Maryland Board of Nursing - Nursing Asistant Certification - Student Nurses Working as a Nursing Assistant

On October 1, 2006, legislation becomes effective that will require student nurses working as nursing assistants to be certified as nursing assistants. Previously certification was not required. THE IMPLEMENTATION DATE IS JANUARY 2, 2007. This should provide enough time for student nurse to obtain the application and other documentation required for certification and not place anyone at risk for losing a job or being in non compliance with the law.
A student will be required to to submit a CNA application, an official transcript, and the required fees. Any application received on or after January 2, 2007 will also require a criminal history records check. Students will not be required to resubmit a background check for licensure provided that the criminal history records check has been done by this Board and within 5 years of application for licensure.

Graduates of approved nursing programs (RN or LPN) may apply for certification as a CNA without further training. 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 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).

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.
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 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.

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 assistant requirement, the student may register as a Medication technician.

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