Baltimore County and MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center have formed a partnership to expand career opportunities in healthcare while helping address the growing demand for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in the region.
County Executive Kathy Klausmeier announced the initiative in a July 23 press release. Under the program, eligible county residents will receive paid CNA training at no cost and guaranteed employment with MedStar Health upon completing the program. Participants will receive tuition, educational materials, testing, and certification at no cost while earning a paycheck throughout the training program.
Officials say the initiative is designed to strengthen the county’s healthcare workforce while creating career pathways. Maryland, like many states across the country, continues to face a shortage of trained healthcare professionals. As the state’s population ages and demand for healthcare services grows, CNAs remain among the most in-demand occupations. The career offers stable employment and long-term growth without requiring years of higher education, the press release notes.
The first cohort of 10 participants will attend an intensive 10-week CNA training program at the Community College of Baltimore County Essex, beginning with orientation on Sept. 14. Training includes Monday-through-Friday evening classes. Participants will become MedStar Health employees at the start of the program and earn $18 per hour as student nurse assistant interns. They will commit to remaining with the organization for at least 12 months after completing the training.
To be eligible, applicants must live in Baltimore County, be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and be authorized to work in the United States.
Applicants will first complete a demographic and eligibility form available through the county’s Department of Economic and Workforce Development Strategic Workforce Innovation Fund and submit a résumé. The department will review applications to determine eligibility before referring qualified candidates to MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. Selected applicants will attend an orientation and interview with MedStar, which will make the final selection based on organizational fit.
Applications may close once the first cohort reaches capacity.
“We’re committed to improving our workforce and making it stronger,” said Klausmeier. “Healthcare jobs are critical to the health of our residents and communities.”
Kimberly Schwenk, vice president and chief nursing officer at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, said she is thrilled the program establishes an entry pathway into a healthcare career. A second cohort of 10 participants is planned for a later date.
Questions about the program may be sent to stratworkforce@baltimorecountymd.gov.