(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.
- 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.
City | County | Nurse Aide Training Provider | Address |
---|---|---|---|
Worcester | Worcester | 3 Dimension Health Services www.3dimensionshealth.com | 61 Harvard Street |
Dracut | Middlesex | 3 Dimensions Health Services www.3dimensionshealth.com | 1934 Lakeview Avenue |
Everett | Middlesex | A Better Tomorrow abtservices.org | 153B Main Street |
Attleboro | Bristol | AASTC Partnership LCC | 42 Union Street |
Andover | Essex | Academy for Healthcare Training www.academyhealthcaretraining.com | 6 Campanelli Drive |
Brockton | Plymouth | Academy for Healthcare Training www.academyhealthcaretraining.com | 34 School Street |
Malden | Middlesex | Academy for Healthcare Training www.academyhealthcaretraining.com | 77 Salem Street |
Gloucester | Essex | Action, Inc. actioninc.org | 180 Main Street |
Leominster | Worcester | American Red Cross of Central MA-Leominster www.redcross.org | 29 Main Street, Second Floor |
Worcester | Worcester | American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts www.redcross.org | 2000 Century Drive |
Brockton | Plymouth | American Red Cross of Mass Bay at Brockton www.redcross.org | 281 Pleasant Street |
Peabody | Essex | American Red Cross of Mass Bay at Peabody www.redcross.org | 85 Lowell Street |
Lawrence | Essex | American Red Cross of Mass Bay www.redcross.org | 60 Island Street |
Cambridge | Middlesex | American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay www.redcross.org | 139 Main Street |
Springfield | Hampden | American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter www.redcross.org | 506 Cottage Street |
Westfield | Hampden | Ascentria Care Alliance www.ascentria.org | 24 Elm Street |
Marlborough | Middlesex | Assabet Valley Regional Vocational School www.assabettech.com | 215 Fitchburg Street |
Hyannis | Barnstable | B. Sullivan Nurse Assistant Training School sullivantrainingschool.com | 270 Communications Way, 2B |
Fall River | Bristol | B.M.C. Durfee High School www.durfeehigh.com | 360 Elsbree Street |
Hyannis | Barnstable | Barnstable High School www.barnstable.k12.ma.us | 744 Main Street |
Fall River | Bristol | Bastien Academy www.bastienacademy.com | 192 Anawan Street Mailbox 12B |
Charlton | Worcester | Bay Path Regional Vocational Tech High School - Adult Evening www.baypath.tec.ma.us | 57 Old Muggett Hill Road |
Charlton | Worcester | Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School www.baypath.tec.ma.us | 57 Old Muggett Hill Road |
Duxbury | Plymouth | Bay Path Rehabilitation & Nursing Center https:www.banecare.com | 308 Kings Town Way |
Northbridge | Worcester | Beaumont Rehab. & Skilled Nursing Center www.salmonhealth.com | 85 Beaumont Drive |
Pittsfield | Berkshire | Berkshire Health Systems https:www.berkshirehealthsystems.org | 725 North Street |
Upton | Worcester | Blackstone Valley Regional Tech www.valleytech.k12.ma.us | 65 Pleasant Street |
Canton | Norfolk | Blue Hills Regional Technical High School www.bluehills.org | 800 Randolph Street |
Dorchester | Suffolk | Boston Healthcare Institute, Inc. | 344 Talbot Avenue, Unit 201 |
Fall River | Bristol | Bristol Community College - Day www.bristolcc.edu | 1082 Davol Street |
New Bedford | Bristol | Bristol Community College www.bristolcc.edu | 800 Purchase Street |
Taunton | Bristol | Bristol Community College www.bristolcc.edu | 2 Galleria Mall Drive |
Boston | Suffolk | Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School - Evening www.bptech.org | 940 County Street |
Taunton | Bristol | Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School www.bptech.org | 940 County Street |
North Chatham | Barnstable | Broad Reach Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center at Liberty Commons libertycommons.org | 390 Orleans Road |
Brockton | Plymouth | Brockton Educational Center for Adults brocktoneca.org | 243 Court Street |
Brockton | Plymouth | Brockton High School https:www.brocktonpublicschools.com | 470 Forest Avenue |
Chelsea | Suffolk | Bunker Hill Community College www.bhcc.mass.edu | 175 Hawthorne Street |
Hyde Park | Suffolk | C & S Healthcare Training & Staffing | 891 Hyde Park Avenue |
West Barnstable | Barnstable | Cape Cod Community College www.capecod.edu | Route 132 |
Harwich | Barnstable | Cape Cod Regional Technical High School - Day www.capetech.us | 351 Pleasant Lake Avenue |
