Certified Nursing Assistant ( CNA-1)
What is a CNA-1?
A CNA is a person who has completed an approved nursing assistant program and has been certified as a nursing assistant by the Board of Nursing. Students who have completed a CNA course at Montgomery College do not have to take a certification exam after course completion.
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
Program Requirements
There are three main program requirements for this course. First, you must attend a mandatory information session (free) to learn about the programs, take a math and reading test, and learn about the prerequisites for the program. The second part of the program is the Classroom session where you will take classes, participate in discussions, and have the opportunity for hands-on practice. The third part of the program is the clinical where students will have an opportunity to work with real patients under the supervision of an RN. This program is offered three times a year in the Fall, Spring, and the Summer.
I. Information Sessions
To be considered for the CNA/GNA programs, you will need to fill out the CNA/GNA Interest Indicator form new window during the dates listed, attend an online (Zoom) Information Session, and take an in-person Math and Reading test. Upon submission of this form you will receive information about the Information session and the Math and Reading tests.
NEW: You must fill out the CNA/GNA Interest Indicator Form new window. This is only available during certain dates. For Fall 2026 the dates are May 18 to June 5, 2026.
| Important Information | Fall 2026 | Spring 2027 | Summer 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interest Indicator Form Dates | 5/18/2026 to 6/5/2026 | 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, 2025, 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
CNA Classroom provides lectures, discussion, and hands-on practice with basic nursing skills and more.
III. Certified Nursing Assistant Clinical
CNA Clinical provides an opportunity for students to work under the guidance of an
RN to care for patients using the knowledge they have learned in the classroom. Clinical
training will take place at either a hospital based or a long-term care setting depending
on the course that the student enrolls in. The following health form will be required for clinical training (PDF, 
) .
CNA / GNA 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.