Middlesex Community College CNA Program

The Middlesex Community College Nurse Assistant Aide program in Lowell, Massachusetts offers a comprehensive pathway to becoming a certified nursing assistant. This program is ideal for career changers seeking stability in healthcare and recent high school graduates looking to enter the medical field. With a focus on practical skills and hands-on training, students learn to provide quality patient care in long-term care facilities and hospitals. Upon successful completion of this Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved program, graduates are eligible to sit for the state certification exam, opening doors to rewarding careers in healthcare. Whether you’re exploring CNA classes in Lowell or seeking nurse aide training in Massachusetts, this program provides the foundation needed to start your journey in patient care.

The program combines classroom theory, skills lab practice, and clinical training at local healthcare facilities, giving students real-world experience alongside professional instruction. Middlesex Community College’s supportive learning environment helps students build confidence in essential caregiving skills while preparing for certification success.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 100 hours total (including theory, skills lab, and clinical components)
• Cost of Program: $2,350 total ($1,150 for online theory, $450 for skills lab, $750 for clinical training)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for information about state exam pass rates
• CNA Program Schedule: Flexible scheduling with daytime, evening, and weekend options available throughout the year

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The online theory portion of the Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide program covers essential topics including:

• Personal patient care procedures
• Patient rights and dignity
• Proper lifting and turning techniques
• Safety protocols and infection control
• Taking and recording vital signs
• Mental health care for residents
• Stress management techniques
• Record keeping and documentation

Clinical Experience

Students complete 24 hours of hands-on clinical training at local long-term care facilities. This real-world experience allows students to practice the skills learned in class under supervision, working directly with residents in a healthcare setting. Clinical rotations typically take place on weekends (Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am – 3:00pm).

Exam Preparation

Throughout the program, students are prepared for the Massachusetts nurse assistant certification exam. The state test is conducted by an external testing company. Upon successful completion of the program, the director will provide information on how to register for the examination. The first exam attempt has no fee, with subsequent attempts costing $110 for written tests or $120 for oral exams.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide program, applicants must:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Pass a literacy exam or provide proof of high school level English class with C or better
• Complete a CORI/SORI background check
• Be able to lift and move 50 pounds
• Provide a valid photo ID (state ID or driver’s license)
• Meet with the Program Manager prior to enrollment
• Complete a Health Record Immunization form

Please note that while the Massachusetts Department of Public Health doesn’t currently require the COVID-19 vaccine, many clinical facilities do. Although efforts will be made to place students who haven’t received certain vaccinations, clinical placement cannot be guaranteed without these immunizations.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Middlesex Community College offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate various needs:

Online Theory Classes

• Various weekday evening options (typically 4:00pm – 9:00pm or 6:30pm – 9:30pm)
• Classes meet 2-3 days per week (commonly Tuesday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday)

Skills Lab Sessions

• Weekday evening sessions (typically 4:00pm – 8:00pm)
• Weekend morning/afternoon sessions (typically 8:00am – 1:00pm on Saturdays)
• Held at the Lowell Campus, Derby Building, room 302

Clinical Training

• Weekend format (Saturday & Sunday, 8:00am – 3:00pm)
• Takes place at local healthcare facilities

Multiple session start dates are offered throughout the year, with at least three cohorts running in spring 2025. Students should check with the program for the most current schedule information.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Program Tuition Fees

The total cost for the Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide Certificate program is $2,350, broken down as:

• $1,150 for the Online Theory portion
• $450 for the Skills Lab component
• $750 for the Clinical Training

Additional Expenses

• Required textbooks: “Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care: Long Term & Home Care Text” (4th Edition) and “Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care: Long Term & Home (Workbook)” (4th Edition)
• State certification exam fees: $0 for first attempt, $110 for subsequent written exams, $120 for oral exams
• Fees may vary year to year

Financial Assistance Options

A payment plan is available for students. Several financial aid options may be available through approved state and federal programs:

• ITA (Bristol, Metro South West, Boston, Brockton)
• WIA ARRA Title I Adults
• WIA ARRA Title I Dislocated Workers
• Trade (TAA)
• Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
• Career Works – UMass Donahue Institute
• And other programs

Massachusetts employers may qualify for 50% or 100% reimbursement through the Mass. Workforce Express Fund for employer-paid tuition.

How to Apply

To apply for the Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide program at Middlesex Community College:

1. Contact the program via email at [email protected] to express interest
2. Meet with the Program Manager (available via Zoom)
3. Complete required forms including the student Memo of Understanding
4. Submit proof of high school completion or equivalent
5. Complete CORI/SORI background check forms and provide valid photo ID
6. Submit Health Record Immunization form
7. Register for your preferred session (Online Theory, Skills Lab, and Clinical components)

Early registration is recommended as classes fill quickly. A deposit may be required to secure your place in the program.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Middlesex Community College
• Address: 33 Kearney Square, Lowell, MA 01852 (for Skills Lab: Derby Building, room 302)
• Phone Number: 781-280-3663
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
• Website: https://www.middlesex.edu/community/health.html

Additional Resources

Middlesex Community College offers additional healthcare training programs that may be of interest to CNA students:

• Medical Surgical CNA Expanded Skills Certificate: For CNAs seeking advanced skills for medical-surgical hospital settings ($699)
• Pediatric Expanded Skills Certificate: For CNAs seeking specialized knowledge in caring for pediatric patients ($699)
• Medical Office Administrator Certificate: For those interested in administrative roles in healthcare settings ($2,175)
• Various healthcare certificates: Including Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Technician, and Medical Interpreting

Students who successfully complete the Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide certificate can receive college credit for AHP 115 & AHP 116 through articulation to applicable degree programs.

Summary and Next Steps

The Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide program at Middlesex Community College provides comprehensive training to prepare you for a rewarding career in healthcare. With flexible scheduling options, hands-on clinical experience, and preparation for the state certification exam, this program sets you up for success in the growing healthcare field.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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