The Nursing Assistant Academy CNA Program

One of the school’s standout features is its flexible class scheduling. Classes are available Monday through Friday with both day (8:00 AM – 2:00 PM) and evening (3:30 PM – 9:30 PM) options. For those who work during the week, weekend classes are also offered on Saturdays and Sundays during the day and evening.

This variety allows students with different responsibilities—whether that’s a job, family, or other commitments—to still attend and complete their CNA training. You don’t need an appointment to register, which makes starting the enrollment process more convenient than at some other schools.

---

The CNA program has a course fee of $950, and students who wish to pursue additional certification as a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) will pay an extra $105. This additional credential, which is indicated directly on the CNA certificate, allows graduates to work specifically in comprehensive care facilities, a common setting for entry-level nursing assistants in Maryland.

GNA preparation is built into the CNA course, and the school helps students register for the state certification through Pearson VUE. Upon passing the GNA exam, students will be fully qualified to work in long-term care facilities throughout Maryland.

---

Admission to the program is open to adults, but the school enforces a clear set of prerequisites to ensure students are eligible and prepared for training. You must have all admission materials submitted before training begins. Here’s a breakdown of what’s required:

CNA Program Admission Requirements

• Be at least 17 years old
• Submit two valid forms of ID
• Provide high school diploma, GED, or pass the Scholastic Level Entrance Exam with a score of 11
• Submit a Social Security card or Alien Registration Card
• Provide two passport-size photos
• Submit proof of liability insurance (min. $2 million per claim, $5 million aggregate)
• Show evidence of negative PPD test or chest X-ray (must not expire within 3 months of enrollment)
• Proof of current CPR card (from approved organizations)
• Submit three letters of reference (from an employer or teacher)
• Pay a $50 registration fee
• Submit a $20 MBON application fee (money order)
• Complete the application form for initial certification

Clinical Requirements

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• COVID-19 vaccine
• Flu vaccine
• CPR and First Aid certifications
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Hepatitis B
• PPD within the last 30 days or Chest X-ray within last 5 years
• QuantiFERON Gold can be used if you’ve had a BCG vaccine

These detailed medical and documentation requirements are standard in Maryland and help ensure both patient safety and student readiness.

---

The Nursing Assistant Academy’s CNA training program is fully approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) and the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). These two organizations oversee the quality of healthcare education in the state and validate that the program meets all necessary standards.

Students completing this training are eligible to sit for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), the required certification exam to become a licensed CNA in Maryland.

---

By the end of the course, students are expected to:

• Understand how healthcare facilities are organized and the roles of each care provider
• Apply theoretical knowledge in hands-on care situations
• Perform essential CNA skills like taking vitals, assisting with hygiene, and monitoring patient comfort
• Communicate effectively with the healthcare team
• Uphold ethical and professional standards while providing care
• Follow delegated care tasks as assigned by nurses

Graduates are trained not only for technical competency but also for the soft skills and workplace behaviors expected in professional healthcare environments.

---

While the school does not list official job placement services, they place a strong emphasis on building students’ confidence and preparing them for real-world employment. Clinical rotations offer exposure to different care scenarios, and small class sizes can make it easier to ask questions and receive individualized support from instructors.

The academy’s stated goals include improving completion rates, collecting feedback from students and employers, and maintaining transparency about certification pass rates—all of which show a commitment to ongoing program quality.

---