Start your health care career as certified nursing assistant
Certified nursing assistants (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 stay or visit.
MaineHealth offers comprehensive CNA apprentice training in multiple locations across our health system
Classes and clinicals are onsite at participating MaineHealth hospitals and medical centers. Instruction is delivered through video conferencing.
- Length: 6 weeks (varies by location)
- Cost: Free - all tuition and textbook fees are covered at no cost to students
- Pay: Students are paid an hourly rate and are eligible for health care benefits
- Schedule: Classroom, labs and clinicals 4-5 days per week (32-40 hours per week)
Successful graduates may become certified by the Maine Registry of CNAs. After successful completion of the course, graduates are required to work as MaineHealth CNAs for at least one year, at a minimum of 20 hours per week.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
MaineHealth CNA apprentice training is offered at:
- MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital (Damariscotta, ME)
- MaineHealth Maine Medical Center (Biddeford, Portland and Sanford, ME)
- MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital (Brunswick, ME)
- MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital (Rockport, ME)
- MaineHealth Stevens Hospital (Norway, ME)
- MaineHealth Waldo Hospital (Belfast, ME)
Faculty members are experienced MaineHealth nurses who teach and mentor students through a combination of classroom presentations, skills labs and supervised clinical experiences.
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 & patient hygiene
- Nutrition and assisting patients with meeting nutritional needs
- Common health problems and nursing assistant care
- CPR and basic life support (BLS)
How do I get started?
Visit the MaineHealth careers site and search by job title "CNA Apprentice" to see current availability and apply online.