Earn to Learn Opportunities at MaineGeneral

In MaineGeneral's Earn to Learn opportunities, you get trained for a great career and get paid while you learn and train.

Hear how Bethany found that Earn to Learn sets you up for success:

Learn more about three of these programs below.

Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Training Program

Get paid while you earn your CNA certificate and work as a CNA Trainee through MaineGeneral's CNA Training Program.

  • Hands-On Clinical Experience: As a CNA Trainee for 24-40 hours per week at MaineGeneral Medical Center or MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care
  • In-Depth Training: - 9-week course: 8 hours a week in the classroom and 12 hours a week completing a clinical/lab component
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Exam: When you successfully complete the course and pass the state exam, you will be registered as a CNA with the State of Maine and receive a raise.

Earn $18.65 per hour during training, and get an increase in pay on completion of the requirements (to $19.65 an hour).

CNA Earn to Learn classes are currently pending. For information on future classes please email greg.zimba@mainegeneral.org.

Medical Assistant (MA) Training Program

MaineGeneral’s Earn to Learn program for Medical Assistants (MAs) gives you:

  • In-Depth Classroom Training: Benefit from approximately 200 hours of comprehensive classroom and skills training, ensuring a strong theoretical foundation for your role as a Medical Assistant Trainee.
  • Hands-On Clinical Experience: Gain valuable practical skills through 275 hours of hands-on clinical experience in a real medical practice setting, preparing you for the dynamic challenges of healthcare.
  • Homework: This condensed, fast-paced program requires daily dedication to studies estimated to be 2 hours a night.
  • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Exam: Upon successful completion of the program, you'll have the opportunity to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the National HealthCare Association (NHA), validating your knowledge base.
  • Paid Training: Receive compensation for your commitment, with 40 hours a week paid for a balanced schedule consisting of 2 classroom days and 3 clinical days each week.
  • Tuition Coverage: MaineGeneral generously covers the full tuition cost, including books and supplies, eliminating any enrollment fees and making this educational opportunity accessible to aspiring Medical Assistants.
  • Career Path: Upon completing the program, you'll have the opportunity to secure a Certified Medical Assistant position at MGH with the expectation of working as a CMA at MaineGeneral for one year after graduation, laying the foundation for a rewarding career in the healthcare industry.

Earn $18.65 per hour during training, and $20.65 per hour once certified.

MA Earn to Learn classes are currently pending. For information on future classes please email greg.zimba@mainegeneral.org.

Certified Residential Medication Aide (CRMA) Training Program

  • Course Duration and Structure: Comprehensive 40-hour course, typically spread over a 2 to 3 week period to ensure thorough preparation and understanding of responsibilities.
  • Certification and Skills: Upon completion, participants become Certified Residential Medication Aides, equipped with the knowledge required to read and follow physician orders. They are trained to administer medications, including narcotics and insulin, to residents at the residential care level.
  • Practical Experience: During the course, students hold a title of student and work in an assistant/helper role when not attending classes, providing practical experience in a real-world setting.

Employment Opportunities: Certified CRMA professionals are eligible to pass medications only at the assisted/residential care level. At MaineGeneral, this includes locations such as Gray Birch Residential Care Community, the Inn at City Hall, and the Alzheimer’s Care Center. There are also opportunities in various residential homes within MaineGeneral, including Women’s Residential, and occasionally, students may join the Long-Term Care (LTC) course from these behavioral health departments as well.

CRMA Earn to Learn classes are currently pending. For information on future classes please email greg.zimba@mainegeneral.org.