Baltimore County has launched a new workforce partnership to address healthcare staffing shortages and create paid career pathways for residents
interested in becoming certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
The initiative brings together the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development (DEWD), MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, and the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) to provide eligible county residents with paid CNA training at no cost. Funded through Baltimore County’s Strategic Workforce Innovation Fund (SWIF), the program aims to strengthen the county’s healthcare workforce and expand access to careers in one of the region’s most in-demand fields.
“Healthcare jobs are critical to the health of our residents and communities,” Klausmeier said. “We are grateful to the team at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center and look forward to building on our partnership to deliver career opportunities as well as world-class healthcare to Baltimore County.”
Participants who complete the program, will become MedStar employees at the start of the 10-week training program, earning $18 per hour as Student Nurse Assistant Interns while completing their coursework and certification. The program covers tuition, educational materials, testing, and certification costs, removing many of the financial barriers to entering the healthcare profession. The first cohort will include 10 participants, with a second cohort of 10 planned for a later date. Training begins with orientation on September 14 at CCBC Essex.
