CNA Classes & Programs in Columbia, Maryland
2 state-approved CNA programs in Columbia, including online, 4-week, evening and weekend options. Free programs are offered in other Maryland cities.
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CNA training in Columbia
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $38,390
- $18.46 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 12,720
- in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson region
- Healthcare facilities
- 4
- 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 106,600
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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In Columbia, 2 state-approved CNA classes are available for those seeking to enter Maryland’s healthcare workforce as Certified Nursing Assistants. With a reputation as one of Maryland’s largest planned communities within the greater Baltimore region, Columbia offers prospective CNAs a focused selection of training options tailored to support local employment needs.
The city features CNA programs that prepare students for Maryland certification requirements while offering flexible learning pathways—including online courses and an accelerated option—for those needing adaptable scheduling or quicker completion times. Graduates benefit from proximity to local hospitals and senior care providers where trained CNAs are frequently recruited after earning their credentials.
In the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metro area, CNAs earn around $38,390 annually. Columbia’s available CNA classes help individuals build practical skills needed to start meaningful careers in patient care throughout Howard County and beyond.
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Browse CNA Classes in Columbia
Students in Columbia can choose from 2 CNA programs designed to qualify them for Maryland state certification while offering pathways like online classes and an accelerated option. These CNA training programs focus on building clinical skills and preparing students for success on state exams so they can pursue immediate employment opportunities where CNAs are needed locally.
Program Types in Columbia
| Type | In Columbia | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Columbia | See other Maryland cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Howard Community College ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Beacon Institute ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Howard Community College ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Columbia
Lowest published cost first.
Beacon Institute
Cost$1,100Hours104Weeks6
- Address
- 7090 Samuel Morse Drive, Columbia, MD 21046
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (855) 935-3691
Beacon Institute offers a six‑week hybrid CNA/GNA program combining online theory with in‑person lab and clinical rotations in Columbia. The curriculum covers core patient care skills and prepares learners for entry‑level roles in long‑term care settings.
Visit websiteHoward Community College
Cost$1,700Hours145Weeks4
- Address
- 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (443) 518-1000
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Noncredit CNA/GNA training combines classroom and skills lab with a supervised clinical rotation to build core patient care skills. The program totals 145 hours and includes 40+ hours of clinical experience.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Maryland cities
All Maryland cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Columbia
| Median annual pay | $38,390 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.46 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 12,720 |
| Salary region | Baltimore-Columbia-Towson |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson region, approximately 12,720 certified nursing assistants are employed based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This metropolitan area supports steady demand for qualified CNAs in both acute care and long-term care settings. CNA jobs in Columbia are available in a variety of healthcare environments, reflecting the needs of Howard County and the surrounding region.
CNA salary in Columbia is best represented by regional data: In the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metro area, CNAs earn a median annual wage of $38,390 (or $18.46 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure is just below Maryland's statewide median of $38,620 but remains typical for central Maryland's healthcare market.
Notable employers in Columbia include Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center—an acute care hospital serving Howard County residents—as well as Lorien Health Systems - Columbia with its substantial 205-bed capacity among local nursing homes. Residences at Vantage Point also provides skilled nursing services and employs certified aides locally. For those interested in home-based care roles, Centerwell Home Health operates in Columbia with a five-star quality rating from CMS-certified data sources.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Columbia (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Columbia providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Residences At Vantage Point5400 Vantage Point Road(410) 964-5454Map | 44 | 2.9 |
| Lorien Health Systems - Columbia6334 Cedar Lane(410) 531-5300Map | 205 | 2.1 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Columbia (1 facility)
1 hospital in Columbia offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 5755 Cedar Lane(410) 740-7890Map | 3/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Columbia (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Columbia providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Centerwell Home Health9250 Rumsey Road, Suite 200(410) 997-5257Map | 5.0/5 |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Columbia? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Baltimore, Gaithersburg, Rockville, Bethesda, and Bowie, or browse the Maryland CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Columbia, MD
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Columbia, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Maryland. These include completing a Maryland Board of Nursing–approved nursing assistant training program and being listed on the Maryland Nurse Aide Registry. If you plan to work in a licensed nursing home, you must also pass the Maryland NNAAP exam administered by Credentia to obtain the Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) designation.
- Completion of a Board-approved CNA/GNA training program (at least 100 total hours)
- At least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice in a Maryland-licensed nursing home
- At least 16 hours of required OBRA instruction before any direct resident contact
- Passing both the knowledge test (70 written or 60 oral + 10 reading questions) and the skills exam (five tasks within 30 minutes) to earn the GNA
- Up to four attempts within 24 months of training completion before retraining is required
- Placement on the Maryland Nurse Aide Registry after meeting all certification requirements
Once certified, you may work in nursing homes (with the GNA endorsement), hospitals, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies throughout Columbia and across Maryland.
Already certified in another state? Maryland offers reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs who are active and in good standing. Applicants generally do not need to retake the exam, though a GNA endorsement may still be required for nursing home employment. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Maryland guide.
For complete details on training, testing, renewal, and maintaining certification, see our full CNA License & Registration in Maryland guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Columbia.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Columbia
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Columbia?
Most CNA programs in Columbia can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 4 weeks, at Howard Community College.
How much does CNA training cost in Columbia?
CNA programs in Columbia cost between $1,100 and $1,700, depending on the school. The lowest-priced paid option is Beacon Institute at $1,100. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Columbia?
No program in Columbia is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other Maryland cities. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Columbia?
Yes. Beacon Institute offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Columbia?
Yes. Howard Community College is an accelerated program. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Columbia there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Baltimore, Gaithersburg, Rockville, Bethesda and Bowie. You can also look at the Maryland state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Maryland CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Maryland, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Maryland CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Columbia?
CNAs in Columbia are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency in Columbia. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.