Program Objectives                     

Are you a self-starter?  Interested in healthcare but don't have a schedule that allows you to be in class during the day?  Are you motivated and able to manage your time to get things done? The Beacon Institute's CNA/GNA training program is a six week program which provides both online and in-person instruction.  Learners have the ability to complete the classroom portion on-demand online at their convenience (while meeting learning milestones), with lab and clinical portions in person in Columbia, Maryland.  Upon sucessful completion,graduates will be certified as a nurse assistant, with the knowledge and skills necessary to take the Maryland exam to become a geriatric nurse assistant. 

Class Start Dates (2023)

Requirements for Admission                      

Eligibility to participate in The Beacon Institute, Inc.’s CNA/GNA Training Program  requires the following:

1. Minimum of 18 years of age
2. Valid ID (driver’s license or state issued ID; passport; resident alien card)
3. Social Security number (required by the Maryland Board of Nursing for certification (see https://mbon.maryland.gov/Documents/socialsecurityinfo.pdf)
4. Minimum of high school diploma or high school equivalency (HSE) certificate from an English-based curriculum, or achieving an 8th grade level on an accepted English reading and comprehension test.  (The Beacon Institute, Inc. can administer the Degrees of Reading and Power test; contact the Program Director to schedule)
5. Criminal background check (criminal convictions may affect a student’s ability to be licensed, certified or registered). For more information on background checks, plese see these FAQs.
6. $100 registration fee
7. Health criteria:

• Proof of physical exam
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination 
• Proof of current influenza vaccination 
• Proof of Hepatitis B vaccine (or proof of antibodies)
• Proof of Negative TB (tuberculosis) test or chest X-ray within 3 months of start date
• Ability to lift 40 pounds or more from a standing position

Student Tuition and Costs                  

• Tuition for the Beacon Institute Inc.’s CNA/GNA Training Program  is $1,000.
• There is a $100 registration fee.
• Total cost to the student, payable to The Beacon Institute, Inc., is $1,100. 

Additional costs that the student may incur that are not included in tuition or registration costs (these are not fees charged by The Beacon Institute):

• Criminal background check. For more information on background checks, plese see these FAQs.
• Uniform (medical scrubs) 
• White shoes – may be athletic, must be closed toe and no heels
• Watch with a second hand
• Stethoscope
• CNA initial certification application fee of $20 payable to MBON
• Computer or tablet
• Internet, transportation, and/or testing required prior to admission
• CPR certification 
• GNA exam fee ($130)

Have questions about The Beacon Institute's CNA/GNA training program?

Contact us via email or call 410-381-1176, ext. 240

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