Anne Arundel Community College CNA Program

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program in Arnold, Maryland, designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare. This program equips you with essential patient care skills through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Whether you’re starting your healthcare journey or looking to change careers, AACC’s CNA training provides the foundation you need to work in hospitals or long-term care facilities while making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.

The program trains you to perform vital healthcare duties such as answering patients’ call lights, serving meals, making beds, and helping patients with daily activities like eating, dressing, and bathing. As a graduate, you’ll be prepared to take the Maryland state certification exam to become a licensed Certified Nursing Assistant and Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA).

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 136 total hours (combined theory and skills lab/clinical)
• Cost of Program: $2,856 total program cost for Anne Arundel County residents (not including state registry exam fee)
• Accreditation: Approved by Maryland Board of Nursing as meeting Certified Nursing Assistant requirements; endorsed by Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) for Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNA) state registry exam
• CNA Program Schedule: Evening classes available; schedules vary by session

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning The program includes comprehensive theory instruction through NRN-343 CNA Theory course. You’ll learn to function as a patient care assistant within the healthcare team through lectures and simulated nursing skills practice. Topics covered include roles and responsibilities of nursing assistants, client care basics, safety measures, body systems, nutrition, hydration and elimination needs, body mechanics, and infection control processes.
• Clinical Experience The NRN-344 CNA Skills Lab/Clinical course provides hands-on training in a college laboratory followed by clinical practice in a hospital or long-term care facility. You’ll learn to calculate and record vital signs, identify different types of wounds, perform basic dressing changes, provide safe positioning and transferring, and practice restraint care.
• Exam Preparation The program prepares you for the Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNA) state registry exam. The curriculum covers all requirements needed to meet Maryland Board of Nursing standards for certification.

Admission Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must attend a mandatory information session before enrolling
• English as a Second Language students must earn a composite score of 310 or better on the Level of English Proficiency exam, or successfully complete Capstone Level ESL coursework
• Clinical training requires written documentation of:
  • MMR and Varicella immunity
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray within the last 12 months
  • Hepatitis B immunity or waiver
  • Current flu and COVID vaccinations
• The Maryland Board of Nursing requires fingerprinting, background checks, and drug screening for certification

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Classes are offered in the evening from 5:30 PM to 9:45 PM on varying days. The program runs for approximately two months, with specific dates varying by term. For example, the Winter 2025 session runs from February 17, 2025, to April 28, 2025, at the Glen Burnie Town Center location.

Please contact the program directly for information about upcoming class schedules and start dates, as these details change each term.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• Program Tuition: $2,856 total for Anne Arundel County residents
  • NRN-343 CNA Theory: $1,223 (includes $98 fee)
  • NRN-344 CNA Skills Lab/Clinical: Additional cost (contact program for current rates)
• Additional Expenses:
  • State registry exam fee (not included in course cost)
  • Textbooks (information available at AACC Bookstore)
  • White scrub top, royal blue scrub pants, and white closed-toe shoes
  • CEUs are issued upon completion

For information about financial aid options and scholarship opportunities, please contact the program directly.

How to Apply

1. First, attend a mandatory information session. Find and register for an upcoming session.
2. After attending the information session, you can register for the required courses (NRN-343 and NRN-344).
3. The courses are noncredit, meaning you don’t need to apply for admission to the college to enroll.
4. Simply choose the class that fits your schedule and register.

For help with the registration process, you can contact the Instructional Support Center at 410-777-2325 or email [email protected].

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Anne Arundel Community College
• Primary Campus Address: 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012
• Program Location: Glen Burnie Town Center, 101 Crain Highway N., Glen Burnie, MD 21061
• Phone Number: 410-777-2325 (Instructional Support Center)
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected] (Continuing Education Healthcare Programs)
• Website: www.aacc.edu

Additional Resources

• CNA Healthcare Information Sessions – Register to attend a mandatory information session
• AACC Bookstore – Find required textbooks and materials
• Noncredit Course Inventory – Search for upcoming CNA courses and other healthcare programs

Summary and Next Steps

Anne Arundel Community College’s CNA program in Arnold, Maryland provides quality training that prepares you to enter the healthcare field with confidence. Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible to apply for your CNA license from the Maryland Board of Nursing and begin a rewarding career helping others.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
Compare multiple schools, costs, and start dates near you.