ChooseCNA.org

Your Guide to Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide

  • Home
  • Become
  • Find a School
  • Salary
  • Articles
Home ยป Become a CNA in Massachusetts

How to Become a Certified Nurse Aide in Massachusetts

Leave a Comment

(found 171 schools, updated in June 2017)

The Certified Nurse Aide provides assistance to patients and residents in a variety of healthcare and long-term care facilities. In Massachusetts, the American Red Cross (ARC) manages the CNA testing process and works in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) in the Health and Human Services agency to determine testing eligibility for people in a variety of circumstances. The CNA has daily contact with patients and residents, ensuring their safety and well-being.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

  • 5 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Massachusetts
  • How to Keep CNA Certification Active
  • Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in Massachusetts
  • Get CNA Certification in Bordering States

5 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Massachusetts

There are approximately 171 Certified Nursing Assistant training programs in Massachusetts that are offered at educational facilities and in healthcare settings, like rehabilitation centers and long term care facilities. The following steps are for people who are interested in becoming a CNA in Massachusetts for the first time and are required to complete training and take the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation exam in order to get their name entered in the state Certified Nurse Aide Registry. There are waivers and exceptions to training and/or testing requirements for certain people which are described in the “Get Listed in the Nurse Aide Registry” section.

Step 1: Select a CNA Training Program

Selecting one of the CNA programs in Massachusetts is easy for most people since there are so many offered across the state on a year round basis. Programs are offered at technical high schools, career academies, vocational schools, training centers, community colleges and other types of educational facilities. The American Red Cross (ARC) also offers a number of classes at various facilities in Boston, Cambridge, Peabody, Waltham and Worcester.

Local CNA Classes in Massachusetts

The following school table, updated in June 2017, includes state approved Certified Nurse Aide programs in Massachusetts. You can take day programs, evening programs, adult programs, nursing home programs, high school programs, etc.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

