Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are important members of the MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital care team. They are caregivers who work directly with patients and residents to assist them with daily needs and make them feel safe and comfortable.
Free CNA training, close to home
MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital offers free CNA training in partnership with Central Lincoln County Adult Education. This 7-week course is offered at various times throughout the year and includes classroom work, skills labs, and clinical experience. At the end of the course, students take the State Certification Examination.
CNA Training Covers
- Age-specific care through the lifespan
- Safe patient care delivery
- Infection prevention principles and practices
- Body mechanics and mobility skills
- Communication skills
- Assisting with daily needs
- Nutrition and assisting patients with meeting their nutritional needs
- Common health problems and working with a health care team
- CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS)
In skills labs, students practice taking vital signs, assisting with patient mobility, and patient hygiene skills. The clinical experience allows students to work with residents at two long-term care facilities, Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta and St. Andrews Village in Boothbay Harbor, and with MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital patients.
Making a difference, every day
“CNAs make a heartfelt difference every day for residents and patients, and they are in high demand,” said Jennifer McIntire, RN, longtime instructor for MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital’s free CNA training program. “Wages have recently been increased for this important job and there are many opportunities available for graduates.”
Earn while you learn
Students who have been accepted into MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital CNA Training Program may also apply to participate in the MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital CNA Apprenticeship Program. If accepted, students will be paid during their time with the CNA Training Program in exchange for a work commitment. Please note:
CNA Apprenticeship Program Overview
- CNA Apprentices commit to working at Cove’s Edge or St. Andrews Village for 18-months following graduation.
- CNA student applicants accepted into the Apprenticeship Program will become temporary employees of MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital.
- Apprentices are paid at an hourly rate.
- The MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital CNA Apprenticeship Program requires an additional application which will be discussed during the interview process.
- Acceptance into the MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital CNA Apprenticeship Program is dependent upon acceptance into the MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital CNA Training Program.
- CNA Apprentices receive additional on-the-job and professional development training.
- Class size is limited, so only a few, highly-qualified applicants will be chosen for an interview and selected for the MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital CNA Apprenticeship Program.
The MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital CNA Apprenticeship Program is only available as funds allow. Although acceptance does not guarantee employment after graduation, every effort is made to place graduates in jobs based on staffing needs and apprentice qualifications.
- Please call 207-563-4540 or email cna@lchcare.org to request an application.
- Be sure to include your name, mailing address and telephone number in your email.
- Applications can be mailed directly to you or picked up at our Education Center in Damariscotta.
- Once received, applications will be reviewed and select applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview.
- The application process will include a health screening test and background check.
- To be considered, you must have a High School Diploma or GED.