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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA) Program
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA) Program is a continuing education program that prepares students to apply for MD State certification as both a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA). Students are required to attend 145 hours of training that includes classroom, lab and clinical sessions. Classes are offered at both the Wye Mills and Cambridge campuses year-round. Day, evening and weekend schedules are offered. Clinical hours are held off-campus at select nursing homes.
To qualify for admission, students must meet the following criteria: 1) meet the Reading Comprehension skills requirement 2) pass a criminal background check and drug screen 3) possess good physical and mental health as certified by primary care provider.
PREREQUISITES: College Placement Test for Reading Comprehension, Career Planning for CNA/GNAs (CEI 165)
COURSE SEQUENCE: Nursing Assistant Theory, Nursing Assistant Clinical, BLS Healthcare Provider CPR, NNAAP Prep
Course Fee: $1,875 (Tuition: In-county $100, Out-of-county $105, Out-of-state $110)
Students interested in the Certified Nursing Assistant program are required to attend an orientation session. Please use this link to register for a CNA session: www.chesapeake.edu/cna-orientation.
What does a CNA/GNA do?
Nursing Assistants work under the supervision of an RN or LPN. The CNA’s or GNA’s primary duties are assisting with activities of daily living. Additional responsibilities involve performing basic nursing skills.
What will my training be like?
Please email CEHealthcare@chesapeake.edu if you have questions.
When do CNA classes start?
Classes are offered year-round at both the Wye Mills and Cambridge locations. Class size is limited to 8 students. Students cannot register for the CNA Program without first completing the CNA Application Process. Students who complete the process are accepted into the next CNA course on a first-come, first-served basis. Please see CNA program steps here.
The program includes 4 courses, CEI 146, CEI 147, CEI 150, CEX 611.
Once students complete all the required coursework and clinical hours, they can register to take the NNAAP exam for Geriatric Nursing Assistant certification.
This is a certificate program and does not qualify for traditional financial aid. Scholarship opportunities are included below. Please email CEHealthcare@chesapeake.edu for more information.

INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: ALLIED HEALTH
Julia Alvis Murray is the evening CNA instructor at the Cambridge Center. She has worked with Chesapeake College students for more than seven years, specifically in the CNA program for the past year. She has a master’s degree in nursing leadership and a master’s certificate in nursing education. Her specialties are psychiatric nursing and forensic psychiatric nursing. She also has many years of experience with geriatric clients in both the nursing home setting and assisted living homes. A mother of two children, Julia and her husband have been married 14 years. Teaching is one of her greatest passions and she feels blessed to be able to help others along their healthcare career path.
Professional Licensure Disclosure