Certified Nursing Assistant ( CNA) / Geriatric Nursing Assistant Program (GNA)
What is a CNA and GNA?
A CNA is a person who has completed an approved nursing assistant program and has been certified as a nursing assistant by the Board of Nursing. Students who have completed a CNA course at Montgomery College do not have to take a certification exam after course completion.
Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA)A GNA is a person who has completed an approved nursing assistant program and has been certified geriatric nursing assistant by the Board of Nursing. Students who have completed a CNA/GNA course at Montgomery College may apply for CNA certification and will be eligible to take a GNA certification exam through a Board of Nursing approved testing center.
Where can CNAs and GNAs work?Becoming a certified nursing assistant offers endless possibilities. As a certified nursing assistant (CNA) you can work in hospitals, physician's offices, assisted living facilities, adult daycare centers, home care agencies and in the school system.
GNAs can also work in the above and work in long term care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living.
Need help paying for your CNA class?You can get your CNA tuition paid for! We have needs-based scholarships for those interested in becoming a CNA. Please contact HealthCareers@montgomerycollege.edu for an application
Program Requirements
There are three main program requirements for this course. First, you must attend a mandatory information session (free) to learn about the programs, take a math and reading test, and learn about the prerequisites for the program. The second part of the program is the Classroom session where you will take classes, participate in discussions, and have the opportunity for hands-on practice. The third part of the program is the clinical where students will have an opportunity to work with real patients under the supervision of an RN. This program is offered three times a year in the Fall, Spring, and the Summer.
I. Information Sessions
To be considered for the CNA/GNA programs, you will need to attend both an in-person or online (Zoom) Information Session, and take an in-person Math and Reading test. You must complete a CNA/GNA Interest Indicator Formnew window or indicate interest by emailing healthcareers@montgomerycollege.edu to receive updates about the sessions and screening.
| Important Information | Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Term Dates | 1/21/25 – 4/12/25 | 5/27/25 – 8/9/25 |
| Information Session (Online) | Friday, 10/18/24, 11 am – 12 pm | Wednesday, 3/12/25, 11 am – 12 pm |
| Information Session (In-person) | Monday, 10/21/24, 5 – 6 pm | Monday, 3/17/25, 5 – 6 pm |
| Testing (In-person) | Monday, 10/21/24, 6 – 7 pm | Monday, 3/17/25, 6 – 7 pm |
| Testing Retakes (In-person) |
Thursday, 10/24/24, 5 – 6 pm | Monday, 3/24/25, 5 – 6 pm |
II. Certified Nursing Assistant Classroom
CNA Classroom provides lectures, discussion, and hands-on practice with basic nursing skills and more.
III. Certified Nursing Assistant Clinical
CNA Clinical provides an opportunity for students to work under the guidance of an RN to care for patients using the knowledge they have learned in the classroom. Clinical training will take place at either a hospital based or a long-term care setting depending on the course that the student enrolls in.
CNA / GNA Instructional Videos
The following CNA/GNA instructional videos can be used as a resource. CNA/GNA Instruction videos. CNA / GNA Instructional Videos. These are password protected. You may only access them using your MYMC username and password.
Career Outlook
Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required.
You can also explore Career Coachnew window to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests. Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area. The job listings and information provided are specific to Montgomery County and the surrounding localities.
These classes are only open to those who have attended an information session and have passed the math and reading tests. You must register in-person at one of the WDCE Customer Service locationsnew window.