CNA Programs in Maine

Maine CNA Training

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There was a time when returning to school meant committing to a four year degree program at a college or university. Now, there are certification programs can help people train for new careers faster than ever before. Anyone interested in a flexible training program that will allow them to achieve a career with upward mobility should definitely consider Maine CNA classes.

CNAs provide assistance to nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals in a variety of health care settings. Nursing assistants are responsible for taking patient vital signs and preparing them for treatment, explaining diagnoses and prevention methods, and recording patient histories. Anyone who likes working with people every day, and educating them about how to live healthier lives could find being a CNA to be the perfect career for them.

Becoming a CNA in Maine

In Maine, CNAs who are not listed in the Maine CNA registry are not eligible to work as a CNA. The one exception to this rule is if an individual wishes to work as a CNA in a nursing facility for less than 4 months, as long as he or she submits documentation to the registry proving that they have completed an approved CNA training program.

CNAs must be at least 16 years old to work in the state of Maine. If a licensed individual does not work as a CNA for at least 8 hours every 24 months, he or she will lose their certification and will need to be recertified.

If an individual was a CNA in the US Armed Services and wishes to be added to the Maine CNA registry, he or she must submit the following:

An application to the Maine CNA registry
Written proof that he or she has completed the military's equivalent of Maine's CNA training program
Documentation detailing the dates of his or her training and the number of clinical and classroom hours that were completed
Proof that he or she has completed school through at least the 9th grade
Evidence that he or she has passed the Maine CNA competency test

A copy of their training certification if he or she is on active duty (e.g. Navy Hospital Corpsman)

Additionally, the CNA must not have any employment restrictions due to criminal convicts or substantiated complaints which bar the individual from working as a CNA in Maine.

If the individual wishing to work as a CNA is a nursing student, he or she must submit the following:

A certificate of equivalent training from the director of the school of nursing
An application to be added to the Maine CNA registry

If the individual wishing to work as a CNA is a nurse, he or she must submit the following:

A copy of his or her diploma, degree, or transcripts
An application to be added to the Maine CNA registry

If the individual wishing to work as a CNA was trained outside the United States, he or she must submit the following:

A copy of his or her diploma, degree, or transcripts (in English)
An application to be added to the Maine CNA registry
A copy of his or her criminal background check
A copy of his or her visa
A copy of his or her COGFNS information

An EMT may not work as CNAs until he or she has completed the Maine CNA training program, passed the competency exams, and applied to be added to the Maine CNA registry.

Licensure by Reciprocity

If an individual was trained as a CNA in a state other than Maine, he or she must submit the following:

An application to the Maine CNA registry
Verification that he or she has passed an approve CNA training course
A copy of his or her 'Certificate of Training' detailing the dates of the training and the number of clinical and classroom hours that were completed
Confirmation that he or she has passed an out of state CNA competency test
Proof that he or she has completed school through at least the 9th grade
Evidence that he or she worked as CNA 32 hours per week for at least 3 out of the past 5 years

Additionally, the CNA must not have any employment restrictions due to criminal convicts or substantiated complaints which bar the individual from working as a CNA in Maine.

Additional Resources:

Maine CNA Registry

On-Campus & Online CNA Schools

Maine CNA Resources on NurseGroups.com

Maine CNA Certification

Maine CNA Certification Requirements

To get your CNA certificate in Maine, you first need to complete the required course work and/ or training program. You will need to pass the Certified Nursing Assistant Exam. Applicants must then submit fingerprint cards. Licenses/certificates and will not be issued without the results of a state and federal background check coming back in good standing. As prescribed by federal law, the typical Maine CNA certificate program lasts approximately 8 to 13 weeks to gain 75 accredited hours of CNA course work and 100 hours of clinical rotation. Individual schools often have special requirements to begin training. After passing the Certified Nurse Assistant exam, you must be placed on the Maine Nurse Aide Registry.

Required Hours for Maine CNA Certification

In Maine, you are required to complete a minimum of 75 hours of CNA course work and 100 hours of clinical rotation before challenging the state CNA licensing exam. The nurse aide classes typically last 2-6 months. Individual schools often have special requirements to begin the training program.

Maine CNA Certification Prerequisites

In Maine, CNA prerequisites include a current background check, two fingerprint cards, Photo ID, two photos (passport size). A negative TB test within the past 6 months and proof of immunizations will be required. You will also be required to show a high school diploma or GED.