The growing demand for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Baltimore County has forged a new partnership between the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development (DEWD) and MedStar Health at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center.
Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier announced the new partnership to expand career opportunities in healthcare, which will be funded through Baltimore County’s Strategic Workforce Innovation Fund (SWIF). The program will give eligible county residents paid CAN training at no cost and guarantee them jobs with MedStar Health when they successfully complete the program.
This partnership is meant to strengthen Baltimore County’s healthcare workforce while it creates paths to jobs for residents. Participants get tuition, educational materials, testing, and certification at no cost. They also earn a paycheck throughout the training program.
“We’re committed to improving our workforce and making it stronger. Healthcare jobs are critical to the health of our residents and communities,” Klausmeier said. “We are grateful to the team at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center and we look forward to building on our partnership to deliver career opportunities as well as world-class healthcare to Baltimore County.”
Maryland faces a shortage of trained healthcare workers and an aging population. CNAs are among the most in-demand occupations, with stable employment and long-term growth potential that does not require years of higher education.
The partnership involves an intensive 10-week CNA training program at CCBC Essex that begins with orientation on Sept. 14, 2026. Classes are held Monday through Friday evenings, with participants becoming MedStar Health employees at the start of the program. They must commit to remaining with the organization for at least 12 months after they finish training. During the program, they will earn $18 per hour as Student Nurse Assistant Interns.
“I am thrilled that Baltimore County’s Department of Economic and Workforce Development, CCBC, and MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center are partnering to offer this exciting, unique program to Baltimore County residents, establishing an entry pathway into a healthcare career,” said Kimberly Schwenk, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, vice president and chief nursing officer at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center.
The first cohort will have 10 participants, with a second cohort of 10 planned for a later date. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a Baltimore County resident.
- Be authorized to work in the United States
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
The deadline for applications is Friday, July 31. Applicants must fill out forms and submit a résumé, and if selected, attend an orientation and interview with MedStar, who will select the participants. Interested residents should complete the online application available through DEWD’s Strategic Workforce Innovation Fund webpage. Space is limited and applications may close once the first cohort reaches capacity. Questions can be emailed to the SWIF.
