CNA Classes & Programs in Gaithersburg, Maryland

Get Information from CNA Programs in Gaithersburg and Nearby

Gaithersburg is home to 3 CNA programs designed to guide future certified nursing assistants through classroom learning and practical experience necessary for success in healthcare support roles across Montgomery County communities. These established offerings help connect motivated individuals with meaningful career pathways close to home.

CNA courses in Gaithersburg focus on job readiness by aligning curriculum with state requirements while offering hands-on skill development led by experienced instructors. In the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson region—which includes Gaithersburg—CNAs typically earn around $38,390 per year; this amount closely matches prevailing rates seen throughout much of central Maryland’s medical sector based on recent wage reports.

An accelerated option is available among Gaithersburg’s programs; however no free or online classes currently exist locally. Prospective students benefit from multiple choices tailored toward successful completion of Maryland’s certification process before entering area workplaces.

Quick Facts About Gaithersburg

  • Population
    69,016
    Residents
  • CNA Programs
    3
    State-approved Programs
  • Median Income
    $104,544
    Median Annual Income
  • CNA Hourly Rate
    $18.46
    Median Hourly Rate
  • CNA Yearly Salary
    $38,390
    Median Annual Salary
  • Facilities
    4
    CMS Healthcare Facilities
    2 Nursing Homes • 2 Home Health Agencies

Get Information from CNA Programs in Gaithersburg and Nearby

Schools in Gaithersburg and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.

You'll receive information about:

  • Upcoming start dates & schedules
  • Tuition costs & financial aid options
  • Class locations & formats
  • Program details & requirements

✓ Free Service • ✓ No Obligations • ✓ Compare Multiple Programs • ✓ Accredited Schools Only

Browse CNA Classes in Gaithersburg

Students in Gaithersburg can choose from 3 CNA programs—including one accelerated option—that prepare candidates for state registry placement through practical instruction focused on clinical competencies needed by new certified nursing assistants. These CNA training programs enable graduates to pursue rewarding roles where CNAs are needed locally while supporting strong performance on certification exams.

Types of Classes Available

Free programs: not available in Gaithersburg, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Maryland.
Accelerated programs: available in Gaithersburg and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs not available in Gaithersburg but are offered in other cities throughout Maryland.

Morning Star Academy

✅ State Approved 🏫 Educational Entity 🌙 Evening Classes Available
📍 Gaithersburg, 101 Lakeforest Boulevard, Maryland 20877

Program Details

Morning Star Academy’s Nursing Assistant program lists morning and evening cohorts and requires ID, background check, TB/physical and other health clearances for enrollment.

Nightingale School of Allied Health

✅ State Approved 🏫 Educational Entity ⚡ Accelerated Program 🌙 Evening Classes Available
📍 Gaithersburg, 4 Professional Drive, Maryland 20879

Program Details

Nightingale’s Nursing Assistant Program is a 4 week course approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and MHEC with daytime or evening options.
Total Cost: $1,200 Duration: 4 weeks

Cambridge Nursing Assistant Academy - Gaithersburg

✅ State Approved 🏫 Educational Entity 🤝 Job Placement Help 📅 Weekend Classes Available
📍 Gaithersburg, 438 North Frederick Avenue, Maryland 20877

Program Details

Cambridge Nursing Assistant Academy’s CNA program includes classroom and skills lab instruction plus clinical experience at affiliated facilities. Training emphasizes basic nursing skills, safety, communication, and care across the lifespan.
Total Hours: 120

CNA Employment Opportunities in Gaithersburg

CNA Salary Information

  • Annual Salary
    $38,390
    Median Yearly Pay
  • Hourly Rate
    $18.46
    Median Per Hour
  • Available Jobs
    12,720
    CNA Positions
Data for the region: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area

CNA jobs in Gaithersburg are part of the larger Baltimore-Columbia-Towson region workforce, with approximately 12,720 certified nursing assistants employed across various healthcare settings such as skilled nursing centers and home health agencies serving Montgomery County residents and surrounding communities.

The CNA salary in Gaithersburg reflects metro-wide earnings: In this region, annual median pay is around $38,390, or about $18.46 per hour according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This is slightly less than the statewide median salary of $38,620 reported for all Maryland CNAs during the same period.

Candidates completing local programs will find employment opportunities at major CMS-certified sites such as Wilson Health Care Center—a non-profit corporation operating a large facility with 285 beds—and Montgomery Village Care Center (147 beds), known for its corporate ownership structure. Bayada Home Health Care Inc., recognized for high-quality ratings among proprietary agencies locally, along with Interim Home Health, round out additional job possibilities beyond traditional inpatient environments within Gaithersburg's growing medical landscape.

Sources

Working in Nearby Cities

Looking beyond Gaithersburg? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Rockville, Westminster, Oxon Hill, Takoma Park, and Adelphi, 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 Gaithersburg (2 facilities)

2 nursing homes in Gaithersburg providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)

📊 Showing top 2 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data).

Wilson Health Care Center

Nursing Home
📍 301 Russell Avenue

Facility Details

Beds: 285 CNA Hours: 2.2 per day

Montgomery Village Care Center

Nursing Home
📍 19301 Watkins Mill Road

Facility Details

Beds: 147 CNA Hours: 2.0 per day

Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Gaithersburg (2 facilities)

2 home health agencies in Gaithersburg providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)

📊 Showing top 2 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data).

Bayada Home Health Care, Inc

Home Health Agency ✅ CNA Services 🏆 Top Quality
📍 352A Christopher Avenue

Facility Details

Quality: 4.5/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Interim Home Health

Home Health Agency ✅ CNA Services
📍 201 Russell Avenue

Facility Details

Quality: 3.0/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Requirements to Work as a CNA in Gaithersburg, MD

To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Gaithersburg, 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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg

How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Gaithersburg?

Most CNA programs in Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg?

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 Gaithersburg?

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 Gaithersburg?

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 Gaithersburg?

Yes, some schools in Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Rockville, Westminster, Oxon Hill, Takoma Park, and Adelphi. 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 Gaithersburg?

CNAs in Gaithersburg 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.