CityCountyNurse Aide Training ProviderAddress
WorcesterWorcester3 Dimension Health Services
www.3dimensionshealth.com
61 Harvard Street
DracutMiddlesex3 Dimensions Health Services
www.3dimensionshealth.com
1934 Lakeview Avenue
EverettMiddlesexA Better Tomorrow
abtservices.org
153B Main Street
AttleboroBristolAASTC Partnership LCC42 Union Street
AndoverEssexAcademy for Healthcare Training
www.academyhealthcaretraining.com
6 Campanelli Drive
BrocktonPlymouthAcademy for Healthcare Training
www.academyhealthcaretraining.com
34 School Street
MaldenMiddlesexAcademy for Healthcare Training
www.academyhealthcaretraining.com
77 Salem Street
GloucesterEssexAction, Inc.
actioninc.org
180 Main Street
LeominsterWorcesterAmerican Red Cross of Central MA-Leominster
www.redcross.org
29 Main Street, Second Floor
WorcesterWorcesterAmerican Red Cross of Central Massachusetts
www.redcross.org
2000 Century Drive
BrocktonPlymouthAmerican Red Cross of Mass Bay at Brockton
www.redcross.org
281 Pleasant Street
PeabodyEssexAmerican Red Cross of Mass Bay at Peabody
www.redcross.org
85 Lowell Street
LawrenceEssexAmerican Red Cross of Mass Bay
www.redcross.org
60 Island Street
CambridgeMiddlesexAmerican Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay
www.redcross.org
139 Main Street
SpringfieldHampdenAmerican Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter
www.redcross.org
506 Cottage Street
WestfieldHampdenAscentria Care Alliance
www.ascentria.org
24 Elm Street
MarlboroughMiddlesexAssabet Valley Regional Vocational School
www.assabettech.com
215 Fitchburg Street
HyannisBarnstableB. Sullivan Nurse Assistant Training School
sullivantrainingschool.com
270 Communications Way, 2B
Fall RiverBristolB.M.C. Durfee High School
www.durfeehigh.com
360 Elsbree Street
HyannisBarnstableBarnstable High School
www.barnstable.k12.ma.us
744 Main Street
Fall RiverBristolBastien Academy
www.bastienacademy.com
192 Anawan Street Mailbox 12B
CharltonWorcesterBay Path Regional Vocational Tech High School - Adult Evening
www.baypath.tec.ma.us
57 Old Muggett Hill Road
CharltonWorcesterBay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School
www.baypath.tec.ma.us
57 Old Muggett Hill Road
DuxburyPlymouthBay Path Rehabilitation & Nursing Center
https:www.banecare.com
308 Kings Town Way
NorthbridgeWorcesterBeaumont Rehab. & Skilled Nursing Center
www.salmonhealth.com
85 Beaumont Drive
PittsfieldBerkshireBerkshire Health Systems
https:www.berkshirehealthsystems.org
725 North Street
UptonWorcesterBlackstone Valley Regional Tech
www.valleytech.k12.ma.us
65 Pleasant Street
CantonNorfolkBlue Hills Regional Technical High School
www.bluehills.org
800 Randolph Street
DorchesterSuffolkBoston Healthcare Institute, Inc.344 Talbot Avenue, Unit 201
Fall RiverBristolBristol Community College - Day
www.bristolcc.edu
1082 Davol Street
New BedfordBristolBristol Community College
www.bristolcc.edu
800 Purchase Street
TauntonBristolBristol Community College
www.bristolcc.edu
2 Galleria Mall Drive
BostonSuffolkBristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School - Evening
www.bptech.org
940 County Street
TauntonBristolBristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School
www.bptech.org
940 County Street
North ChathamBarnstableBroad Reach Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center at Liberty Commons
libertycommons.org
390 Orleans Road
BrocktonPlymouthBrockton Educational Center for Adults
brocktoneca.org
243 Court Street
BrocktonPlymouthBrockton High School
https:www.brocktonpublicschools.com
470 Forest Avenue
ChelseaSuffolkBunker Hill Community College
www.bhcc.mass.edu
175 Hawthorne Street
Hyde ParkSuffolkC & S Healthcare Training & Staffing891 Hyde Park Avenue
West BarnstableBarnstableCape Cod Community College
www.capecod.edu
Route 132
HarwichBarnstableCape Cod Regional Technical High School - Day
www.capetech.us
351 Pleasant Lake Avenue
BrocktonPlymouthCatholic Charities157 Centre Street
HolyokeHampdenCNS Academy for Healthcare Professionals
www.cnsacademyhealthcare.com
187-A High Street
New BedfordBristolCoastal Career Academy26 South Water Street
Fall RiverBristolCoastal Career Academy
coastalcareeracademy.com
288 Plymouth Avenue
WeymouthNorfolkColonial Rehabilitation & Nursing Center
www.welchhrg.com
125 Broad Street
LowellMiddlesexCommonwealth Nursing Services & Home Care Inc.40 Church Street, 4th floor
HolyokeHampdenDean Tech High School
deantechnical.org
1045 Main Street
Fall RiverBristolDiman Regional Vocational Technical High School
www.dimanregional.org
251 Stonehaven Road
South DennisBarnstableEagle Pond Rehabilitation & Living Center
www.eaglepond.com
1 Love Lane, P.O. Box 208
West YarmouthBarnstableEmerson's Nursing Assistant Training School
www.emersonsschool.com
657 Ruite 28
MiddletonEssexEssex Technical High School30 Log Bridge Road
Turners FallsFranklinFarren Care Center
www.mercycares.com
340 Montague City Road
HolyokeHampdenFirst Choice Academy, Inc.187-A High Street
Turners FallsFranklinFranklin County Technical School
www.fcts.us
82 Industrial Boulevard
AyerMiddlesexGenesis Healthcare at Apple Valley Center
www.genesishcc.com
400 Groton Road
DanversEssexGenesis Healthcare at Hathorne Hill Center
www.genesishcc.com
15 Kirkbride Drive
MiddleboroPlymouthGolden Living Training Center - Day76 North Street
