CNA Certification in Maine
How to Become a CNA in Maine
If you’ve decided to take the plunge and pursue CNA certification in Maine, you are pursuing a wise path. Maine has a high need for CNAs, and plenty of superb employers are looking for qualified candidates who are available immediately. Thankfully, it does not take long to complete your CNA training in Maine, and most training programs can be completed in a few short months.
Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes
Step 1
Find and enroll in an approved program in your state:
You must select a program that is approved and accredited by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services in order to take the certification exam.
Before attempting to enroll in a state-approved course, you must be at least 16 years old as well as pass a background check. This is overall to ensure patient safety in healthcare. You will also need to be in generally good health and be disease free which involves submitting to a full physical check up, including a two-part tuberculosis screening.
Step 2
Complete your CNA training
CNA classes will include learning how to assist patients with daily activities like hair brushing, feeding, and bathing. Since nurse aides will also be responsible for cleaning and tidying up, you will also learn how to change bedding and sanitize objects and areas that you will be using. Nurse aide students will also learn how to interact properly with the patients, other nurses, and staff members in the establishment in order to effectively perform their duties.
You will need to receive a CPR certification, and most programs offer CPR training. If this is not the case, then, you will need to pursue your CPR certification on your own. Many students find the American Red Cross to be the most affordable and effective option to get a CPR certification.
You must participate in a total of 180 hours of training during your studies. You must spend half of these hours in the classroom. 70 hours of your training must be spent performing actual nurse aide procedures in a clinical setting and under the supervision of a registered nurse. You will need to remember these hands-on skills when you take the state CNA certification exam. The remaining 20 hours will be spent on lab studies.
CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification
Step 1
Register to take the CNA certification exam
Once you complete the required courses, you can take the state certification exam by registering at one of several local testing sites approved by the state.
Step 2
Prepare for the CNA exam by taking some of our practice tests.
Step 3
Pass the CNA exam
One section of this exam requires you to successfully complete five nursing aide tasks under the monitorship of a nurse aide. You must pass this portion to continue on to the second part of the test which consists of written multiple-choice questions. Once you pass both parts of the test, you will be officially certified as a nurse aide in Maine.
In order to get on the registry after you pass the test, you must contact the Maine Nurse Aide Registry and provide them with the following:
- proof of a completed approved training course no more than 2 years old
- proof of a passing score from the competency exam
- a copy of the criminal check done by the program instructor
Afterward, you can create a resume and begin searching for employment in local hospitals, retirement communities, hospice providers, clinics, and other healthcare facilities and medical environments.
Step 4
Once you’re listed on the nurse aide registry, you can apply for jobs. Create a resume in our job search area, and let employers know that you are looking for work.
The Maine Department of Labor predicts a 7.7% increase in the need for people with CNA training and certification statewide. The average CNA salary in Maine is around $24,000. Wages do increase with experience as well as with additional certifications.
Step 5
Lastly, we encourage you to not view your CNA training as the final rung of your education. This should be a start in your healthcare career. If you have the ambition or want to earn more, consider an LPN or RN course.
For additional information regarding CNA Certification in Maine visit:
Maine Nurse Aide Registry
Maine Department of Human Services – Division of Licensing & Certification
State House Station #11
442 Civic Center Drive
Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: (207) 287-9310
Fax: (207) 287-9325