Key Points
- Carroll Community College’s net CNA price is just $2,725 after aid.
- Dwyer Workforce Development’s free CNA program boasts 93% job placement.
- Employer-sponsored and grant-funded programs can fully cover CNA tuition.
Find the Top-Ranked CNA Programs in Maryland
Compare state-approved CNA training options across Maryland—from Salisbury to Gaithersburg—using real data on cost, quality, and graduate success.
Twelve community colleges across Maryland currently offer Board of Nursing-approved CNA programs, with tuition as low as $1,700 and completion timelines as short as five weeks. That range gives you real options, but it also makes comparison harder. Programs differ in clinical hours, scheduling flexibility, and whether they bundle Geriatric Nursing Assistant preparation into the same certificate.
The real challenge is matching a program to your circumstances. A $2,178 option in Westminster and a $1,909 option in Baltimore serve very different commuters, and evening availability varies by campus. Maryland's aging population continues to push CNA hiring across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies, so the credential carries weight statewide, from Cumberland to Salisbury.
The Best CNA Training Programs in Maryland: Ranked & Reviewed
Maryland's community colleges offer some of the most affordable and accessible CNA training in the nation, with program costs ranging from $1,609 to $2,856. Our ranking evaluates schools based on affordability, program structure, and student outcomes to help you find the right fit. Whether you need evening classes, accelerated timelines, or a pathway to advanced nursing roles, there's a program here for you.
Factors considered
- Graduation and retention rates
- Net price and affordability
- Program length and clinical hours
- Student-faculty ratio
- Graduate earnings potential
Data sources
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- Internal program database
Carroll Community College
#1Westminster, MD · $3,000/yr
Best for: Career changers wanting a thorough clinical foundation
Carroll Community College's CNA/GNA program stands out for its 132-hour curriculum, exceeding Maryland's minimum requirements. Students gain hands-on experience through classroom and clinical training, preparing for both state certifications. With a total cost of $2,178, it's an affordable launchpad into healthcare, supported by spring, summer, and fall start dates.
- 132-hour training program, completed in 2-3 months
- Total program cost: $2,178
- Minimum age requirement: 16 years old
- Spring, Summer, and Fall scheduling options
- Classroom and clinical training included
- Prepares for Maryland Board of Nursing certification
- Real-world healthcare experience in nursing facilities
- CPR certification prerequisite required
Hagerstown Community College
#2Hagerstown, MD · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Best for: Cost-cautious students needing scholarship support
Hagerstown Community College provides a comprehensive CNA/GNA program with a focus on scholarship availability to help cover costs. Training includes medical terminology, infection control, and personal care skills, along with clinical experience in hospitals or long-term care. It's a solid choice for learners who need financial assistance to enter the healthcare workforce.
- Prepares for Maryland CNA and GNA certification
- Includes clinical experience in local facilities
- Covers medical terminology and infection control
- Scholarships may be available to cover program costs
- COVID-19 vaccination required for clinicals
- Training for hospital and long-term care roles
- Focus on personal care and documentation skills
- Allied Health application process required
Cecil College
#3North East, MD · $10,000/yr
Best for: Evening learners needing multi-state clinical exposure
Cecil College offers a 150-hour evening/weekend CNA program ideal for working adults. Its unique NC-SARA approval allows supervised clinical experiences in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, making it perfect for border commuters. Graduates gain eligibility for both Maryland certification and Delaware reciprocity.
- Evening/weekend program schedule available
- 150 total instructional hours
- Prepares for CNA and GNA certification
- Maryland Board of Nursing approved
- Eligibility for Delaware reciprocity
- High school diploma or GED required
- Background check and drug screening mandatory
- BLS certification prerequisite required
College of Southern Maryland
#4La Plata, MD · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
The College of Southern Maryland's CNA program is designed as a workforce training pipeline, directly aligned with local employer needs. With a total cost of $2,389, it includes two required courses and mandatory orientation. Students must be 18 or older and complete a Work Keys Assessment, ensuring readiness for the rigors of patient care.