MiddleboroPlymouthGolden Living Training Center - Evening76 North Street
North GraftonWorcesterGrafton Job Corps Career Academy
grafton.jobcorps.gov
100 Pine Street
AndoverEssexGreater Lawrence Technical School
www.glts.net
57 River Road
TyngsboroMiddlesexGreater Lowell Technical High School - Adult
www.gltech.org
250 Pawtucket Boulevard
TyngsboroMiddlesexGreater Lowell Technical High School - Day
www.gltech.org
250 Pawtucket Boulevard
New BedfordBristolGreater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School
www.gnbvt.edu
1121 Ashley Boulevard
NorthamptonHampshireGreenfield Community College at Franklin Hampshire Career Center
www.gcc.mass.edu
178 Industrial Drive
GreenfieldFranklinGreenfield Community College
www.gcc.mass.edu
270 Main Street
BostonSuffolkHealth and Home Care Training Center of Massachusetts
homecaretrainingcenter.com
99 South Bedford Street, Suite 6
BrocktonPlymouthHealth and Home Care Training of New England
www.healthandhomecarene.com
162 Main Street
Fall RiverBristolHealth Care Training Services, Inc.
www.hctschool.com
657 Quarry Street
TewksburyMiddlesexHealthcare Training Centers of America, Inc.
www.healthcaretrainingcenters.com
170 Main Street, Suite G11
AgawamHampdenHeritage Hall East
www.genesishcc.com
464 Main Street
HolyokeHampdenHolyoke Community College - Health & Natural Science
www.hcc.edu
303 Homestead Avenue
HolyokeHampdenHolyoke Community College
www.hcc.edu
303 Homestead Avenue
AgawamHampdenHolyoke Works 462 Main Street
HolyokeHampdenHolyoke Works for Wingate South Hadley
www.holyokeworks.org
100 Front Street
HolyokeHampdenHolyoke Works
www.holyokeworks.org
Soldiers' Home
PlymouthPlymouthHome Care Plus385 Court Street, Suite #201
AmesburyEssexHome Health Care Connection120 Friend Street
MattapanSuffolkHorizon Learning Connection1601 Blue Hill Avenue, #205
AttleboroBristolInternational Health Care Training & Services
www.interhealthtrainingservices.com
21 Park Street Suite 316
FraminghamMiddlesexJoseph P Keefe Technical High School - Day
www.keefetech.org
750 Winter Street
FraminghamMiddlesexJoseph P Keefe Technical High School - Evening
www.keefetech.org
750 Winter Street
BrocktonPlymouthK&K Healthcare Training Center
www.knkhealthcaretrainingcenter.com
471 Prospect Street
HolyokeHampdenKittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development
www.hcc.edu
303 Homestead Avenue
BostonSuffolkLaboure Center Catholic Charities275 West Broadway
LeominsterWorcesterLeominster High School
www.leominster.mec.edu
122 Granite Street
PlymouthPlymouthLife Care Center of Plymouth
lifecarecenterofplymouth.com
94 Obery Street
New BedfordBristolLifestream Employment & Training Services
www.lifestreaminc.com
800 Purchase Street
LeedsHampshireLinda Manor Extended Care Facility
www.lindamanor.org
349 Haydenville Road
West SpringfieldHampdenLower Pioneer Valley Career and Technical Education Center
lpvctec.org
174 Brush Hill Avenue
LynnEssexLynn Vocational and Technical Institute80 Neptune Boulevard
BostonSuffolkMadison Park High School
www.madisonparkhs.org
75 Malcolm X Boulevard
BostonSuffolkMadison Park Technical Vocational High School - Evening75 Malcolm X Boulevard
TopsfieldEssexMasconomet Healthcare Center
www.whittierhealth.com
123 High Street
FraminghamMiddlesexMass Bay Community College
www.massbay.edu
19 Flagg Drive
MedfordMiddlesexMedford Vocational Technical High School
www.medfordpublicschools.org
489 Winthrop Street
WalthamMiddlesexMedical Career Center, Inc.
www.medicalcareercenter.net
267 Moody Street
WorcesterWorcesterMedical Career Center, Inc.
www.medicalcareercenter.net
70 James Street
FraminghamMiddlesexMetrowest Healthcare Academy12 Irving Street, 2nd floor
LowellMiddlesexMiddlesex Community College - Evening
https:www.middlesex.mass.edu
33 Kearney Square
LowellMiddlesexMiddlesex Community College - Evening
https:www.middlesex.mass.edu
33 Kearney Square
LexingtonMiddlesexMinuteman Regional High School
www.minuteman.org
758 Marrett Road
FitchburgWorcesterMontachusett Regional Vocational Technical School - Adult
www.montytech.net
1050 Westminster Street
FitchburgWorcesterMontachusett Regional Vocational Technical School - Day
www.montytech.net
1050 Westminster Street
LexingtonMiddlesexMontachusett Regional Vocational Technical School - Evening
www.montytech.net
758 Marrett Road
GardnerWorcesterMount Wachusett Community College Nursing Department
https:mwcc.edu
444 Green Street
WestfordMiddlesexNashoba Valley Technical High School - Evening
www.nashobatech.net
100 Littleton Road
WestfordMiddlesexNashoba Valley Technical High School
www.nashobatech.net
100 Littleton Road
New BedfordBristolNew Bedford High School
nbhs.newbedfordschools.org
230 Hathaway Boulevard
AttleboroBristolNew England Medical Training Institute
https:newenglandmedicaltraining.com
734 Newport Avenue, #2
WorcesterWorcesterNorth High School
north.worcesterschools.org
140 Harrington Way
QuincyNorfolkNorth Quincy High School Careers & Technology
quincypublicschools.com
316 Hancock Street
DanversEssexNorth Shore Community College at Hunt Nursing and Rehab 1 Ferncroft Road
DanversEssexNorth Shore Community College - Beverly Hospital1 Ferncroft Road
DanversEssexNorth Shore Community College
www.northshore.edu
1 Ferncroft Road
DanversEssexNorth Shore Community College
www.northshore.edu
100 Cummings Center Suite 121E
