CNA Classes in Massachusetts

Before enrolling in a CNA program in Massachusetts, you must meet several prerequisites:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be in good physical health
• Must have up-to-date immunization records
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Some programs may require:
  • High school diploma or GED (though not mandated by state regulations)
  • Basic reading and math skills assessment
  • English language proficiency

The background check is particularly important, as certain criminal convictions may disqualify you from working with vulnerable populations. Each training provider may have slightly different admission requirements, so it’s advisable to check with specific programs before applying.

Massachusetts has specific requirements for CNA training programs to ensure all nursing assistants receive standardized education:

• Total of 100 training hours required, consisting of:
  • 75 hours of classroom instruction
  • 25 hours of supervised clinical training in nursing facilities
• Core curriculum topics include:
  • Basic nursing skills
  • Infection control procedures
  • Patient rights and dignity
  • Communication techniques
  • Personal care skills
  • Safety protocols
  • Vital signs monitoring

Most programs take between 6 and 15 weeks to complete, with some accelerated 4-week options available. While theoretical portions may be available in hybrid formats, all clinical hours must be completed in-person at approved healthcare facilities.

Instructors must be licensed nurses in Massachusetts with at least one year of nursing experience and have completed a course on teaching adults or have verifiable experience teaching adults or supervising nurse aides.

Finding an approved CNA training program is an essential step in your certification journey:

• Training is offered through various approved providers:
  • Community colleges
  • Vocational schools
  • American Red Cross
  • Hospitals and medical centers
  • Long-term care facilities

To verify a program’s approval status, check with the Massachusetts Division of Healthcare Facility Licensure and Certification.

Program costs vary by provider but typically include:

• Tuition (ranging from $800-$1,500)
• Textbooks and study materials
• Background check fees
• Uniform costs
• Medical requirements like TB tests

Financial assistance options include:

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants
• Employer-sponsored training (some facilities offer free training with employment commitment)
• Payment plans offered by many training providers
• Scholarships through individual schools

Boston alone offers significant employment opportunities with over 500 nursing facilities and hospitals, making it an excellent region to start your CNA career.

After completing your training, you must pass the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program:

• The exam consists of two parts taken on the same day:
  • Written test: 60 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour time limit
  • Skills evaluation: Performance of 5 randomly selected skills from a list of 34 skills within 30 minutes
• Exam specifics:
  • Must perform at least 4 of the 5 skills correctly to pass the clinical portion
  • Alternative oral exam available for ESL candidates (60 multiple-choice questions plus 10 reading comprehension questions)
  • Special accommodations for disabilities available with advance approval
• You have three attempts to pass the exam
• After three failures, you must complete retraining before attempting again
• Upon passing, certification is mailed within 4-6 weeks

To schedule your exam, contact the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Testing Office at (781) 979-4010 or (800) 962-4337.

The final step is being listed on the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry:

• The registry is maintained by the Massachusetts Division of Healthcare Facility Licensure and Certification
• Your certification status can be verified through the license verification website
• Personal information can be updated through the Health Profession Licensing System at healthprofessionlicensing.mass.gov

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) manages the state’s Nurse Aide Registry, which is your primary resource for certification matters in Massachusetts.

Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.mass.gov/nurse-aide-registry-program 
• Phone: (617) 753-8144
• Email: [email protected]

The registry provides services such as:

• Verifying certification status
• Processing renewal applications
• Handling license transfers
• Investigating complaints
• Maintaining a searchable database of certified nurse aides

To check your certification status, visit the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Search portal: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/check-nurse-aide-certification 

Maintaining your CNA certification in Massachusetts requires adherence to specific guidelines:

Renewal Requirements:

• Certification validity: 24 months
• Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
• Employment requirement: Must work at least 8 hours as a nurse aide within the 24-month certification period
• Continuing education: No formal continuing education requirements for basic renewal
• Renewal process:
  • Your employer must submit verification of employment through the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry
  • CNAs are responsible for ensuring their employer submits the verification
  • No renewal fee required
• Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you may need to complete a competency evaluation or retake the CNA exam if expired more than 24 months

For renewal information and verification forms, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/renewal-information-for-massachusetts-certified-nurse-aides 

If you’re a CNA certified in another state and wish to work in Massachusetts, follow these steps for reciprocity:

• Verify current certification in your original state
• Complete the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Reciprocity Application
• Submit required documentation:
  • Copy of your current CNA certification
  • Proof of completing a training program that meets federal requirements
  • Verification of employment as a CNA within the last 24 months
  • State-issued ID or driver’s license
  • Social Security card
• Mail your application and documents to the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry

Allow 3-4 weeks for processing. Massachusetts does not require additional skills testing for reciprocity applicants with valid certifications.

For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-how-to-become-a-certified-nurse-aide-in-massachusetts#reciprocity- 

While Massachusetts doesn’t mandate continuing education for CNA renewal, ongoing learning can enhance your skills and career prospects:

Education Providers:

• Massachusetts Community College System
  • Website: https://www.mass.edu/ 
  • Offers healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
• Massachusetts Senior Care Association
  • Website: https://maseniorcare.org/events 
  • Provides workshops and online courses specifically for CNAs
• Massachusetts Nurses Association
  • Website: https://www.massnurses.org/nursing-resources/continuing-education
  • Offers continuing education opportunities for all nursing professionals
• American Red Cross of Massachusetts
  • Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/massachusetts.html
  • Provides healthcare training and certification courses