- Two required courses: Fundamentals and Practice
- Cost: $2,389 plus uniform and textbooks
- Must be 18+ and pass Work Keys Assessment
- Background checks and health screenings required
- 100% attendance mandatory for all sessions
- Scholarships and financial assistance available
- Prepares for Maryland Nurse Aide Competency Exam
- Clinical partner requirements per site
Howard Community College
#5Columbia, MD · ~$11,000/yr (est.)
Howard Community College's hybrid CNA program combines online theory with in-person labs and 40 hours of clinical training, totaling 145 hours. At $1,700, it's a cost-effective pathway that grants 14.5 CEUs and a digital badge, making it attractive for students who want flexibility and a recognized credential in just five weeks.
- 5-week hybrid program (online and in-person)
- Total cost: $1,700, including fees
- 145 total hours, including 40 clinical hours
- Must be 18 with high school diploma or GED
- Earn 14.5 CEUs and a digital badge
- Eligible for Maryland CNA licensure and GNA exam
- Financial aid available for qualifying students
- Reading assessment and immunizations required
Prince George's Community College
#6Largo, MD · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Prince George's Community College provides a multi-campus CNA program with day and evening cohorts across Largo, University Town Center, and Laurel. With a combined theory and clinical cost of $1,600, it's an accessible option for commuters. The program uses standardized materials like Hartman's Nursing Assistant Care and CastleBranch background checks to ensure quality.
- Theory: $1,000; Clinical: $600; plus textbooks
- Multiple campuses: Largo, University Town Center, Laurel
- Day and evening schedules available
- High school diploma or GED required
- Reading Accuplacer Test score of 230+ needed
- CastleBranch background check package included
- Prepares for CNA and Geriatric Nursing Assistant exams
- Contact for scholarship information and payment options
Allegany College of Maryland
#7Cumberland, MD · $9,000/yr
Allegany College of Maryland offers a credit-bearing, one-semester Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Aide certificate that transfers smoothly into LPN/RN pathways. As part of the Health Manpower Shortage Program, it targets rural healthcare needs with daytime and evening options. Financial aid is available, and the 16-credit curriculum includes 45 hours of clinical experience.
- 16-credit certificate, completed in one semester
- 45-hour clinical experience included
- Daytime and evening scheduling options
- Maryland Board of Nursing approved
- Prepares for CNA/GNA certification exams
- Open enrollment with placement test requirement
- Financial aid available for qualifying students
- Part of Maryland's Health Manpower Shortage Program
Anne Arundel Community College
#8Arnold, MD · $4,000 – $12,000/yr
Anne Arundel Community College's noncredit CNA/GNA program requires no college application, just registration. At $2,856 for county residents, it includes 136 hours of training and uses college-level texts. While a high school diploma isn't required for enrollment, it may be needed for employment, opening doors for adult learners. The program also links to an Advanced Patient Care Technician pathway.
- 136 total program hours
- Cost: $2,856 for county residents
- Must be 18 or older; no college application needed
- Mandatory information session required
- Two noncredit courses with clinical training
- Prepares for Maryland CNA licensure
- Health screenings and background checks required
- Pathway to Advanced Patient Care Technician credential
Community College of Baltimore County
#9Baltimore, MD · $4,000 – $11,000/yr
Community College of Baltimore County offers multiple CNA/GNA tracks across three campuses, making it highly accessible for Baltimore-area students. The 143-hour program, priced around $2,194, includes theory, lab, and clinical components with a 75% grade requirement. It emphasizes physical readiness for job demands in hospitals, long-term care, and home health settings.
- 143-hour sequence: 88 theory + 48 clinical + CPR
- Total cost: $2,194, including textbooks
- Three campus locations: Dundalk, Essex, Randallstown
- No high school diploma required for enrollment
- 75% average required in theory and final exam
- Prepares for CNA and GNA certification
- CPR training included with 100% attendance required
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds and stand for long periods
Montgomery College
#10Rockville, MD · ~$8,000/yr (est.)
Montgomery College's CNA/GNA program is embedded in a needs-based scholarship framework, helping lower-income students in the DC suburbs access training. The campus-based program includes classroom, lab, and clinical experience under RN supervision. A structured application process with information sessions and assessments ensures students are well-prepared for state exams and employment.