WakefieldMiddlesexNortheast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School
www.northeastmetrotech.com
100 Hemlock Road
LawrenceEssexNotre Dame Education Center
www.ndeclawrence.net
354 Merrimack Street, Suite 210
RochesterPlymouthOld Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School
www.oldcolony.us
476 North Avenue
PalmerHampdenPathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School
www.pathfindertech.org
240 Sykes Street
BostonSuffolkPeak Medical Academy
www.oldcolony.us
44 Front Street Suite 780
BrewsterBarnstablePleasant Bay Nursing & Rehabilitation
www.pleasantbaycenters.com
383 South Orleans Road, Route 39
PlymouthPlymouthPlymouth North High School
www.plymouth.k12.ma.us
41 Obery Street
AgawamHampdenProfessional Care Academy
www.professionalcareacademy.com
270 Main Street
PlymouthPlymouthQuincy College
quincycollege.edu
36 Cordage Park Circle
QuincyNorfolkQuincy Public Schools Center for Tech Education100 Coddington Street
WorcesterWorcesterQuinsigamond Community College Training
www.qcc.edu
670 West Boylston Street
SouthbridgeWorcesterQuinsigamond Community College
www.qcc.edu
5 Optical Drive
CambridgeMiddlesexRindge School of Technical Arts
rsta.cpsd.us
459 Broadway
RocklandPlymouthRockland Regional Adult Learning Center
www.scalcrockland.org
52 Mackinlay Way
SpringfieldHampdenRoger L Putnam Vocational-Technical High School
www.springfieldpublicschools.com
140 High Street
BostonSuffolkRoxbury Community College
www.rcc.mass.edu
1234 Columbus Avenue
Buzzards BayBarnstableRoyal Cape Cod Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
www.royalhealthgroup.com
8 Lewis Point Road
FalmouthBarnstableRoyal Falmouth Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
www.royalhealthgroup.com
545 Main Street
North FalmouthBarnstableRoyal Megansett Nursing & Retirement Home
www.royalhealthgroup.com
209 County Road
MashpeeBarnstableRoyal of Cotuit Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
www.royalhealthgroup.com
161 Falmouth Road
BostonSuffolkSarah V. Boston School
sarahvbschool.com
500 North Main Street 2nd Floor
BillericaMiddlesexShawsheen Valley Technical High School - Day
www.shawsheentech.org
100 Cook Street
BillericaMiddlesexShawsheen Valley Technical High School - Evening
www.shawsheentech.org
100 Cook Street
DevensWorcesterShriver Job Corps Center
shriver.jobcorps.gov
270 Jackson Road
NorthamptonHampshireSmith Vocational and Agricultural High School
www.smithtec.org
80 Locust Street
SomervilleMiddlesexSomerville High School
www.somerville.k12.ma.us
81 Highland Avenue
BostonSuffolkSouth Cove Manor Nursing Home
southcovemanor.com
120 Shawmut Avenue
HanoverPlymouthSouth Shore Vocational Technical High School
www.ssvotech.org
467 Webster Street
South EastonBristolSoutheastern Regional Vocational-Technical School
https:www.sersd.org
250 Foundry Street
LowellMiddlesexSpectrum Healthcare Training Center, Inc.
www.spectrumhtc.com
147 East Merrimack Street
LynnEssexSpectrum Healthcare Training Center, Inc.
www.spectrumhtc.com
441 Union Street
SpringfieldHampdenSpringfield Technical Community College
www.stcc.edu
One Armory Square
FraminghamMiddlesexSt. Patrick's Manor
www.stpatricksmanor.org
863 Central Street
PittsfieldBerkshireTaconic Vocational Technical High School
taconic.pittsfield.net
96 Valentine Road
FiskdaleWorcesterTantasqua Regional High School
www.tantasqua.org
319 Brookfield Road
TewksburyMiddlesexTewksbury Memorial High School320 Pleasant Street
FitchburgWorcesterThe Fieldstone School
www.thefieldstoneschool.com
76 Summer Street
WorcesterWorcesterThe Fieldstone School
www.thefieldstoneschool.com
237 Chandler Street
Great BarringtonBerkshireTimberlyn East Nursing and Rehabilitation
timberlyneast.com
148 Maple Avenue
Great BarringtonBerkshireTimberlyn Heights Rehabilitation and Care Center
timberlynheights.com
320 Maple Avenue
FranklinNorfolkTri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School - Evening
www.tri-county.tc
147 Pond Street
FranklinNorfolkTri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School
www.tri-county.tc
147 Pond Street
MaldenMiddlesexUniversal Health Care Center27 Hunting Street
BourneBarnstableUpper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School - Adult Day/Evening
www.uppercapetech.com
220 Sandwich Road
BourneBarnstableUpper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School - Day
www.uppercapetech.com
220 Sandwich Road
WestfieldHampdenWestfield Vocational Technical High School
apply.wvths.com
33 Smith Avenue
ChicopeeHampdenWestover Job Corps Center
westover.jobcorps.gov
103 Johnson Road
WeymouthNorfolkWeymouth High School - Allied Health
www.weymouthschools.org
One Wildcat Way
HaverhillEssexWhittier Regional Vocational Technical High School - Day
https:whittiertech.org
115 Amesbury Line Road
HaverhillEssexWhittier Regional Vocational Technical High School - Evening
https:whittiertech.org
115 Amesbury Line Road
WoburnMiddlesexWinchester Hospital - Community Health Institute
www.winchesterhospital.org
12 Alfred Street
Oak BluffsDukesWindemere Nursing & Rehabilitation Center at Martha's Vineyard
www.windemeremv.org
P.O. Box 1747
BrewsterBarnstableWingate at Brewster
wingatehealthcare.com
873 Harwich Road
WorcesterWorcesterWorcester Technical High School
techhigh.us
1 Skyline Drive
Hyde ParkSuffolkYouth & Family Enrichment Services
yofes.org
1234 Hyde Park Avenue Suite 10

