Howard Community College CNA Program

Howard Community College offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program in Columbia, Maryland that prepares students for rewarding careers in healthcare. In as little as 5 weeks, you can complete this training program and be ready to work on the front lines of patient care. If you’re considering CNA classes in Columbia, Maryland, HCC’s program provides the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to succeed in this growing field.

The CNA program at Howard Community College is ideal for those who enjoy helping others and want to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. With a hybrid learning format that combines online instruction with in-person skills practice, the program is designed to accommodate busy schedules while providing thorough preparation. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to obtain a CNA license from the Maryland Board of Nursing and take the State Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) Exam, opening doors to employment in hospitals, assisted living centers, and home healthcare settings.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 5 weeks (145 total hours: 100 hours of theory and 45 hours of clinical training)
• Cost of Program: $2,240 total ($1,660 for Theory portion including $865 in fees; $580 for Clinical portion including $285 in fees)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing
• CNA Program Schedule: Multiple options available including weekday, weekend, and hybrid formats

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning The CNA program at HCC is offered in a hybrid format, combining online learning with in-person skills practice. The theory portion (100 hours) covers essential topics including life span development, vital signs, basic patient care skills, and other fundamentals needed to function as a nursing assistant in various healthcare settings. Students learn to serve meals, make beds, help patients eat, and perform other basic patient care tasks that address patients’ most important needs.
• Clinical Experience Following the classroom and lab portions, students complete 45 hours (40 hours of direct clinical experience plus 5 hours of orientation) in a supervised clinical setting such as a local nursing home or assisted living facility. This hands-on experience allows students to apply the skills they’ve learned in a real healthcare environment under the supervision of trained instructors.
• Exam Preparation The program is designed to prepare students for certification success. HCC’s CNA/GNA program meets all Maryland Board of Nursing certification requirements, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to obtain their CNA license and take the State Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) Exam.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the CNA program at Howard Community College, you must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Have a Social Security Number
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Complete required immunizations
• Pass a criminal background check (Note: If denied access to a clinical site, you will not be able to complete the course or receive your certificate, and there will be no refund for tuition or fees)
• Pass a basic reading exam at least one week before the class start date

Please contact [email protected] for more detailed information about prerequisites and admission requirements.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Howard Community College offers flexible scheduling options for the CNA program to accommodate different student needs. Recent course offerings include:

• Weekday options: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Weekend options: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday options: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The clinical portion typically runs Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at partner healthcare facilities.

Multiple start dates are available throughout the year. For the most current schedule information, visit the Howard Community College website or contact the program directly.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• Theory Course: $1,660 (includes $865 in fees and textbook)
• Clinical Course: $580 (includes $285 in fees)
• Total Program Cost: $2,240

Financial aid may be available for eligible candidates. Applications for financial assistance must be submitted at least three weeks before the class start date. For more information about financial aid options, visit the Noncredit Financial Aid page on the HCC website.

No refunds are given seven days prior to the start date of either course component.

How to Apply

To apply for the CNA program at Howard Community College:

1. Review all program prerequisites and ensure you meet the requirements (age, education, etc.)
2. Prepare to pass the basic reading exam (must be completed at least one week before class starts)
3. Contact [email protected] or call 443-518-4981 for more information or to register
4. Register for both the Theory and Clinical sections simultaneously (they are taken together)
5. Submit your application for financial aid at least three weeks before the class start date if needed

Once registered, prepare for your background check and ensure your immunizations are up to date before the course begins.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Howard Community College
• Address: 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044
• Phone Number: 443-518-1700 (Workforce, Career & Community Education)
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.howardcc.edu/programs-courses/continuing-education/courses/health-care-careers/certified-nursing-assistant/

Additional Resources

• CNA Frequently Asked Questions – Answers to common questions about the program
• Noncredit Financial Aid Information – Details about financial assistance options
• Registration and Payment Information – Steps to register for noncredit courses

Summary and Next Steps

Howard Community College’s CNA program in Columbia, Maryland offers a fast track to a rewarding healthcare career in just 5 weeks. With its hybrid format combining online learning with hands-on skills training and clinical experience, the program is designed to fit your schedule while thoroughly preparing you for success in the field.

Upon completion, you’ll be eligible for your CNA license from the Maryland Board of Nursing and ready to take the State Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) Exam. This certification opens doors to opportunities in hospitals, assisted living centers, and home care settings, where you can make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives every day.

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