- No certification exam required for CNA after completion
- Offered in fall, spring, and summer terms
- Needs-based scholarships may cover costs
- Must attend a free information session
- Math and reading test prerequisites required
- Clinical training in hospitals and long-term care
- Interest form submission during specific dates
- Supervised by RNs with hands-on practice
Harford Community College
#11Bel Air, MD · $9,000/yr (net price)
Harford Community College's CNA program costs approximately $1,953 and includes 66 to 75 clinical hours, depending on the track. The 3-month program integrates CPR certification and NNAAP exam fees, providing a complete certification package. It's approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and serves as a stepping stone to nursing careers.
- 3-month program with day or evening options
- Total cost: approximately $1,953, all-inclusive
- 66-75 hours of clinical experience at local facilities
- CPR certification and NNAAP exam fee included
- Maryland Board of Nursing approved
- Reading and math assessment required
- Textbooks and scrubs purchased separately
- Prepares for CNA and GNA certification
Frederick Community College
#12Frederick, MD · $4,000 – $10,000/yr
Frederick Community College's CNA program is a campus-based continuing education option that combines classroom and clinical training. It offers scholarships, payment plans, and free tuition for qualifying FCPS students through dual enrollment. While detailed cost and hour data are limited, its strong graduate earnings potential makes it a competitive choice in the region.
- Continuing Education program, no application required
- Combines classroom instruction with clinical experience
- Prepares for Maryland CNA certification and GNA exam
- Scholarships, payment plans, and financial assistance available
- Dual enrollment for high school students; free tuition for FCPS
- Industry-recognized training eligible for academic credit
- Online registration available for most courses
- Contact program manager for detailed cost information
Carroll Community College in Westminster offers the lowest net price among Maryland's ranked CNA programs, at just $2,725 after financial aid. With a total program cost of about $2,178, that is well below the state average, where many programs run $6,000 to $10,000 or more. If budget is your top concern, this is the program to explore first.
How We Ranked Maryland's CNA Programs
Cost and quality pull in opposite directions more often than most ranking systems admit. A program priced low enough to be accessible might offer fewer clinical hours. A program with strong graduate outcomes might be offered only during hours that rule out anyone with a day job. Building this list meant sitting with that tension and making judgment calls transparent enough for you to override them.
What We Looked At
Every school on this list was evaluated across four main areas: net price (what students actually pay after aid, not the sticker price), graduation or completion rates, earnings potential for graduates, and program format. Format matters because a program only offered Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. effectively excludes caregivers, second-job holders, and anyone without reliable transportation during peak hours.
Where available, we drew on federal datasets including IPEDS and the College Scorecard to anchor the numbers. These sources give us a consistent, government-collected baseline so the comparisons are apples-to-apples rather than each school's self-reported marketing figures.
What We Researched Independently
Federal data covers colleges and career schools that participate in Title IV aid programs, but not every CNA training site does. Community hospital programs, Red Cross chapters, and some private training centers operate outside that reporting structure. For those programs, we researched cost, duration, and format directly, pulling from program pages and state registry records as of mid-2026.
In cases where program-level earnings data had not yet been published or was not available for a specific site, we noted that plainly rather than substituting a number that might not reflect the actual program.
How Affordability and Outcomes Were Weighted
Neither cost nor outcomes was treated as a dealbreaker on its own. A free program with a poor completion record does not serve you well. A program with excellent graduate employment rates that costs three times more than alternatives requires a financial rationale. The final ranking reflects CNA programs where affordability and outcomes reinforce each other, with format and scheduling flexibility used as tiebreakers.
If your situation differs from the typical student profile, the comparison table later in this article lets you sort by whichever factor matters most to you.
Common Questions About CNA Training in Maryland
Getting started as a CNA in Maryland comes with many questions. Here are straightforward answers to the most common ones, so you can make informed decisions about your training and career path.
