The CNA Academy at Adventist HealthCare

The CNA Academy at Adventist HealthCare is an innovative employment opportunity designed to support those seeking to start a career in patient care services as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). This provides classroom and clinical training in a hospital setting to prepare employees to pass the CNA certification exam.

The Academy is perfect for anyone eager to start a new career where they can make a difference in the lives of others in a work environment that supports professional growth. No previous experience is necessary.

Program Overview

The Academy offers a unique career opportunity to engage in classroom and clinical training as an employee of Adventist HealthCare. We hire five cohorts per year for job placements at Shady Grove, White Oak, Fort Washington Medical Center locations and our Rehabilitation Center. After completing the training portion of your employment, you will be internally transferred to a CNA position at an Adventist Healthcare hospital-based unit.

Program Overview

Guaranteed Employment – By joining the Academy, you are committing to a minimum of 18 months of employment with Adventist HealthCare. This commitment begins as soon as you start your training. Once you complete the training portion of your employment and pass your certification exam, you will be transferred to a CNA position at one of Adventist HealthCare’s facilities.
Free Training & Supplies – Your training, books, supplies, and two pairs of scrubs are included in your employment free of charge. Aspiring CNAs can focus on their studies during employment, eliminating the educational costs.
Expert Guidance – You will gain knowledge about best practices for clinical outcomes and patient experience under three dedicated nurse educators.
Hospital-Based Training – We provide real-life clinical training in a hospital setting to prepare you for the dynamic work environment and role of working as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Career Development – We open the door to new career opportunities with Adventist HealthCare by supporting employees through their CNA journey and beyond!

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the CNA Academy.

What is the time commitment beyond the training program?

We hope you will enjoy a long career with Adventist HealthCare, but we requires a full-time work commitment of at least 18 months.

What prior work experience is required?

Some applicants come with a variety of work experience, while others have only served in volunteer roles. Any experience is valuable – especially if you have worked in a caregiving or customer service environment – but most important in this role is the desire to provide compassionate care. Above all, we are seeking engaged and committed people whose values are in alignment with those of our organization.

How much does tuition cost?

There is no tuition because the CNA Academy is not a school, but rather an employment opportunity. Aspiring CNAs are hired into the program, then placed in a job within Adventist Healthcare upon earning their CNA licensure.

What supplies will I need to purchase for this program?

We will provide everything you need for success including textbooks, a set of scrubs, and personal protective equipment.

How long is the training portion of my employment?

The training period is six weeks long and prepares trainees for the Maryland CNA licensure exam. The first four weeks of instruction are classroom-based with skills training (8:00-4:30 Monday through Friday), followed by two weeks of clinical rotations (three 12-hour shifts). On average you will work 36 hours per week.

What happens after I complete the training portion of my employment?

Once you successfully complete the six-week training and pass the state licensure exam, you will be placed in a CNA position at one of our hospitals right away! While the exam is administered by the CNA Academy instructors at one of our hospitals. Your licensure will be issued through the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Can I choose where I work?

Positions are available at our Shady Grove, White Oak, and Fort Washington Medical Center locations, and our Rockville Rehabilitation Hospital. We do our best to place you in the hospital of your choice, however it cannot always be guaranteed. Unit placements are determined based on the areas of greatest need, which are most often in the medical/surgical units of our inpatient hospitals.

Can I choose my schedule?

Inpatient care is a 24/7 operation! For this reason, we require that you be fully available to work any day of the week. You will be placed in either a daytime or nighttime position. Just as we cannot guarantee the location where you will be placed, we also cannot guarantee dayshift or night-shift availability. You will be informed of your location and shift type within two weeks of completing the training. Once you begin working on the unit, schedules are published at least once a month in advance.

How many CNA Academy cohorts are hired per year?

We hire five (5) cohorts per year.

How many employees are in each cohort?

16 positions are available in each cohort.

Will I be eligible for benefits?

Your benefits coverage begins immediately, provided that you enroll yourself and any eligible dependents within 31 days of your hire date.

How long do the applications periods remain open?

Because the volume of candidates may vary from one quarter to the next, there is no set ending date for the application periods. We will continue to accept applications until we have filled all 16 positions in a cohort.

How does the interview process work and when will I find out if I have been hired?

We review applications in the order they are received. If your resume passes the first screening, you usually can expect to hear from a recruiter within three weeks to schedule a phone interview. If the phone interview is successful, the recruiter will schedule you to meet virtually with a small interview panel. If the panel recommends you for hire, you will then receive a phone call from the recruiter with an employment offer. Candidates not recommended will also be notified.

The CNA Academy at Adventist HealthCare

Program Overview

Join the Academy

Program Requirements

Program Calendar

Set Your Location

Program Overview

Salary & Benefits While You Learn

Lissette's Becoming a CNA (Week 6)

Johanna's Becoming a CNA (Week 5)

Lissette's Becoming a CNA (Week 5)

Johanna's Becoming a CNA (Week 4)

What is the time commitment beyond the training program?

What prior work experience is required?

How much does tuition cost?

What supplies will I need to purchase for this program?

How long is the training portion of my employment?

What happens after I complete the training portion of my employment?

Can I choose where I work?

Can I choose my schedule?

How many CNA Academy cohorts are hired per year?

How many employees are in each cohort?

Will I be eligible for benefits?

How long do the applications periods remain open?

How does the interview process work and when will I find out if I have been hired?