CNA Certification in Maine

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Maine

To become a CNA in the state of Maine means obtaining training from an approved and accredited program from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Training can be found in many settings, including colleges, skilled nursing facilities, and technical schools. Once the program is finished, the student will take the state’s competency exam and will be listed on the official state registry when they pass.

Before they can enroll for training, however, CNA certification candidates must meet specific requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered eligible for enrollment in any CNA certification in Maine, the candidate must meet the following criteria:

They are 16 years or older;They have evidence of high school graduation or can provide proof of a GED;They have submitted to a criminal background check that examined fingerprint data; andThey have undergone a physical exam that screened negatively for TB and drugs. The candidate must also be approved for lifting too.

Applying for CNA Certification in Maine

New CNAs are those who have never been certified or had training. Eligibility for certified nursing assistant testing is possible for those not in the “new” category. The following candidates can apply for the exam or even reactivate a license:

Reciprocity candidates in good standing as a CNA in another state, with proof of their approved training and who submit the appropriate forms;Student and graduate nurses with proof of their approved training and who submit the appropriate forms;Military nursing assistants with proof of their approved training and who submit the appropriate forms; andOut of state graduate nurses with at least 35 hours of classroom and 50 hours of clinical training.

When candidates do require training, the Licensing and Regulatory Services offers two complete lists of courses and nursing facilities with approved programming.

All training must have at least 180 hours of training that includes 90 hours or more in the classroom, 20 hours in the lab, and at least 70 hours of clinical work. After passing your training, you can apply for the Maine CNA competency test. This test has two portions, a written/oral part and a practice exam.

Costs

The costs for programs in Maine vary but tend to be at an average of around $1000 with books and materials. When training is obtained through an employer, it is free. After the training is done, the state exam is required. The test fee is $45. After passing the exam, you will be listed in the Maine registry and allowed to work as a CNA in the state.

FAQ

Those considering programs and training for certified nursing assistant certification training in Maine will find the following factors useful:

Certification renewal is every two years. You must to verify you have completed a minimum of 8 hours of paid CNA work within the past 24 months. Thirty to sixty days prior to the expiration of your listing, a reminder is sent;Candidates are obliged to take the exams within two years of their training. If they fail to do so they will have to re-train before they can be approved for the exam;Only CNAs employed by nursing facilities are required to submit documentation of completed in-service education when they renew their listing on the CNA Registry;Some criminal offenses, professional citations, or other background issues can make a CNA candidate unemployable.

Helpful Resources around the Web

Maine Department of Health & Human Services

Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants

State House Station 11
41 Anthony Avenue
Augusta, Maine 04333
Phone: 207-624-7300
Fax: 207-287-9325
Web: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/dlrs/cna/home.html

Maine Board of Nursing
Web: http://www.maine.gov/boardofnursing/