Maine Medical Center

Certified Nursing Assistant Training | MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

2026 Class Start Dates & Application Deadlines

  • March 9, 2026: Application deadline is January 26, 2026
  • May 11, 2026: Application deadline is March 30, 2026
  • July 6, 2026: Application deadline is June 8, 2026
  • September 8, 2026: Application deadline is July 27, 2026
  • November 9, 2026: Application deadline is September 21, 2026

Take the first step toward your future! We'll support you all the way.

CNAs are important members of the patient care team. They provide direct patient assistance with activities of daily living and basic health care needs - helping patients feel safe and comfortable throughout their hospital stay.

Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a great place to start your health care career. MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Portland (MHMMC) Portland offers comprehensive CNA apprentice training in partnership with Portland Adult Education. Successful graduates may become certified by the Maine Registry of CNAs.

What is the CNA apprentice training program?

MHMMC Portland has provided expert CNA training since 1998. More than 2,000 students have graduated to date. Our 6-week, state-approved course is offered six times per year at no charge to students. The program includes classroom work, skills labs and clinical experience - with 32 hours of training over 4 days per week.

Students are paid at a rate of $17.34 per hour plus benefits while they are in class and on clinical units. Textbooks and workbooks are provided at no charge. At the end of the program, students take the state CNA certification examination at no cost to them.

Successful graduates are required to work at MHMMC Portland as CNAs for at least one year, at a minimum of 20 hours per week.

Faculty members are experienced MHMMC Portland nurses who teach and mentor students through a combination of classroom presentations, skills labs and supervised clinical experiences. During skills labs, students practice taking vital signs, patient hygiene skills and assisting with patient mobility. During clinical experiences, students work directly with MHMMC Portland patients. Training topics include:

  • Age-specific care through the lifespan
  • Safe patient care delivery
  • Infection control principles and practices
  • Body mechanics and mobility skills
  • Communication skills
  • Assisting with activities of daily living
  • Nutrition and assisting patients with meeting nutritional needs
  • Common health problems and nursing assistant care
  • CPR and basic life support (BLS)

Join us!

Start your health care career as a certified nursing assistant at MaineHealth.

More about the program

Applicants must be 16 years of age or older and a US citizen (or have a current, valid, US work authorization). A high school diploma or equivalent certificate (such as a GED) is preferred for this position. A person cannot be a CNA in Maine if they have been convicted of:

  • Theft or abuse in a health care setting
  • Sexual abuse, or
  • A crime for which one could have received a 3-year sentence.

For more information about:

To apply to the program, you must attend an information session. View the Information Session links at the top of this web page. On the date you wish to attend, click the Microsoft Teams link to join the session.

Is there a commitment to work at MHMMCP once I am certified? Yes, upon successful completion of the course and if offered a position, you are expected to work as a CNA at MHMMC Portland (or at your MaineHealth-sponsoring organization) for a minimum of 1 year, at least 20 hours per week.

Where does class take place? Our classroom is located in Westbrook. Clinicals take place at the hospital, at 22 Bramhall Street in Portland. 

When does class meet? Class meets 4 days a week in person, generally Monday through Thursday, with 2 days of class time and 2 days of clinical time. Class days are from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Clinical days are 7 am to 7:30 pm. Students spend time outside of class completing homework and studying for quizzes and exams.

What should I think about before I apply? Will you have time to study outside of class hours? Consider the needs of your family and your current work responsibilities and schedule before applying to this program. Do you enjoy helping others? Will you be comfortable with caring for another person’s basic needs? It's also important that you are open to working nights and weekends upon successful completion of the course.

How do I sign up for the CASAS reading assessment? At the top of this page, you will find dates and Information Session links for the class start you desire. On the date of the Information Session you wish to attend, click the Teams link provided.

How do I sign up for the information session? View the Information Session links at the top of this web page. On the date you wish to attend, click the Microsoft Teams link to join the session.

How many students are accepted for the course? We currently accept 30-40 students for each course.  

What kind of patient care units host clinicals during the program? Students are assigned to a general surgery, neurology, cardiac care, orthopedic or similar unit for the clinical portion of the program.

What is the uniform for clinicals? Black pants, white scrub top, and shoes suitable for work in a health care setting. Open back shoes or shoes with holes, such as Crocs, are not acceptable.

Do CNAs work all shifts? Yes, MHMMC Portland CNAs work days, evenings, nights and weekends - based on the needs of their assigned unit.

Contact

MaineHealth CNA Apprentice Program at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Portland

Phone: 207-661-4554

Email: cna@MaineHealth.org

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