Brockton | Plymouth | Catholic Charities | 157 Centre Street |
Holyoke | Hampden | CNS Academy for Healthcare Professionals www.cnsacademyhealthcare.com | 187-A High Street |
New Bedford | Bristol | Coastal Career Academy | 26 South Water Street |
Fall River | Bristol | Coastal Career Academy coastalcareeracademy.com | 288 Plymouth Avenue |
Weymouth | Norfolk | Colonial Rehabilitation & Nursing Center www.welchhrg.com | 125 Broad Street |
Lowell | Middlesex | Commonwealth Nursing Services & Home Care Inc. | 40 Church Street, 4th floor |
Holyoke | Hampden | Dean Tech High School deantechnical.org | 1045 Main Street |
Fall River | Bristol | Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School www.dimanregional.org | 251 Stonehaven Road |
South Dennis | Barnstable | Eagle Pond Rehabilitation & Living Center www.eaglepond.com | 1 Love Lane, P.O. Box 208 |
West Yarmouth | Barnstable | Emerson's Nursing Assistant Training School www.emersonsschool.com | 657 Ruite 28 |
Middleton | Essex | Essex Technical High School | 30 Log Bridge Road |
Turners Falls | Franklin | Farren Care Center www.mercycares.com | 340 Montague City Road |
Holyoke | Hampden | First Choice Academy, Inc. | 187-A High Street |
Turners Falls | Franklin | Franklin County Technical School www.fcts.us | 82 Industrial Boulevard |
Ayer | Middlesex | Genesis Healthcare at Apple Valley Center www.genesishcc.com | 400 Groton Road |
Danvers | Essex | Genesis Healthcare at Hathorne Hill Center www.genesishcc.com | 15 Kirkbride Drive |
Middleboro | Plymouth | Golden Living Training Center - Day | 76 North Street |
Middleboro | Plymouth | Golden Living Training Center - Evening | 76 North Street |
North Grafton | Worcester | Grafton Job Corps Career Academy grafton.jobcorps.gov | 100 Pine Street |
Andover | Essex | Greater Lawrence Technical School www.glts.net | 57 River Road |
Tyngsboro | Middlesex | Greater Lowell Technical High School - Adult www.gltech.org | 250 Pawtucket Boulevard |
Tyngsboro | Middlesex | Greater Lowell Technical High School - Day www.gltech.org | 250 Pawtucket Boulevard |
New Bedford | Bristol | Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School www.gnbvt.edu | 1121 Ashley Boulevard |
Northampton | Hampshire | Greenfield Community College at Franklin Hampshire Career Center www.gcc.mass.edu | 178 Industrial Drive |
Greenfield | Franklin | Greenfield Community College www.gcc.mass.edu | 270 Main Street |
Boston | Suffolk | Health and Home Care Training Center of Massachusetts homecaretrainingcenter.com | 99 South Bedford Street, Suite 6 |
Brockton | Plymouth | Health and Home Care Training of New England www.healthandhomecarene.com | 162 Main Street |
Fall River | Bristol | Health Care Training Services, Inc. www.hctschool.com | 657 Quarry Street |
Tewksbury | Middlesex | Healthcare Training Centers of America, Inc. www.healthcaretrainingcenters.com | 170 Main Street, Suite G11 |
Agawam | Hampden | Heritage Hall East www.genesishcc.com | 464 Main Street |
Holyoke | Hampden | Holyoke Community College - Health & Natural Science www.hcc.edu | 303 Homestead Avenue |
Holyoke | Hampden | Holyoke Community College www.hcc.edu | 303 Homestead Avenue |
Agawam | Hampden | Holyoke Works | 462 Main Street |
Holyoke | Hampden | Holyoke Works for Wingate South Hadley www.holyokeworks.org | 100 Front Street |
Holyoke | Hampden | Holyoke Works www.holyokeworks.org | Soldiers' Home |
Plymouth | Plymouth | Home Care Plus | 385 Court Street, Suite #201 |
Amesbury | Essex | Home Health Care Connection | 120 Friend Street |
Mattapan | Suffolk | Horizon Learning Connection | 1601 Blue Hill Avenue, #205 |
Attleboro | Bristol | International Health Care Training & Services www.interhealthtrainingservices.com | 21 Park Street Suite 316 |
Framingham | Middlesex | Joseph P Keefe Technical High School - Day www.keefetech.org | 750 Winter Street |
Framingham | Middlesex | Joseph P Keefe Technical High School - Evening www.keefetech.org | 750 Winter Street |
Brockton | Plymouth | K&K Healthcare Training Center www.knkhealthcaretrainingcenter.com | 471 Prospect Street |
Holyoke | Hampden | Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development www.hcc.edu | 303 Homestead Avenue |
Boston | Suffolk | Laboure Center Catholic Charities | 275 West Broadway |
Leominster | Worcester | Leominster High School www.leominster.mec.edu | 122 Granite Street |
Plymouth | Plymouth | Life Care Center of Plymouth lifecarecenterofplymouth.com | 94 Obery Street |
