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CNA Training in Massachusetts

Free guide to CNA training classes in Massachusetts (MA)

Take approved CNA courses to earn your Massachusetts CNA certification



Certified Nurse Aides (known as CNAs) are in high demand across the country, including Massachusetts. In order to sit for the CNA certification exam in Massachusetts, you must first either complete a state approved training program or submit documentation that you are a licensed CNA in another state and are currently in good standing with the board of nursing in that state. Nursing assistants can find employment in many different settings including hospitals, hospice centers, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes. They are instrumental in the care and treatment of many patients and work under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician.

How Can I Find CNA Training Programs Near Me?

Browse our list of Massachusetts schools that offer CNA training courses to become a certified nursing assistant. Nurse aide programs are usually offered at community colleges, junior colleges, trade schools and technical/vocational schools. Our directory includes as many CNA programs as possible, but is not complete as there may be additional CNA programs that are not listed here. Many long-term care facilities offer CNA training to current employees and trainees. In many cases these programs are not widely advertised, but can be found by calling the facilities directly.


How Much Can You Make as a CNA in Massachusetts?

There are many factors that motivate individuals to pursue careers as nursing assistants. One of the most common reasons for choosing an occupation as a health care provider is compassion for people. Many doctors and nurses derive great personal fulfillment from giving quality care to those in need. These types of positions also require a great deal of resilience, as providers will be exposed to patients suffering from painful diseases, life-altering injuries and terminal illnesses. If you feel that you encompass the skill set and desire to become a CNA then the next step is to start researching available training programs in Massachusetts. The average annual salary for a CNA in Massachusetts is $35,000.

How to Become a CNA in Massachusetts

Students can earn their CNA certification and start their career as a certified nursing assistant in less than six months. The first step is to find and complete an approved CNA training program. Each individual state sets its own required amount of credit hours necessary to become a CNA. Typical programs take around 6-12 weeks to complete and must include a minimum of 75 hours of training. The average cost of a CNA course is between $400 – $800. The second step is to take the Massachusetts CNA certification exam and achieve a passing score. The third and final step is to register with the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Can I Transfer My CNA License to Massachusetts?

If you are a certified nursing assistant from another state and have just moved to Massachusetts you can apply to the Nursing Aide Registry in Massachusetts for what is called “reciprocity”. As long as you can provide verification that you completed a state approved CNA certification program, are currently certified in another state, and have worked as a CNA recently. You would not need to take the Massachusetts exam or training if you are granted reciprocity. All CNA licenses need to be renewed every two years and must have worked a minimum of 160 hours within those two years.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost? How Long Does it Take?

Before preparing for the CNA competency evaluation exam, candidates must complete a 100-hour course that includes both classroom and clinical learning. For the classroom portion students will learn from a textbook in a typical classroom setting. Some online CNA classes are offered, but the clinical practice still has to be completed in person. The clinical training usually takes place in a nursing home or hospital and provides hands-on experience learning how to properly treat patients. In this segment you will learn how to assist patients with their daily activities, such as brushing their teeth, personal grooming, eating, toileting and bathing. You will also learn how to prevent or reduce patient injuries, provide basic first aid, and understand patient rights. All of these aspects are very important parts of CNA training and will be required to pass the certification test.

Once you complete the education program you can schedule a test date. Be sure to apply for the testing as soon as possible as you may have to wait up to 28 days before a seat becomes available. After taking the exam you will be informed that day if you passed, however, this will not become official until you receive your certificate in the mail.


CNA Classes in Massachusetts (MA)

American Red Cross – South, Quincy

1495 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02169

American Red Cross CNA / HHA Training – Westfield

48 Broad Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

American Red Cross CNA Course – Southeast, Brockton

281 Pleasant Street, Brockton, MA 02301

American Red Cross CNA Program – North, Melrose

786 Main Street, Melrose, Massachusetts 02176

American Red Cross CNA Training Course – South Coast, New Bedford

995 Rockdale Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02740

American Red Cross Nurse Aide Training – Cambridge Headquarters, Central

139 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142

American Red Cross Nurse Aide Training Course – South Coast, Fall River

315 Pleasant Street, Fall River, Massachusetts 02721

American Red Cross Nurse Assistant / HHA – Northampton

125 State Street, Northampton, Massachusetts 01060

American Red Cross Nurse Assistant / HHA Training – Leominster

29 Main Street, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453

American Red Cross Nurse Assistant / Home Health Aide Training – Worcester

2000 Century Drive, Worcester, Massachusetts 01606

American Red Cross Nurse Assistant / Home Health Aide Training – Springfield

506 Cottage Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01104

American Red Cross Nurse Assistant / Home Health Aide Training – Pittsfield

480 West Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201

American Red Cross Nurse Assistant Program – North, Peabody

85 Lowell Street, Peabody, MA 01960

American Red Cross Nursing Assistant Program – MetroWest, Waltham

863-867 Main Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451

Bristol Community College – Attleboro

135 County Street, Attleboro, MA 02703

Bristol Community College – Fall River

777 Elsbree Street, Fall River, MA 02720

Bristol Community College Nurse Aide Program – New Bedford

188 Union Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740

Bunker Hill Community College – Boston

250 New Rutherford Ave, Boston, MA 02129

Cape Cod Community College Nurse Aide Course – West Barnstable

2240 Iyannough Road, West Barnstable, Massachusetts 02668

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Boston CNA/HHA Training Class – Labour Center

275 West Broadway, South Boston, MA 021271

Catholic Charities South Nurse Assistant and Home Health Aide Program – Brockton

157 Centre Street, Brockton, MA 02302

Community Action Inc. – Haverhill

145 Essex Street, Haverhill, MA 01832

Health Care Training Services (HCTS) CNA Class – Fall River

657 Quarry Street, Fall River, Massachusetts 02723

North-Shore Community College Nursing Assistant Course – Danvers

1 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, Massachusetts 01923

Springfield Technical Community College

One Armory Square, Suite 1, Springfield, MA 01102



Massachusetts CNA Certification Requirements

– complete state approved CNA training program
– pass both parts of competency evaluation (written & skills)
– pass competency test within 24 months of completion of training


Massachusetts CNA Resources

Massachusetts Board of Nursing
Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry
Nurse Aide Employment Outlook 2010-2011
National Association of Health Care Assistants
National Network of Career Nursing Assistants

NursesLink.org