Program Length and Costs

One of the attractive features of becoming a CNA is that it takes a relatively short time to qualify as one. For example, the American Red Cross offers a combination Nurse Assistant Training and Home Health Aide certificate program in Lawrence, MA. It takes four weeks attending full-time. The fee is $1,250. The Bristol Community College offers a 6 credit CNA class that takes a semester to complete. The cost of tuition and fees is $1,233. While the costs of attendance are similar, one program is shorter than the other and does not earn college level credits. Students usually incur other expenses beyond tuition and fees for items like scrubs, textbooks and exam fees. When estimating costs, be sure to include all the expenses.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for credit classes in most cases. For noncredit training programs, there are several options. One is to work and train in a Medicare or Medicaid funded facility. Federal law requires the employer to pay for the cost of training and testing, meaning someone can become a CNA for free. If completing a program through the ARC or an educational facility in Massachusetts, it is possible the student may qualify for state workforce training funds which would also lead to free training. In any situation, it is always wise to discuss available financial aid with program staff or the financial aid office.

Step 2: Review and Satisfy Prerequisites

There are a number of prerequisites that must be met before a student starts a CNA training program. The prerequisites include any or all of the following:

  • Score high enough on a reading and math assessment test
  • Provide a copy of a high school diploma or GED certificate
  • Pass a background check/li>
  • Show proof of a negative drug screen
  • Show proof of immunization
  • Have a health exam
  • Attend a school orientation session
  • Get accepted into the school and the CNA program
  • Show proof of health insurance (may purchase through program in many cases)

There may be other prerequisites, but these are the most common ones a student is likely to find.

