LincolnHealth

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are important to every part of LincolnHealth. CNAs are caregivers who work directly with patients and residents to assist them with daily needs and make them feel safe and comfortable.

LincolnHealth offers a free CNA training course in partnership with Central Lincoln County Adult Education. The 7-week course is offered at various times throughout the year and includes classroom work, skills labs, and clinical experience. At the end of the course, students take the State Certification Examination.

CNA Training Covers:

  • Age-specific care through the lifespan
  • Safe patient care delivery
  • Infection prevention principles and practices
  • Body mechanics and mobility skills
  • Communication skills
  • Assisting with daily needs
  • Nutrition and assisting patients with meeting their nutritional needs
  • Common health problems and working with a health care team
  • CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS)

In skills labs, students practice taking vital signs, assisting with patient mobility, and patient hygiene skills. The clinical experience allows students to work with residents at two long-term care facilities, Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta and St. Andrews Village in Boothbay Harbor, and with patients at the hospital on the LincolnHealth - Miles Campus in Damariscotta. 

Many program graduates are currently working at LincolnHealth

“CNAs make a heartfelt difference every day for residents and patients, and they are in high demand,” said Jennifer McIntire, RN, longtime instructor for LincolnHealth’s free CNA training program. “Wages have recently been increased for this important job and there are many opportunities available for graduates.”

Earn While You Learn

Additionally, accepted students may apply for the CNA Apprenticeship Program. If accepted, students will be paid while in the CNA Training Program in exchange for a work commitment. Please note: Students do NOT need to be an Apprentice to be in the LincolnHealth CNA Training Program.

The following is an overview of the Apprenticeship Program. Details will be shared during the interview:

  • CNA Apprentices commit to working at Cove’s Edge or St. Andrews Village for 18-months following graduation.
  • CNA student applicants accepted into the Apprenticeship Program will become temporary employees of LincolnHealth. Apprentices are paid at an hourly rate that is at least minimum wage.
  • The Apprenticeship program requires an additional online application which will be discussed during the interview process.
  • Acceptance into the Apprenticeship Program is dependent upon acceptance into the LincolnHealth CNA training program.
  • CNA Apprentices will receive additional on the job and professional development training.
  • Class size is limited, so only a few highly qualified applicants will be chosen for an interview and selected for the LincolnHealth Apprenticeship Program.

The Apprenticeship Program is only available as funds allow. Although acceptance into the Apprenticeship Program does not guarantee employment after graduation, every effort is made to place graduates in jobs based on staffing needs and the apprentice’s qualifications.

  • Please call the LincolnHealth Education Department at 207-563-4540 or email cna@lchcare.org to request an application.
  • Be sure to include your name, mailing address and telephone number in your email.
  • Applications can be mailed directly to you or picked up at the Education Center in Damariscotta.
  • Once received, applications will be reviewed and select applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview.
  • The application process will include a health screening test and background check.
  • To be considered, you must have a High School Diploma or GED. 

Request an Application Today!

LincolnHealth Education Center
66 A Chapman Street
Damariscotta, ME 04543
Phone: 207-563-4540
Email: cna@lchcare.org