CNA Classes in Maine (Top Schools)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) assistant provides direct patient care under the senior nurse’s supervision.

In Maine, to be a CNA, you must have completed the following:

• State-approved CNA training program
• CNA competency exam
• Background check

Only then can you be added to the Maine CNA Registry.

Taking on a CNA Training Program in Maine

CNA training programs in Maine are under the regulation of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Meanwhile, the program’s curriculum is developed by the Maine State Board of Nursing (MSoB).

For you to qualify to enroll in a state-approved CNA program, you must at least meet the following:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Have proof of 9th-grade completion
• Able to read and write in English
• Pass the background check

In the program, you will have to complete 180 hours of education and training.

• 90 hours of classroom learning
• 20 hours of laboratory work
• 70 hours of clinical practice (supervised by a professional nurse)

Depending on the training facility, it may take you about four to 12 weeks to complete it.

Afterward, you’ll receive a Certificate of Training, which is one of the requirements of the CNA Registry.

To help you locate the training facility that suits you, take a look at the list below.

Evaluating a CNA Candidate

The competency exam is one of the conditions you’ll have to meet to be certified and registered.

In the exam, you will demonstrate your capability as a nurse aide through:

• Knowledge test (written or oral)
• Clinical skills test

The knowledge test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 90 minutes.

Meanwhile, in the clinical skills test, you will demonstrate 10 nurse aide tasks.

For the passing rates, the former requires a 70% score while the latter needs 7/10 tasks accurately completed.

You’re allowed three attempts to pass the competency exam within 24 months from training completion.

Otherwise, you’ll have to undergo retraining and enter a new cycle of testing.

Applying for a CNA Status

Now that you’ve completed the three conditions mentioned above, you can now apply as a CNA at the CNA Registry.

You can go to DHHS’s CNA Registry website to download the application form online.

Do note that Maine is not like the other states where the training and testing facilities submit the necessary documents to the registry.

Here, it’s you who’ll apply for the registration.

To the CNA Registry, you will submit the following:

• Duly accomplished application form
• Proof of completing a state-approved CNA training program
• Proof of completing the CNA competency exam
• Copy of Certificate of Training
• Copy of the background check done during your enrollment

It takes about 30 days for the CNA Registry to confirm and verify your eligibility.

If they approve, you will receive a letter from them containing the date of your placement in the registry.

Then, every 24 months, you must be working as a paid CNA at a nursing facility to have an active status on the registry.

If you need more information, you can:

• Reach out to CNA Registry via email at dlrs.cnaregistry@maine.gov
• Visit their website

Potential Salary

The average salary for CNAs in Maine is currently $30,490.

However, the strong demand for trained nurse aids is expected to increase in the future.

And so, salaries will become highly competitive.

That’s why this job will be a good choice for people who want the following;

• A secure workplace
• An opportunity to show their dedication and skills

To get an overview of the salary offers per city, please take a look at the table below.