Certified Nursing Assistant ( CNA-1)
What is a CNA-1?
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA-1)
This course provides training in general nursing assistance with a specialization in caring for elderly patients in long term care facilities. You will learn basic nursing skills such as taking vital signs, patient safety, and caring for patients in a variety of clinical settings. On completion of the course, you will be prepared for certification as a CNA-I and will be able to work in any practice setting, including a skilled nursing facility. To be certified as a CNA-I, you must: (1) complete a Board-approved nursing assistant training program and (2) pass the Board-approved nursing assistant competency evaluation.
Where can CNAs work?Becoming a certified nursing assistant offers endless possibilities. As a certified nursing assistant (CNA) you can work in hospitals, physician's offices, assisted living facilities, adult daycare centers, home care agencies and in the school system.
Need help paying for your CNA class?
You can get your CNA tuition paid for! We have needs-based scholarships for those interested in becoming a CNA. Please contact HealthCareers@montgomerycollege.edu for an application
Course Requirements
There are three main requirements for this course.
First, you must attend a free, mandatory information session where you will learn about the course, become eligible for the math and reading assessments, and review the course prerequisites.
Second, you will participate in the classroom portion of the course, which includes building the knowledge and foundational skills essential for nursing assistant care, and gaining hands-on practice.
Third, you will complete a clinical component, where you will work with real patients under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
This program is offered three times each year: in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.
I.Information Sessions and Testing
Complete the following steps for more information:
1. Submit the CNA Interest Indicator Form new window (available only during designated dates)
After submitting the CNA Interest Indicator Form, you will receive details about the Information Session. Information about the required Math and Reading assessment, including scheduling and next steps, will be provided immediately after the session.
Fall 2026 Dates: now closed. See the table below for Spring and Summer 2027 dates.
2. Attend a virtual (Zoom) Information Session
| Important Information | Fall 2026 | Spring 2027 | Summer 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interest Indicator Form Dates | 5/18/2026 to 6/5/2026 Closed | 9/14/2026 to 10/14/2026 | 1/29/2027 to 2/19/2027 |
| Registration Dates | Monday, 7/27/2026 | to be determined | to be determined |
| Class Dates | 9/15/2026 to 12/12/2026 | 1/26/2027 to 4/20/2027 | 6/1/2027 to 8/14/2027 |
| Information Session (online) |
Wed. June 10, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or Monday, June 15, 2026, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
Wed. October, 14, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or Monday, October 19, 2026, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
Wed., February. 24, 2027, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or Monday, March 1, 2027, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
| Testing (In-person) |
Wednesday, June 17, 2026. 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
Wednesday, March 3, 2027 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
| Testing Retakes (In-person) |
Monday, June 22, 2026, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Monday, October 26, 2026, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Monday, March 8, 2027, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
Please take note of the following Professional Week/Graduation dates when we may have limited availability in the office: May 18 - 22, 2026; August 24 - 28, 2026; January 19 - 22, 2027
II. Certified Nursing Assistant Classroom
You will gain knowledge and practice in essential nursing skills and patient care through in-person classes and supervised practice in a skills lab.
III. Certified Nursing Assistant Clinical
Clinical training will give you hands-on experience caring for patients in a long
term care facility under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). The following
health form will be required for clinical training (PDF, 
) .
CNA Instructional Videos
The following CNA/GNA instructional videos can be used as a resource. CNA/GNA Instruction videos. CNA Instructional Videos. These are password protected. You may only access them using your MYMC username and password.
Career Outlook
Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required.
You can also explore Career Coach new window to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests. Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area. The job listings and information provided are specific to Montgomery County and the surrounding localities.
These classes are only open to those who have attended an information session and have passed the math and reading tests. You must register in-person at one of the WDCE Customer Service locations new window.