CNA Classes & Programs in Essex, Maryland
Get Information from CNA Programs in Essex and Nearby
Essex is home to 1 CNA program designed for those interested in starting a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. This community, located within the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metro area, provides local residents with direct access to entry-level healthcare training opportunities. Students can expect thorough preparation that aligns with current industry standards and regional requirements.
In Essex, CNA classes equip students with the essential skills needed to assist patients and support nursing teams across a variety of settings. The city features one CMS-certified nursing facility, where hands-on care experience is especially relevant for new graduates seeking practical training environments. These programs ensure students are ready for Maryland certification exams and real-world patient care challenges.
In the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson region, CNAs earn around $38,390 annually, offering insight into local wage expectations. Graduates from CNA training programs in Essex are well positioned to pursue employment opportunities within the broader metropolitan area.
Quick Facts About Essex
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Population40,842Residents
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CNA Programs1State-approved Programs
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Median Income$67,580Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$18.46Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$38,390Median Annual Salary
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Facilities1CMS Nursing Home
Get Information from CNA Programs in Essex and Nearby
Schools in Essex and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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Browse CNA Classes in Essex
Essex provides 1 CNA training program that prepares students for Maryland CNA certification through focused coursework and practical learning. This CNA class enables participants to build foundational patient care skills and meet state requirements for registry placement. With local demand for CNAs, graduates are equipped for employment in healthcare environments throughout Essex, where certified nursing assistants play an important role.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Essex, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Maryland.
Accelerated programs: not available in Essex but are offered in other cities throughout Maryland.
Online programs not available in Essex but are offered in other cities throughout Maryland.
Baltimore Academy of Nursing Assistants
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Essex
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$38,390Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$18.46Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs12,720CNA Positions
In the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson region, approximately 12,720 CNAs are employed according to recent data. This indicates steady workforce demand within a diverse range of healthcare environments in the metropolitan area. For those seeking entry into this field, job stability remains a consistent feature as healthcare needs persist across the community.
The CNA salary in Essex reflects metro-level trends: In the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area, CNAs earn around $38,390 per year (or $18.46 per hour), based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) figures. This median wage is slightly below the Maryland statewide median of $38,620 but provides a useful benchmark for local compensation expectations among nursing assistants.
Healthcare facilities in Essex play an important role in providing both care and employment. Autumn Lake Healthcare at Riverview stands out as a major employer with 238 beds and an average daily census of over 215 residents. As one of the city's key CMS-certified nursing homes, it offers significant opportunities for CNAs seeking positions in skilled nursing care environments.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Essex? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Nottingham, Centreville, North East, Worton, and Laurel, 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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Essex (1 facilities)
1 nursing home in Essex providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Essex, MD
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Essex, 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 Essex 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
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Essex
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Essex?
Most CNA programs in Essex can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Essex?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Essex?
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 Essex?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Essex?
Yes, some schools in Essex or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Essex there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Nottingham, Centreville, North East, Worton, and Laurel. 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 Essex?
CNAs in Essex are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.