CNA Classes in South Portland, Maine

South Portland CNA Training - Maine

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 South Portland, Maine

About South Portland

South Portland, Maine, is a vibrant city known for its picturesque waterfront, historic landmarks, and bustling commercial districts. Located just across the harbor from Portland, South Portland offers a blend of urban convenience and scenic coastal charm. The city is home to several parks, the iconic Bug Light lighthouse, and the popular Maine Mall. For more information about South Portland, visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in South Portland, Maine

If you are looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in South Portland, Maine, there are several local options for training programs:

1. Southern Maine Community College (SMCC)
   • Location: South Portland, ME
   • Program: SMCC offers a comprehensive CNA program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. The program prepares students for the Maine CNA certification exam.
   • More Information: SMCC CNA Program
2. Portland Adult Education
   • Location: Portland, ME (Approximately 5 miles from South Portland)
   • Program: Portland Adult Education provides a CNA course that covers essential nursing skills, patient care, and safety procedures. The program includes clinical experiences in local healthcare settings.
   • More Information: Portland Adult Education CNA Program
3. Maine Medical Center
   • Location: Portland, ME (Approximately 5 miles from South Portland)
   • Program: Maine Medical Center offers a CNA training program that combines theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experience. This program is designed to prepare students for immediate employment in healthcare facilities.
   • More Information: Maine Medical Center CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in South Portland

South Portland and the surrounding areas offer numerous employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some major healthcare facilities and nursing homes where you might find job openings:

1. Maine Medical Center
   • Location: Portland, ME
   • Description: As the largest hospital in Maine, Maine Medical Center provides a wide range of healthcare services and employs a significant number of CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities: Maine Medical Center Careers
2. South Portland Nursing Home
   • Location: South Portland, ME
   • Description: This facility offers long-term care and rehabilitation services, providing a supportive environment for both residents and staff.
   • Employment Opportunities: South Portland Nursing Home Careers
3. Mercy Hospital
   • Location: Portland, ME
   • Description: Mercy Hospital is a community hospital offering a range of medical services. It frequently hires CNAs to support patient care across various departments.
   • Employment Opportunities: Mercy Hospital Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Maine

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Maine, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: The program must include at least 180 hours of training, with a combination of classroom instruction and clinical practice.
2. Pass the CNA Competency Exam: This exam includes both a written test and a skills evaluation.
3. Submit an Application: Apply for certification through the Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants and Direct Care Workers.
4. Background Check: Pass a criminal background check.

For more information, visit the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in South Portland, Maine, is a rewarding and fulfilling path. With various local training programs and abundant employment opportunities, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact one of the schools listed above to learn more about their CNA programs and get started on your journey today.

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 Maine 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 South Portland?

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 South Portland 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 South Portland 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 South Portland?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Maine, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Maine, 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 South Portland is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Maine CNA Salary info.