CNA Certification, Classes, Schools and Jobs in Maine

In the State of Maine, the Department of Education approves dozens of official CNA Maine training programs, while the Department of Health and Human Resources maintains the Maine CNA Registry (which lists all nurse aides legally certified to work in the state).

This article shows students how to find a state-approved CNA ME certification program, and explains the steps required to earn CNA certification in Maine.

CNA Maine Certification Requirements

In order to legally be able to work in nursing homes and long-term care facilities throughout the state, individuals must be placed upon the Maine CNA Registry. In order to accomplish this, students must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete a state-approved CNA ME certification program
• Pass the state's CNA competency examination (which contains both a skills component and a written component)
• Pass a criminal history background check

Individuals who have an active, valid CNA certification from another state can apply for reciprocity through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (though to be approved, individuals must demonstrate that their state's certification requirements meet those of Maine). Those individuals with a CNA certification from another state with requirements less than those of Maine can apply to take a bridge examination. For more information on these issues, contact DHHS at 1-800-791-4080.

In addition, nursing students attending accredited nursing programs can bypass the Maine training and examination requirements by submitting to DHHS a certificate of comparable training from a student's host school as well as an application to be placed on the Maine CNA Registry. For more information, contact DHHS at 1-800-791-4080.

CNA ME Training Program Elements

CNA Maine certification programs differ slightly depending upon the educational provider. However, all state-approved programs contain the following minimum elements:

• 180 hours of total training
• 90 hours of theory-based classroom learning
• 70 hours of clinical training
• 20 hours of clinical work

In the theory-based classroom component, CNA students learn a number of important nursing skill areas, including:

• Infection control
• Basic nursing care
• End-of-life care
• Restorative care
• Emergency care
• Patients' rights
• Interpersonal skills

In addition to the classwork, students are supervised by a nurse educator in clinical settings to practice those skills learned in the classroom on real patients. This allows students to prepare both for future careers as well as the skills component of the Maine CNA competency examination.

Finding CNA Maine Certification Programs

The Department of Education approves dozens of CNA ME certification programs throughout the state, most of which are found in community colleges and long-term care facilities.

Benefits of CNA Maine Certification & Maine CNA Registry Placement

Those students who complete an approved CNA training program, and who then are able to pass the competency examination, are eligible to be placed upon the state's CNA registry (thus allowing for legal employment in Maine nursing homes and long-term care facilities).

With Maine's aging population, CNA jobs are anticipated to be in high demand for many years to come.