Nursing Students and Nursing Program Graduates Working as Nursing Assistants

Nursing Students

On October 1, 2006 legislation becomes effective that will require student nurses to be certified as Nursing Assistants.
A student will be required to submit a CNA application, an official transcript, and the required fees. The application must include the evidence of a Criminal History Record Check being completed or the CNA temporary certificate will not be issued.

New Graduates

Graduates of approved nursing programs RN or LPN may apply for certification as a CNA without further training if the applicant’s approved RN or LPN educational program meets the CNA Training program requirements.
Graduates of approved nursing programs (RN or LPN) may be employed as a CNA (certification by the Board as a CNA is required); or, may be employed as a Nursing Graduate. The regulations that govern the nursing graduate (including functions and conditions for practice) are found in the Board’s Regulations Governing Examination and Licensure, COMAR 10.27.01(.03)(B).

Nurses Educated Outside The United States

A nurse graduate educated outside of the United States who has received the NCLEX Authorization to Test (ATT) is eligible for Nursing Assistant certification.
A nurse graduate educated outside of the United States and who has received the Authorization to Test (ATT) may sit for the Maryland Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) examination if the individual is certified as a Nursing Assistant by the Board.
A nurse graduate educated outside of the United States who has not received the NCLEX Authorization to Test (ATT) letter, may obtain certification as a Nursing Assistant if the individual completes the required application for Nursing Assistant certification and if the applicant has both an application before the Board to take the NCLEX, and the CGFNS credentials review (CES) verifying that the applicant’s nursing education is equivalent to that of a practical nurse or registered nurse in the United States.

Medication Technicians

A graduate of a nursing program is eligible to be certified as a Medication Technician.
Once a nursing student has successfully completed the Board recognized equivalent course content in the nursing program for the Medication Technician requirement, the student may be certified as a Medication Technician.