New Bedford | Bristol | Lifestream Employment & Training Services www.lifestreaminc.com | 800 Purchase Street |
Leeds | Hampshire | Linda Manor Extended Care Facility www.lindamanor.org | 349 Haydenville Road |
West Springfield | Hampden | Lower Pioneer Valley Career and Technical Education Center lpvctec.org | 174 Brush Hill Avenue |
Lynn | Essex | Lynn Vocational and Technical Institute | 80 Neptune Boulevard |
Boston | Suffolk | Madison Park High School www.madisonparkhs.org | 75 Malcolm X Boulevard |
Boston | Suffolk | Madison Park Technical Vocational High School - Evening | 75 Malcolm X Boulevard |
Topsfield | Essex | Masconomet Healthcare Center www.whittierhealth.com | 123 High Street |
Framingham | Middlesex | Mass Bay Community College www.massbay.edu | 19 Flagg Drive |
Medford | Middlesex | Medford Vocational Technical High School www.medfordpublicschools.org | 489 Winthrop Street |
Waltham | Middlesex | Medical Career Center, Inc. www.medicalcareercenter.net | 267 Moody Street |
Worcester | Worcester | Medical Career Center, Inc. www.medicalcareercenter.net | 70 James Street |
Framingham | Middlesex | Metrowest Healthcare Academy | 12 Irving Street, 2nd floor |
Lowell | Middlesex | Middlesex Community College - Evening https:www.middlesex.mass.edu | 33 Kearney Square |
Lowell | Middlesex | Middlesex Community College - Evening https:www.middlesex.mass.edu | 33 Kearney Square |
Lexington | Middlesex | Minuteman Regional High School www.minuteman.org | 758 Marrett Road |
Fitchburg | Worcester | Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School - Adult www.montytech.net | 1050 Westminster Street |
Fitchburg | Worcester | Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School - Day www.montytech.net | 1050 Westminster Street |
Lexington | Middlesex | Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School - Evening www.montytech.net | 758 Marrett Road |
Gardner | Worcester | Mount Wachusett Community College Nursing Department https:mwcc.edu | 444 Green Street |
Westford | Middlesex | Nashoba Valley Technical High School - Evening www.nashobatech.net | 100 Littleton Road |
Westford | Middlesex | Nashoba Valley Technical High School www.nashobatech.net | 100 Littleton Road |
New Bedford | Bristol | New Bedford High School nbhs.newbedfordschools.org | 230 Hathaway Boulevard |
Attleboro | Bristol | New England Medical Training Institute https:newenglandmedicaltraining.com | 734 Newport Avenue, #2 |
Worcester | Worcester | North High School north.worcesterschools.org | 140 Harrington Way |
Quincy | Norfolk | North Quincy High School Careers & Technology quincypublicschools.com | 316 Hancock Street |
Danvers | Essex | North Shore Community College at Hunt Nursing and Rehab | 1 Ferncroft Road |
Danvers | Essex | North Shore Community College - Beverly Hospital | 1 Ferncroft Road |
Danvers | Essex | North Shore Community College www.northshore.edu | 1 Ferncroft Road |
Danvers | Essex | North Shore Community College www.northshore.edu | 100 Cummings Center Suite 121E |
Wakefield | Middlesex | Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School www.northeastmetrotech.com | 100 Hemlock Road |
Lawrence | Essex | Notre Dame Education Center www.ndeclawrence.net | 354 Merrimack Street, Suite 210 |
Rochester | Plymouth | Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School www.oldcolony.us | 476 North Avenue |
Palmer | Hampden | Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School www.pathfindertech.org | 240 Sykes Street |
Boston | Suffolk | Peak Medical Academy www.oldcolony.us | 44 Front Street Suite 780 |
Brewster | Barnstable | Pleasant Bay Nursing & Rehabilitation www.pleasantbaycenters.com | 383 South Orleans Road, Route 39 |
Plymouth | Plymouth | Plymouth North High School www.plymouth.k12.ma.us | 41 Obery Street |
Agawam | Hampden | Professional Care Academy www.professionalcareacademy.com | 270 Main Street |
Plymouth | Plymouth | Quincy College quincycollege.edu | 36 Cordage Park Circle |
Quincy | Norfolk | Quincy Public Schools Center for Tech Education | 100 Coddington Street |
Worcester | Worcester | Quinsigamond Community College Training www.qcc.edu | 670 West Boylston Street |
Southbridge | Worcester | Quinsigamond Community College www.qcc.edu | 5 Optical Drive |
Cambridge | Middlesex | Rindge School of Technical Arts rsta.cpsd.us | 459 Broadway |
Rockland | Plymouth | Rockland Regional Adult Learning Center www.scalcrockland.org | 52 Mackinlay Way |