Step 3: Complete Training

A CNA training program is composed of classroom, laboratory and clinical training. Many of the CNA classes in Massachusetts frequently instruct people who want to become a Certified Nurse Aide while also offering training as a Home Health Aide. The CNA training program in Massachusetts must be at least 75 hours of classroom and clinical training. A Home Health Aide can work for non-medical agencies to provide assistance to people in their homes. A Certified Nurse Aide can work as a Home Health Aide, but a Home Health Aide cannot work as a CNA.

What to Learn

Following are some examples of the types of topics and skills covered in state-approved CNA classes.

  • Injury prevention and safety
  • Preventing and controlling infection
  • Resident rights
  • Using assistance devices and range of motion exercises
  • Basic nursing skills, i.e. taking vital signs, collecting specimens, caring for the resident’s environment, etc.
  • Assisting with personal care, i.e. bathing, dressing, oral hygiene, etc.
  • Nutrition, feeding and fluids
  • Communication principles and strategies
  • Responding to various types of behaviors, i.e. confusion, depression, delusions, anger, etc.

This is not a complete list but gives a good idea of the subject matter and skills taught during CNA training in Massachusetts. The ARC has a sample Knowledge Test in their online information guide. The Clinical Skills Test is certain to include grading on handwashing plus several other skills like use of a bedpan, catheter care, grooming and patient positioning. The ARC guide provides a list of the clinical skills the exam taker should know. The scenario the applicant is tested on will include multiple activities that are scored.

Step 4: Pass the Competency Evaluation

There are two parts to the NACE (acronym for Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation), CNA certification in Massachusetts requires passing both parts of the exam.

Knowledge Test

The first part of the CNA state exam in Massachusetts is a knowledge test that has 60 questions in the multiple-choice format. The knowledge test asks questions that are derived from information and skills taught during the CNA training program. The applicant is allowed to take the knowledge test four times. If unable to pass the test within four attempts, it is necessary to go through the CNA training program again and to retake the test.

Clinical Skills Test

The second part is the clinical skills test. The clinical skills test presents a scenario that simulates one that would typically occur in a real world setting while providing patient or resident care. The applicant is allowed to take the clinical skills test three times. If unable to pass the skills test within three times, it is necessary to attend the CNA training program again and to retake the test in Massachusetts.

If an applicant fails one test but passes the other one, it is only necessary to retake the test that was failed.

Step 5: Get Listed in the State Nurse Aide Registry

Once an applicant passes both parts of the NACE, she or he is listed in the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry. The American Red Cross sends the person’s name to the Registry. Anyone who completes a state-approved training program is eligible to take the examination.

However, there are a few situations where the person’s name can be directly placed into the Registry, or the applicant does not have to complete CNA training and can immediately sit for the CNA exam. These certification requirements are specific to the status of the applicant.

Reciprocity

If someone is from out of state and applying for reciprocity, it is necessary to complete and submit a Reciprocity Application to the other state’s Nurse Aide Registry. The out of state Registry verifies out of state CNAs are in good standing. Once the application is returned to the applicant, it is forwarded to the American Red Cross Massachusetts Nurse Aide Program. Once approved, the ARC will have the person’s name added to the Massachusetts Registry. If the applicant has allowed the CNA certification to expire in the other state, she or he cannot apply for reciprocity. It is necessary to take the NACE.

Out of State

If someone completed an out of state CNA training program within the last two years, it is possible to request a training waiver by submitting the Nurse Aide Training Waiver Application to the MDPH.

Nursing Students

Nursing students who have completed at least 75 hours of clinical training at an accredited nursing school within the last two years can request to have the training requirement waived and immediately test. A school transcript provides the required documentation. Submit the Nurse Aide Training Waiver Application to the MDPH.

Employed Prior to December 19, 1989

A nurse aide employed by a Massachusetts’ nursing home on December 19, 1989 who had worked at the facility for at least two years can immediately sit for the exam. The nursing facility provides the verification of employment which substitutes for training. Apply to take the NACE.

Currently Working

A person who is currently working in a long-term care facility may qualify for a training waiver. There must be no interruption of employment of more than 10 weeks and must have been employed as a full-time CNA for at least one year out of the previous three years, OR 100 days out of the last year. Submit the Nurse Aide Training Waiver Application to the MDPH.

