What It Is
This program is designed to help you become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and prepare you for the Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) exam in Maryland. You’ll acquire the core patient-care skills: hygiene, mobility support, vital signs, infection control, documentation, assisting residents with activities of daily living while working under nurse supervision.)
Program Format & Duration
- The program spans 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 + clinicals) so you get both theory and hands-on practice.
- 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 non-refundable application fee, and tuition for the program is $1,000.
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 exam that gives you Maryland GNA certification.
What you’ll need to enroll & succeed
- Be at least 18 years old (or close) and eligible to work in the U.S.
- High-school diploma or GED (many employers require it).
- 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 (6 weeks is tight) 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 GNA 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; application fees (for certification and testing) totaling $150; a background check; sign off by your physician (form provided); CPR.
- 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 the technology (computer, internet) to keep up.
Bottom line
If you’re motivated, ready to commit, 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/GNA 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