Home/ Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)/ Maryland

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Maryland

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MD

Median Salary

$40,000

Maryland (2024)

National Median

$39,530

All states

License Fees

$125

Exam + application

Time to Complete

4-8 weeks

From start to licensed

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) 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.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Requirements in Maryland

Detail	Maryland
Licensing Body	Maryland Board of Nursing
State License Required	Yes
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.
Exam	National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia ($105)
Application Fee	$20
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Minimum 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

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Maryland

The median certified nursing assistant salary in Maryland is $40,000 per year, which is 1.2% above the national median of $39,530.

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

Maryland employs approximately 24,230 certified nursing assistants.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Outlook

10-Year Growth

+2.3%

Average

Annual Openings

204.1

Nationwide per year

Total Employment

1,441.5

Nationwide

Is Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Maryland Worth It?

Factors to consider: Maryland's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's required to work as a certified nursing assistant in Maryland?

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?

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?

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?

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?

Expect to spend 4-8 weeks from start to finish in Maryland — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.