Springfield | Hampden | Roger L Putnam Vocational-Technical High School www.springfieldpublicschools.com | 140 High Street |
Boston | Suffolk | Roxbury Community College www.rcc.mass.edu | 1234 Columbus Avenue |
Buzzards Bay | Barnstable | Royal Cape Cod Nursing & Rehabilitation Center www.royalhealthgroup.com | 8 Lewis Point Road |
Falmouth | Barnstable | Royal Falmouth Nursing & Rehabilitation Center www.royalhealthgroup.com | 545 Main Street |
North Falmouth | Barnstable | Royal Megansett Nursing & Retirement Home www.royalhealthgroup.com | 209 County Road |
Mashpee | Barnstable | Royal of Cotuit Nursing & Rehabilitation Center www.royalhealthgroup.com | 161 Falmouth Road |
Boston | Suffolk | Sarah V. Boston School sarahvbschool.com | 500 North Main Street 2nd Floor |
Billerica | Middlesex | Shawsheen Valley Technical High School - Day www.shawsheentech.org | 100 Cook Street |
Billerica | Middlesex | Shawsheen Valley Technical High School - Evening www.shawsheentech.org | 100 Cook Street |
Devens | Worcester | Shriver Job Corps Center shriver.jobcorps.gov | 270 Jackson Road |
Northampton | Hampshire | Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School www.smithtec.org | 80 Locust Street |
Somerville | Middlesex | Somerville High School www.somerville.k12.ma.us | 81 Highland Avenue |
Boston | Suffolk | South Cove Manor Nursing Home southcovemanor.com | 120 Shawmut Avenue |
Hanover | Plymouth | South Shore Vocational Technical High School www.ssvotech.org | 467 Webster Street |
South Easton | Bristol | Southeastern Regional Vocational-Technical School https:www.sersd.org | 250 Foundry Street |
Lowell | Middlesex | Spectrum Healthcare Training Center, Inc. www.spectrumhtc.com | 147 East Merrimack Street |
Lynn | Essex | Spectrum Healthcare Training Center, Inc. www.spectrumhtc.com | 441 Union Street |
Springfield | Hampden | Springfield Technical Community College www.stcc.edu | One Armory Square |
Framingham | Middlesex | St. Patrick's Manor www.stpatricksmanor.org | 863 Central Street |
Pittsfield | Berkshire | Taconic Vocational Technical High School taconic.pittsfield.net | 96 Valentine Road |
Fiskdale | Worcester | Tantasqua Regional High School www.tantasqua.org | 319 Brookfield Road |
Tewksbury | Middlesex | Tewksbury Memorial High School | 320 Pleasant Street |
Fitchburg | Worcester | The Fieldstone School www.thefieldstoneschool.com | 76 Summer Street |
Worcester | Worcester | The Fieldstone School www.thefieldstoneschool.com | 237 Chandler Street |
Great Barrington | Berkshire | Timberlyn East Nursing and Rehabilitation timberlyneast.com | 148 Maple Avenue |
Great Barrington | Berkshire | Timberlyn Heights Rehabilitation and Care Center timberlynheights.com | 320 Maple Avenue |
Franklin | Norfolk | Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School - Evening www.tri-county.tc | 147 Pond Street |
Franklin | Norfolk | Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School www.tri-county.tc | 147 Pond Street |
Malden | Middlesex | Universal Health Care Center | 27 Hunting Street |
Bourne | Barnstable | Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School - Adult Day/Evening www.uppercapetech.com | 220 Sandwich Road |
Bourne | Barnstable | Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School - Day www.uppercapetech.com | 220 Sandwich Road |
Westfield | Hampden | Westfield Vocational Technical High School apply.wvths.com | 33 Smith Avenue |
Chicopee | Hampden | Westover Job Corps Center westover.jobcorps.gov | 103 Johnson Road |
Weymouth | Norfolk | Weymouth High School - Allied Health www.weymouthschools.org | One Wildcat Way |
Haverhill | Essex | Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School - Day https:whittiertech.org | 115 Amesbury Line Road |
Haverhill | Essex | Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School - Evening https:whittiertech.org | 115 Amesbury Line Road |
Woburn | Middlesex | Winchester Hospital - Community Health Institute www.winchesterhospital.org | 12 Alfred Street |
Oak Bluffs | Dukes | Windemere Nursing & Rehabilitation Center at Martha's Vineyard www.windemeremv.org | P.O. Box 1747 |
Brewster | Barnstable | Wingate at Brewster wingatehealthcare.com | 873 Harwich Road |
Worcester | Worcester | Worcester Technical High School techhigh.us | 1 Skyline Drive |
Hyde Park | Suffolk | Youth & 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.