First, confirm you meet the basic requirements: you must be at least 17 years old (though some programs accept students as young as 161 or require 18), hold a high school diploma or GED1, and pass a criminal background check2. You will also need CPR certification before starting clinical work. Once enrolled in a state-approved program, you will complete 100 hours of training, including 40 hours of hands-on clinical experience, before taking the certification exam.3
Yes, a high school diploma or GED is required to enroll in a CNA training program in Maryland.1
Maryland CNA certification is valid for two years. To renew, you typically need to demonstrate that you have worked as a CNA for a minimum number of hours during that period. If you do not meet the work requirement, you may need to retake the competency exam. Check with the Maryland Board of Nursing for the most current renewal guidelines.
Many training providers understand that students have jobs and family commitments. While schedules vary, you can often find programs that offer evening, weekend, or part-time options. Contact the programs directly to ask about their current schedules.
A CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) is the foundational credential. A GNA (Geriatric Nursing Assistant) is an additional certification that allows you to work specifically in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. In Maryland, many employers require both. To earn the GNA, you must pass the NNAAP exam through Credentia after completing your CNA training. The GNA exam fee is $105.
You cannot complete the entire program online. Maryland allows hybrid programs where you take the theory portion online, but the required 40 hours of clinical practice must be completed in person at an approved healthcare facility.3
Individual programs do not consistently publish job placement rates. However, the demand for CNAs in Maryland is strong, with CNA career information reporting a median hourly wage of $152. Many graduates find employment quickly, especially in nursing homes and hospitals.
Yes. Several programs offer free training, especially through workforce development initiatives or employer sponsorships. Even if you pay upfront, financial aid, payment plans, and scholarships may be available. Ask your chosen program about eligibility requirements.2
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you learn best by doing, or would you prefer the flexibility of a hybrid schedule?
CNA skills require in-person practice, but some programs offer online theory classes. Consider whether you need the structure of a classroom or the convenience of learning core concepts from home.
Can you realistically travel to a campus in Salisbury or Gaithersburg, or do you need a fully online option for the classroom portion?
While clinical hours must be completed in person, some schools offer remote lectures. If commuting is a barrier, focus on programs that bring the classroom to you.
Is keeping costs low your main concern, or would you invest in a faster program to start earning sooner?
Short-term programs may charge more but get you job-ready quickly, while low-cost or free options often spread training over more weeks. Decide which tradeoff fits your budget and timeline.
Your Path to CNA Certification in Maryland
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Maryland follows a clear, state-defined process. Here is your step-by-step guide.
What CNA Training Costs in Maryland (And Where to Find Free Options)
How much does it actually cost to become a CNA in Maryland, and can you get trained for free? The short answer: most programs run between $900 and $3,750, but several employer-sponsored and grant-funded pathways bring the cost down to zero.
Typical Program Costs
Maryland CNA tuition falls into a predictable range for 2025-2026. Private training centers tend to sit at the lower end, while community colleges cluster in the middle, and hospital-affiliated programs sometimes push higher.
- Private training centers ($900-$995): Psona Training Center ($900), The Nursing Assistant Academy in Riverdale ($950), and Stein Academy ($995) are among the most affordable options in the state.
- Community colleges ($1,600-$2,900): Prince George's Community College ($1,600), Howard Community College ($1,700), Harford Community College ($1,953), Carroll Community College ($2,178), Community College of Baltimore County ($2,194), College of Southern Maryland ($2,389), and Anne Arundel Community College ($2,856).
- Other private schools: It Works Learning charges $2,400 for its CNA/GNA program.
Most of these costs cover tuition only. Expect to budget another $200-$400 for scrubs, textbooks, background checks, health screenings, and the state certification exam.
Free and Low-Cost Pathways
Several programs in Maryland cost nothing out of pocket if you qualify:
- UMMS Paid CNA Training: The University of Maryland Medical System runs a paid training track where the employer covers the full program cost in exchange for a work commitment.
- Heritage Care Inc.: Offers a no-cost CNA program tied to employment placement.
- MOLC Free CNA Classes: A grant-funded initiative serving CNA classes in Baltimore residents at no cost.
- Maryland EARN program: State workforce grants channel money to healthcare employers who then train new CNAs for free.
Financial Aid and the Return on Your Investment
Community colleges like Montgomery College and Carroll Community College offer needs-based scholarships and tuition assistance for their CNA/GNA tracks. Ask the continuing education office about payment plans, workforce development vouchers, and Pell-adjacent funding for noncredit healthcare programs.
