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 in the classroom and via video conferencing. It is not available online.
- Length: 8 weeks (varies by location) - 6 weeks in class, clinicals, and labs, followed by 2 weeks (24-36 hours per week) in LEAP Program. When you attend our Information Session, you will learn details about class and clinical days.
- 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 meet 4-5 days per week (32-40 hours per week). (Varies by location)
Successful graduates may become certified by the Maine Registry of CNAs. After successful completion of the CNA course, a one-year work agreement is required, IF offered a position, at a minimum of 24 hours per week as a MaineHealth CNA.
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 and Portland, ME)
- MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital (Brunswick, ME) - training is offered as needed
- MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital (Rockport, ME) - training is offered as needed
- MaineHealth Stephens Hospital (Norway, ME) - training is offered as needed
- MaineHealth Waldo Hospital (Belfast, ME) - training is offered as needed
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. Sites accepting applications will be listed.