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.
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.
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 Salaries | Empl. | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage | Wage percent relative std. error | Hourly 10th % wage | Hourly median wage | Hourly 90th % wage | Annual 10th % wage | Annual median wage | Annual 90th % wage |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
National | 1443150 | 13.29 | 27650 | 0.2 | 9.64 | 12.78 | 18.22 | 20040 | 26590 | 37900 |
Massachusetts | 38590 | 14.88 | 30960 | 0.6 | 11.43 | 14.31 | 18.98 | 23770 | 29770 | 39470 |
Barnstable Town, MA | 1660 | 15.42 | 32080 | 4.8 | 11.67 | 14.25 | 21.93 | 24270 | 29630 | 45610 |
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 26000 | 15.10 | 31410 | 0.7 | 11.65 | 14.48 | 19.28 | 24230 | 30120 | 40090 |
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA NECTA Division | 15650 | 15.30 | 31820 | 1.0 | 11.84 | 14.60 | 19.58 | 24620 | 30370 | 40730 |
Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, MA NECTA Division | 900 | 15.91 | 33100 | 3.8 | 12.32 | 15.26 | 20.97 | 25630 | 31750 | 43620 |
Framingham, MA NECTA Division | 1370 | 14.85 | 30890 | 1.6 | 11.53 | 14.23 | 19.12 | 23970 | 29610 | 39760 |
Haverhill-Newburyport-Amesbury Town, MA-NH NECTA Division | 880 | 15.19 | 31580 | 3.3 | 12.03 | 14.47 | 19.18 | 25020 | 30090 | 39900 |
Lawrence-Methuen Town-Salem, MA-NH NECTA Division | 760 | 14.71 | 30590 | 1.6 | 12.40 | 14.32 | 18.25 | 25800 | 29780 | 37960 |
Leominster-Gardner, MA | 570 | 14.64 | 30450 | 1.9 | 11.19 | 14.18 | 18.59 | 23270 | 29500 | 38670 |
Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA-NH NECTA Division | 2150 | 14.13 | 29380 | 2.1 | 10.61 | 13.83 | 18.34 | 22080 | 28770 | 38160 |
Lynn-Saugus-Marblehead, MA NECTA Division | 430 | 13.40 | 27880 | 8.0 | 10.36 | 11.80 | 18.44 | 21560 | 24540 | 38350 |
Nantucket Island and Martha's Vineyard nonmetropolitan area | 50 | 17.96 | 37350 | 5.6 | 13.22 | 17.63 | 23.84 | 27500 | 36680 | 49600 |
New Bedford, MA | 1380 | 13.28 | 27630 | 2.8 | 10.13 | 13.02 | 17.40 | 21070 | 27090 | 36200 |
Northwest Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area | - | 14.40 | 29950 | 4.9 | 12.72 | 14.17 | 16.62 | 26450 | 29480 | 34560 |
Peabody-Salem-Beverly, MA NECTA Division | 1730 | 15.12 | 31450 | 1.3 | 12.40 | 14.71 | 18.79 | 25800 | 30590 | 39080 |
Pittsfield, MA | 570 | 15.09 | 31380 | 3.7 | 11.62 | 14.47 | 19.77 | 24170 | 30090 | 41110 |
Springfield, MA-CT | 4080 | 14.69 | 30550 | 2.0 | 11.06 | 14.13 | 18.68 | 23000 | 29390 | 38850 |
Taunton-Middleborough-Norton, MA NECTA Division | 630 | 15.54 | 32330 | 3.3 | 12.58 | 15.73 | 18.69 | 26160 | 32720 | 38870 |
Worcester, MA-CT | 4330 | 14.48 | 30120 | 1.2 | 11.76 | 14.21 | 18.21 | 24460 | 29560 | 37880 |
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