Knowledge First Institute’s CNA program in Silver Spring, Maryland, is a 120-hour course designed to prepare students for the Maryland CNA and Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) certifications. Tuition is $1,000, and grants may be available through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) partnerships. The curriculum meets the federal OBRA 1987 standards, and both morning and evening classes are available.
This program blends classroom instruction, lab skills, and clinical training under licensed RNs with at least two years of experience. Students are expected to maintain a high attendance rate and meet minimum academic and practical benchmarks to graduate and become eligible for state certification.
Program Overview
The Nursing Assistant program at Knowledge First Institute is tailored for individuals seeking entry into healthcare with a clear pathway to state CNA and GNA certification. Instruction includes both theoretical learning and hands-on clinical experience under direct supervision of registered nurses.
The curriculum follows federal guidelines under OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987), ensuring students learn essential care practices like vital signs, personal care skills, and restorative services. Emotional and social support topics are also included, which is important for long-term care environments.
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Curriculum Breakdown
The CNA curriculum is structured into modules that cover various aspects of patient care, including:
- Introduction to Long-Term Care
- Personal Care Skills
- Basic Nursing Skills
- Restorative Services
- Mental Health Support
- Social Services Needs
- Supervised Clinical Training
The clinical segment is a critical component where students apply what they’ve learned in real healthcare settings under supervision. This helps students gain confidence and experience before entering the workforce.
Program Length and Format
The entire program consists of 120 clock hours, broken into both didactic and hands-on components. Students must complete all hours, with no more than 12 hours missed and a limited opportunity to make up time.While the school promotes flexible scheduling with morning and evening class options, the specific days and times aren’t detailed upfront. Interested students should call the school directly for class schedule availability.
Cost and Financial Aid
Tuition is $1,000, which includes a $50 registration fee. Students are expected to pay all fees by the time of the final exam unless they qualify for a payment plan. Importantly, the school participates in grant programs through the Maryland WIOA system, and students may be eligible for free tuition under programs like:
- Young Adult Opportunity Program
- One-Stop Job Centers
Applying for these grants may significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs for qualifying students.
Admission Requirements
Students must meet a list of criteria to be accepted into the CNA program:
- Complete and sign the enrollment application
- Show proof of high school diploma, GED, or pass the Wonderlic Basic Skills Tests
- Submit a current physical exam (within 12 months)
- Provide proof of a negative TB test or chest X-ray (within 12 months)
- Hold valid CPR and First Aid certification
- Pass a background check (details not specified but implied)
This checklist ensures students are ready both academically and medically for the demands of nursing assistant training.
Certification and Completion
After completing the program, students are eligible to:
- Apply for Maryland’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential
- Sit for the Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) state exam
To successfully finish, students must:
- Complete all 120 training hours
- Maintain a minimum 90% attendance rate
- Score 75% or higher on quizzes, midterm, and final exams
- Pass lab and clinical evaluations
- Satisfy all financial obligations to the school
Graduates receive an Achievement Award, which verifies program completion and readiness for state certification.
Career Services
While Knowledge First Institute does not guarantee job placement, they do emphasize helping students find work after graduation. Based on student testimonials, it seems the school puts effort into assisting with resumes, applications, and job leads through their network of local healthcare employers.
This additional support can be valuable for students transitioning directly into the workforce, especially first-time healthcare workers.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
The school outlines a clear refund policy:
- Full refund within 7 calendar days of signing the enrollment agreement
- After the 7-day grace period, the registration fee is non-refundable
- Refund percentages are tied to how much of the program was completed at the time of withdrawal, ranging from 90% (less than 10% completed) to no refund after 50% of instruction is completed
Students should read this policy carefully to understand their financial responsibilities and rights if they decide to withdraw.
School Location and Facilities
Knowledge First Institute is located at 11510 Georgia Avenue, Suite 211, Silver Spring, MD 20902, conveniently near Wheaton Mall and public transit options. The facility includes classroom space, lab settings for skills practice, and arrangements with clinical sites for hands-on training.
Faculty and Accreditation
All instructors are licensed Registered Nurses with at least two years of clinical experience. This ensures that students are learning from professionals who actively understand current healthcare practices.
The program is approved by both the Maryland Board of Nursing and the Maryland Higher Education Commission, so students can trust the school’s credibility and program legitimacy.
Who Should Consider Knowledge First Institute?
This program is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable, state-approved path into nursing assistant work. The $1,000 tuition, flexible scheduling, and access to grant funding make it a financially accessible option for many students, including recent high school grads, career changers, and individuals re-entering the workforce.
Knowledge First Institute stands out for its commitment to job-readiness and skill-building. While it doesn’t promise job placement, student reviews suggest real effort goes into helping graduates land their first position. This is especially important in a competitive job market.
Anyone looking for a structured, no-nonsense CNA program taught by qualified nurses—and who is willing to stay committed to attendance and academics—should consider this school. It’s also a practical pick if you’re in the Silver Spring area and want a local program with evening classes and financial aid support.
Category | Details |
Cost: | $1,000 total ($950 tuition + $50 registration fee); grants may cover full cost |
Duration & Clock Hours: | 120 clock hours |
Evening/Weekend Classes?: | Evening classes available; weekend not specified |
Online Classes?: | No |
Job Placement?: | No guaranteed job placement, but job search support is offered |
Requirements: | – Application- High school diploma, GED, or passing Wonderlic scores- CPR and First Aid certification- Physical exam (within 12 months)- Negative TB test or chest X-ray (within 12 months) |
Address: | 11510 Georgia Ave, Suite 211, Silver Spring, MD 20902 |
Phone: | (301) 933-7474 |
Email: | info@knowledgefirstinstitute.com |
Website: | https://knowledgefirstinstitute.com/ |
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