Pass Nurse Aide Training Course Before July 1, 1989

If a person passed a 100-hour nurse aide training course before July 1, 1989, additional training is not required. The applicant must take the NACE. Submit a Testing Eligibility Application to the MDPH, and once approved, apply to ARC to take the test. Submit the Nurse Aide Training Waiver Application to the MDPH.

Completed HCA Training and Employed

A person who has successfully completed an HCA (Health Care Aide) training program within the previous five years, and has been employed for more than two years since training completion, can request to immediately sit for the exam without completing a CNA training program. Submit a Testing Eligibility Application to the MDPH or ARC, and once approved, apply to ARC to take the test.

Back to Top

How to Keep CNA Certification Active

Registry certification is good for two years with the expiration period determined by adding two years to the last employment date. To renew CNA certification in Massachusetts, it is necessary to work at least 8 hours as a paid Certified Nurse Aide during the two year period. If the CNA did not work during the 24 months, it is necessary to retake both parts of the NACE.

Verify Certified Nurse Aide certification status here.

Back to Top

Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in Massachusetts

The nurse aide, per federal laws, cannot work for no more than four months in a federally funded facility without CNA certification. A Certified Nurse Aide can work in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and all healthcare facilities. A Massachusetts’ CNA can also be privately employed with the supervision of the patient’s Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). | See Job Openings

The Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2016 survey says the average annual CNA salary is $30,960 or $14.88 per hour. This is higher than the national average which is $27,650 or $13.29 per hour. There is a projected growth in the number of CNA jobs of 9.86 percent for the period 2014-2024. The greatest number of positions will become available in nursing and residential care facilities. | See Job Openings

CNA Salaries in Massachusetts

MA CNA SalariesEmpl.Hourly mean wageAnnual mean wageWage percent relative std. errorHourly 10th % wageHourly median wageHourly 90th % wageAnnual 10th % wageAnnual median wageAnnual 90th % wage
National144315013.29276500.29.6412.7818.22200402659037900
Massachusetts3859014.88309600.611.4314.3118.98237702977039470
Barnstable Town, MA166015.42320804.811.6714.2521.93242702963045610
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH2600015.10314100.711.6514.4819.28242303012040090
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA NECTA Division1565015.30318201.011.8414.6019.58246203037040730
Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, MA NECTA Division90015.91331003.812.3215.2620.97256303175043620
Framingham, MA NECTA Division137014.85308901.611.5314.2319.12239702961039760
Haverhill-Newburyport-Amesbury Town, MA-NH NECTA Division88015.19315803.312.0314.4719.18250203009039900
Lawrence-Methuen Town-Salem, MA-NH NECTA Division76014.71305901.612.4014.3218.25258002978037960
Leominster-Gardner, MA57014.64304501.911.1914.1818.59232702950038670
Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA-NH NECTA Division215014.13293802.110.6113.8318.34220802877038160
Lynn-Saugus-Marblehead, MA NECTA Division43013.40278808.010.3611.8018.44215602454038350
Nantucket Island and Martha's Vineyard nonmetropolitan area5017.96373505.613.2217.6323.84275003668049600
New Bedford, MA138013.28276302.810.1313.0217.40210702709036200
Northwest Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area-14.40299504.912.7214.1716.62264502948034560
Peabody-Salem-Beverly, MA NECTA Division173015.12314501.312.4014.7118.79258003059039080
Pittsfield, MA57015.09313803.711.6214.4719.77241703009041110
Springfield, MA-CT408014.69305502.011.0614.1318.68230002939038850
Taunton-Middleborough-Norton, MA NECTA Division63015.54323303.312.5815.7318.69261603272038870
Worcester, MA-CT433014.48301201.211.7614.2118.21244602956037880

Back to Top

Get CNA Certification in Bordering States

  • Connecticut
  • New Hampshire
  • New York
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont

Add a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CNA Programs in 2018

Recent CNA articles

  • How Do I Find CNA Programs Near Me?
  • Truths of CNA Salary
  • Take Certified Nursing Assistant Training Online
  • Free CNA Classes Information
  • How to Get CNA Certification?

How to Become a CNA by State

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • D.C.
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Sitemap

© Copyright 2013-2019 Certified Nursing Assistant · All Rights Reserved