Certified Nursing Assistant in Maryland

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MD. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$40,000
trending_up +1.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Maryland.

engineering
24,230

Jobs (MD)

monitoring Stable
+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments
$125

Licensing fees

schedule
4-8 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Maryland

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Maryland, individuals must complete a Maryland Board of Nursing-approved training program of at least 100 hours, which includes a minimum of 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. After completing the training and a criminal background check, applicants must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam administered by Credentia. Maryland offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states, provided their certification is active and in good standing.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $34,330
25th percentile $37,120
50th (median) $40,000
75th percentile $45,780
90th (experienced) $50,030

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Maryland. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Maryland requirements

Licensing bodyMaryland Board of Nursing
State license Required
EducationCompletion of a Maryland Board of Nursing-approved training program of at least 100 hours, including a minimum of 40 hours of supervised clinical practice.
ExamNational Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia ($105)
Application fee$20
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesMinimum age is not explicitly stated, but some programs may require applicants to be at least 18 years old or enrolled in high school. A criminal background check is required. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours in the past 24 months.

Source: Maryland Board of Nursing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+2.3%
Average
Annual openings
204,100
Nationwide per year
Total employment
1,441,500
Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleMaryland license required — clearer credential signal to employers
psychology
Wondering if a certified nursing assistant career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a certified nursing assistant in Maryland? expand_more
To become a certified nursing assistant in Maryland, you need to complete the required education (Completion of a Maryland Board of Nursing-approved training program of at least 100 hours, including a minimum of 40 hours of supervised clinical practice.), pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia, and submit your application ($20 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a certified nursing assistant in Maryland? expand_more
You cannot practice as a certified nursing assistant in Maryland without a state license from Maryland Board of Nursing. The required exam is the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia.
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Maryland? expand_more
certified nursing assistants in Maryland earn a median of $40,000 annually. That's roughly in line with the $39,530 national median. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $34,330, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $50,030.
What are the fees to become a certified nursing assistant in Maryland? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($105) and application fee ($20) and required training.
How many months or years does certified nursing assistant certification take in Maryland? expand_more
Expect to spend 4-8 weeks from start to finish in Maryland — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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