of Nursing. You’ll also need to undergo a background check and fingerprinting.
   Learn more about the CNA certification process in Maryland.

4. Maintain Your Certification: Maryland CNAs are required to renew their certification every two years. You must complete a specified number of continuing education hours to maintain your certification.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Patuxent River, MD, is a fulfilling path that allows you to make a real difference in the lives of patients. With a variety of local training programs and employment opportunities, now is the perfect time to start your CNA journey. Contact a school today to learn more about their CNA programs and begin your career in healthcare!

For more information on job outlook and growth for CNAs, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics CNA job outlook page.

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Maryland may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Patuxent River?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Patuxent River usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Patuxent River will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Patuxent River?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Maryland, you can find CNA training starting in November 2024, December 2024, January 2025, or February 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Maryland, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Patuxent River is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Maryland CNA Salary info.