Allegany College of Maryland CNA Program

Allegany College of Maryland offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Aide Certificate program in Cumberland, Maryland. This one-semester program provides affordable, high-quality training for an in-demand healthcare career. Whether you’re looking to start your healthcare journey or change careers, ACM’s CNA training prepares you to work in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies while making a personal difference in patients’ lives.

The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on lab practice and clinical experience to teach essential healthcare skills. Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible for certification through the Maryland Board of Nursing as both a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA), opening doors to various healthcare settings throughout Maryland.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: One semester (can also be taken in two semesters)
• Cost of Program: 16 credits; financial aid available for qualifying students
• Accreditation: Approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing
• CNA Program Schedule: Daytime and evening options available

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning The program includes comprehensive classroom instruction covering essential healthcare topics such as body systems and diseases, medical terminology, medical math, and observation and recording of vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respirations, temperature). You’ll build a foundation of medical knowledge while learning safe and efficient work practices.
• Clinical Experience After completing the classroom and skills portion, students participate in a 45-hour clinical experience at a local nursing home. Under the supervision of a clinical instructor, you’ll practice the skills and knowledge gained in the classroom in a real healthcare environment.
• Exam Preparation The program prepares graduates to sit for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam, which provides Geriatric Nursing Assistant certification. This certification is required to work in Maryland nursing homes and shows employers you meet professional standards of care.

Admission Requirements

• Open enrollment program (no special application required)
• Minimum required score on the Reading section of the placement test
• Students can register until the semester start date or until classes are full

Please contact the program directly for more information about specific placement test requirements.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The CNA/GNA program at Allegany College of Maryland offers both daytime and evening class options to accommodate different schedules. The program is designed to be completed in one semester but can also be taken over two semesters for additional flexibility.

Students can register for classes through either Continuing Education (CE) or as credit courses, providing options that fit different educational goals. Registration remains open until the semester start date or until classes fill up.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

While specific tuition amounts aren’t listed, Allegany College of Maryland offers several financial assistance options:

• Federal financial aid may be available for qualifying students (requires completing the FAFSA)
• Scholarship opportunities (ACM offers approximately 2,500 scholarships annually totaling more than $1.5 million)
• Payment plans through Nelnet Business Solutions allow students to spread payments over time rather than paying tuition all at once
• The CNA/GNA program is designated as a Health Manpower Shortage Program by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)

Additional costs include textbooks, which can be purchased at the AACC Bookstore.

For more specific information about current tuition rates and available financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid office at 301-784-5213 or visit the college website.

How to Apply

1. Apply for general admission to Allegany College of Maryland to obtain your Username and Password
2. Register for the required CNA/GNA program courses (can be done through either Continuing Education or as credit courses)
3. Meet the minimum required score on the Reading section of the placement test
4. Registration remains open until the semester start date or until classes are full

For questions about the application process, contact the program coordinator or the Admissions Office at 301-784-5199.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Allegany College of Maryland
• Address: 101 College Parkway, Cumberland, MD 21012
• Program Contact: Deborah Henson, Coordinator
• Phone Number: 301-784-5529
• Email: [email protected]
• Location: Center for Continuing Education & Workforce Development, CE33
• Website: https://www.allegany.edu/nursing-assistant-certificate/

Additional Resources

• Credit Catalog – Detailed information about the credit program requirements
• Maryland Board of Nursing – Information about nursing certification in Maryland
• Credentia – Testing services for certification exams
• NMWC Forms/Fees – Information about forms and fees for the Nurse Managed Wellness Clinic

Summary and Next Steps

Allegany College of Maryland’s CNA/GNA program in Cumberland, MD offers a practical pathway to begin your healthcare career. With options for daytime or evening classes, the flexibility to complete the program in one or two semesters, and potential financial aid support, ACM makes nursing assistant training accessible to a wide range of students.

Upon successful completion of this 16-credit program, you’ll be prepared to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam for certification as both a CNA and GNA. This opens doors to employment in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies where you can make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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