Do You Have What It Takes?
This intensive program is designed to help you become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA I) Maryland. You’ll acquire core patient-care skills such as hygiene, mobility support, vital signs, infection control, documentation, and assisting residents with activities of daily living while working under nurse supervision.
Program Format & Duration
- The program is aggressive and spans just six weeks – you’ll need to be ready to focus and move quickly.
- Format: A mix of online, on-demand instruction (41 hours) + in-person sessions (23 hours of classroom/lab + 40 hours of clinicals) so you get both theory and hands-on practice. In person labs are in Columbia, MD.
- Clinical component: You’ll spend time working in a long-term care facility under supervision, applying what you’ve learned in a real environment (40 hours).
- Cost: There is a $100 nonrefundable application fee, and tuition for the program is $1,700.
- Cost covers the board certified CNA I training program, background check, MBON application fee, and test registration fees (1 registration each for skills and written exams; subsequent exams/retakes are self pay)
What you’ll be doing and learning
You’ll cover:
- Basic nursing assistant roles: assisting with bathing, dressing, grooming, transfers, ambulation.
- Taking vital signs, monitoring residents, recording intake/output, observing changes in condition.
- Infection control, safety/emergency procedures, communication with team members and residents.
- Working in a long-term care or geriatric setting — that’s the “GNA” part.
- Preparation for the State CNA I exam.
What you’ll need to enroll & succeed
- Be at least 16 years old and eligible to work in the U.S.
- High-school diploma or GED.
- English proficiency. This class requires reading, writing, and responding to commands in English, and the Maryland state exams are English only.
- Social Security number (a Maryland Board of Nursing requirement for certification).
- Health/immunization documentation: TB test or chest x-ray, MMR/Varicella, Hepatitis B or waiver, possibly flu/COVID vaccinations depending on clinical site.
- Background check clearance (since you’ll be working in healthcare).
- CPR certification (for healthcare workers – Beacon can help with that if you don’t currently have it).
- Good attitude, readiness to commit to the schedule and handle both online and in-person learning.
Why you might want it
- If you’re looking to get into healthcare quickly, this six-week program is a fast track.
- The hybrid format lets you do part online (which gives flexibility) and part in real-world setting (which is essential).
- It targets a field (long-term care/geriatrics) with solid demand — you’re doing useful work, with huge demand and stable job prospects.
- The CNA I credential specifically opens doors in nursing homes/long-term care which have a significant need for certified nursing assistants.
Considerations
- Cost: There are additional costs that you will incur (which are outside of the Beacon program) that you should be aware of: You will need a set(s) of scrubs; a stethoscope; a watch with a second hand (not digital); a laptop/computer/tablet with internet access; sign off by your physician (form provided); CPR certification for the healthcare provider.
- Schedule intensity: 104 hours over six weeks means you’ll need to commit to making time for the program over that span. If you have other major commitments (work, family) this should be considered.
- Clinical placement: The clinical training is 5 full days in a row, at a location in the Columbia (MD) area. Be sure that your schedule will allow for a full work week commitment.
- Online component quality: Since part is online, make sure you’re comfortable learning that way and have stable access to technology (computer, internet) to keep up. You will have 10+ hours of online work per week.
Bottom line
If you’re motivated, ready to commit, can dedicate six weeks to training, can keep up with a fast pace, and want a short pathway into a highly sought-after caregiving position in the healthcare industry, this program by the Beacon Institute is a solid option. It’s fast. It’s focused. But you’ll be packing a lot of coursework and hands-on training into six weeks. If you’ve got the time, energy, and ambition — go for it. If you think something slower or more flexible would better suit your needs, you may want to explore other programs that offer CNA training in a different format. Wherever you land, we encourage you to follow your calling to become a professional caregiver!
Questions? Contact us via email or call 410-381-1176.
Cohort Schedule Overview
Dates subject to change
