Amid a shortage in Maryland, Baltimore County is helping residents launch their health care careers with free certified nursing assistant (CNA) training.
The new collaboration, with guaranteed employment at Northwest Hospital upon completion, is a 10-week program held at CCBC Randallstown. The county told Baltimore Fishbowl it reached the maximum capacity in less than a week, with 11 trainees scheduled to begin on Sept. 8.
All expenses, including books, tests and certification, are fully paid. During the program, trainees receive a minimum of $17 per hour, and they must commit to remaining with the organization for at least one year after completion.
“We’re committed to expanding and strengthening our workforce – especially in-demand healthcare jobs that are critical to the well-being of our residents and communities,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier in a statement.
The certified nursing assistant training comes as Maryland hospitals reported a 10.5% vacancy rate for nursing assistant positions in 2024, according to Baltimore County.
The program is a collaboration between Baltimore County, Northwest Hospital, and the Community College of Baltimore County. It’s funded by the county’s Department of Economic and Workforce Development’s workforce innovation fund.
There are plans for a second cohort of trainees, but no firm date for applications has been released. Northwest Hospital said it expects to have both cohorts completed “within 12 months of program initiation.” The Baltimore County Career Centers are another option to help those interested in CNA or other healthcare training opportunities.
“Together, we’re creating real career pathways in healthcare, and we’re proud to serve as both a care provider and anchor institution in Randallstown and western Baltimore County, helping to strengthen our workforce and our community,” said Northwest Hospital President and COO Craig J. Carmichael.
Baltimore County offered a similar two-year program in 2022, where the county provided 30 fully funded scholarships for CCBC’s certified nursing assistant program. Students received a $1,000 stipend per month.
The county also created the Northwest Academy of Health Sciences in 2015. The school focuses on “rigorous, project-based” education in math, science, health care, and biomedical technology.
“This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration in tackling urgent workforce needs,” said CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis. “CCBC is proud to work with Baltimore County and Northwest Hospital to provide no-cost, high-quality CNA training. As a leader in healthcare education, CCBC is well-positioned to prepare residents for in-demand careers that strengthen families, communities and our healthcare system.”