Even at the top of the tuition range, the math works in your favor. Paying $2,000-$3,000 for a program that takes two to three months, then stepping into a full-time healthcare role, is one of the fastest tuition-to-paycheck turnarounds in the state. That's why CNA training remains a practical entry point, whether you plan to stay bedside or use it as a stepping stone toward LPN or RN work.
Dwyer Workforce Development in Maryland offers free CNA training and reported a 93% job placement rate in 2024, according to Help Baltimore's Homeless. That means nearly all graduates moved directly into paid healthcare positions, proving that a tight budget does not have to stand between you and a rewarding career.
Head-To-Head: Comparing Maryland's Top CNA Programs
Here's a side-by-side look at four of Maryland's highest-rated CNA programs. Costs range from under $2,000 to over $2,200, and durations span from about one month to three months, so you can find a program that fits your budget and schedule.
| Howard Community College | Community College of Baltimore County | Carroll Community College | Harford Community College |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,700 - $1,720 | $1,909 - $2,274 | $2,178 | $1,953 |
| 1.15 months | 1-3 months | 2-3 months | 1.38 months |
| Hybrid | Campus | Campus | Campus |
| Maryland Board of Nursing | Maryland Board of Nursing | Maryland Board of Nursing | Maryland Board of Nursing |
CNA Salaries & Job Outlook in Maryland: What the Data Shows
CNA Classes Near You: Salisbury, Gaithersburg & More
Finding CNA classes near your community can make training far more manageable, since commuting time and local clinical placements both matter. Whether you're on the Eastern Shore, in Montgomery County, or in central Maryland, there are accredited programs that fit different budgets and schedules.
Salisbury: Free and Affordable Options
Salisbury offers several paths to certification. Wor-Wic Community College, located at 32000 Campus Drive, runs a Nursing Assistant / Geriatric Nursing Assistant program that is completely free for eligible residents through the state's EARN Ready to Care initiative.1 This program covers all instructional costs, making it the most budget-friendly route in the area. Private academy Cambridge Nursing Assistant Academy charges approximately $975 for its CNA program3, and other providers such as Shore Up! Inc. and Deer's Head Hospital Center also offer training at affordable rates.
Gaithersburg: Training Close to Home
In Gaithersburg, Morning Star Academy delivers CNA training at 101 Lakeforest Boulevard, Suite 402. The program's total cost is $1,1003, and it provides the theory and clinical hours needed to sit for the Maryland certification exam. While it's the primary in-city option, nearby Rockville is home to Montgomery College, which runs a combined CNA/GNA program on a campus-based schedule with needs-based scholarships available.
Notable Programs in Baltimore & Frederick
The Baltimore area has several established providers. The American Red Cross offers a CNA class at 4700 Mt. Hope Drive, with total costs typically between $1,400 and $1,800. The Community College of Baltimore County (Essex campus at 7201 Rossville Blvd) runs a 1, 3 month program costing around $1,909. In Frederick, Frederick Community College at 7932 Opossumtown Pike provides a comprehensive CNA training that includes clinical skills, health screening requirements, and certification preparation.
How to Choose a Local Program That Fits
When comparing nearby CNA classes, focus on a few practical details:
- State approval: Confirm the program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing so you qualify to sit for the certifying exam.
- Total cost and hidden fees: Ask about tuition, textbooks, scrubs, background checks, and health screenings. Many schools bundle some of these, but not all.
- Schedule flexibility: Look for day, evening, or weekend cohorts that match your current job or family obligations. Community colleges often have multiple start dates.
- Clinical placement quality: A strong local network of nursing homes and hospitals ensures you get hands-on experience during training, and it can also open doors for landing your first CNA job.
- Free training and financial aid: Ask about EARN subsidies, employer-sponsored programs, or institutional scholarships that can eliminate costs entirely, especially at community colleges and workforce centers.
By picking a program near your home or work, you reduce travel expenses and can more easily juggle training with your other responsibilities. Whether you enroll at a community college, a Red Cross site, or a private academy, the proximity factor helps you stay consistent and graduate job-ready.
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