PALS (Program of Adult Literacy Services) Resource Guide: ESL Healthcare Career Training

ELL Healthcare Career Training

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA) program for English Language Learners

Our current CNA/GNA program started Spring 2025. Contact Lidia De La O to learn about next year's class.

•  Earn Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) Maryland certifications

             AND

• Learn English (ESL) at the same time
• Scholarships are available to those who qualify
• Program is for people (18+) who are learning English as a second language
• Students must be eligible to work in the US 

CNAs and GNAs provide direct care to patients in medical facilities. It takes 12 months to attain certification in our ELL healthcare program. In Hagerstown and Washington County, medical facilities hire CNAs starting at $17 per hour with sign-on bonuses.

2024 - 2025 Program Outline

1. Healthcare Introduction for ESL I: April to June 2025
2. Healthcare Introduction for ESL II: July to August 2025
3. Foundations of Healthcare: September to November 2025
4. Certified Nursing Assistant Module 1: November 2025 to January 2026
5. Certified Nursing Assistant Module 2: February to March 2026
6. Certified Nursing Assistant Clinical: March to April 2026

Want to learn about the program? Have more questions?

Contact Lidia De La O, Adult Literacy & English Language Learner Transition Specialist
Monday-Friday 9am-4:00pm
ldelao@hagerstowncc.edu 
(240) 500-2487 voice
(240) 255-9770 text