CNA Classes & Programs in Massachusetts
- CNA Programs in Massachusetts: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA in Massachusetts?
- What the Massachusetts CNA Certification Process Looks Like
- CNA Coursework & Hands-On Clinical Training
- How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Massachusetts?
- Are Online CNA Programs Available in Massachusetts?
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Massachusetts
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts CNA Employment and Wages
- Choosing the Best CNA Training in Massachusetts
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Careers in Massachusetts
- 2026 Updated List of Massachusetts Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
In Massachusetts, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) (also commonly called nurse aides) play a vital role in keeping patients safe, comfortable, and supported within hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health environments across the state. From the urban centers of Boston and Worcester to smaller towns like Northampton and Quincy, CNAs serve on the frontline of patient care, assisting with daily activities and bridging the gap between patients and licensed nurses.
Massachusetts CNA training has distinct state standards that balance theory with meaningful clinical practice, preparing students for reliable employment opportunities and serving as a solid entry point into broader healthcare careers.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this guide:
- Key Massachusetts training and clinical requirements
- What CNA classes cover and how skills are taught
- How long it takes and typical cost expectations
- Steps to certification and registry placement
- Practical guidance on selecting the right CNA program
CNA Programs in Massachusetts: At-a-Glance
| Category | Massachusetts CNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | At least 75 hours total (classroom + clinical) |
| Clinical requirement | Hands-on clinical experience required in a medical setting |
| Certification exam | Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation (written + skills) |
| State registry | Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry (DPH) |
| Typical program length | ~6–15 weeks depending on schedule |
| Typical total cost | $900–$2,000+ (varies by provider and location) |
| Average CNA Salary in Massachusetts | See salary section below |
Why Become a CNA in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has a robust healthcare system with particularly high demand for direct care workers, driven by a growing senior population and by multi-specialty care centers that require skilled support staff. CNAs are often the backbone of patient-centered care, assisting with mobility, meal support, personal hygiene, and monitoring vital changes under nurse supervision.
With hundreds of nursing homes, rehab centers, hospitals, and home health agencies statewide, CNAs in Massachusetts enjoy strong employment prospects. The state's emphasis on quality training and competency ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce with confidence.
What the Massachusetts CNA Certification Process Looks Like
Becoming a CNA in Massachusetts involves several essential phases:
- Approved CNA Training: Enroll in and complete a state-approved nurse aide training program, including both classroom instruction and supervised clinical hours. Programs must meet the Department of Public Health's requirements.
- Pass Competency Testing: After training, candidates sit for the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, which tests both knowledge (written/oral) and clinical skills.
- Registry Placement: Upon passing both parts of the exam, a candidate's name is added to the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry maintained by the state. Being on the registry is required to work legally as a CNA in Massachusetts.
- Maintain Active Status: CNAs must renew their registry listing every 24 months by demonstrating at least 8 hours of paid work in the previous period.
Passing the competency evaluation shows employers and the state that a CNA can provide safe, competent basic care and meet regulatory expectations. Learn more about CNA certification.
CNA Coursework & Hands-On Clinical Training
Massachusetts CNA programs mix classroom learning with in-person clinical experience. While individual course titles may vary by school, training commonly encompasses the following:
| Training Component | Focus of Instruction |
| Care Fundamentals | Patient rights, safety, infection control |
| Personal Care Skills | Assisting with bathing, dressing, feeding, hygiene |
| Vital Signs & Observation | Measuring and documenting key health indicators |
| Communication & Professionalism | Working with patients and healthcare teams |
| Clinical Practice | Real patient care under supervision |
Clinical Experience in MA:
• Clinical practice is part of the state minimum hours and helps students apply learned skills in facilities such as nursing homes or hospitals.
• Supervised hands-on training is required before taking the competency exam.
• This experience builds confidence with real client interactions and care responsibilities.
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts CNA classes commonly run from about 6 to 15 weeks, depending on program intensity and schedules. Some accelerated options complete training in as little as about 3–4 weeks, while traditional classroom and clinical combinations may take a few months.
Part-time trajectories and seasonal offerings can influence total duration as well.
Are Online CNA Programs Available in Massachusetts?
Fully online CNA certification is not permitted in Massachusetts.
- Certain programs may offer hybrid formats where lecture content is completed online.
- All clinical skills and supervised practice must be completed in person at approved healthcare facilities before testing.
This ensures that every candidate gains the essential hands-on experience necessary for safe patient care and eligibility for registry placement.
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Massachusetts
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Greenfield Community College |
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| Massachusetts Bay Community College |
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| North Shore Community College |
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2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Massachusetts
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Greenfield Community College |
|
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| Massachusetts Bay Community College |
|
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| Middlesex Community College |
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Massachusetts CNA Employment and Wages
CNAs in Massachusetts tend to earn competitive pay compared with national averages, driven in part by the state's higher cost of living and strong demand for skilled care personnel. Hospitals, rehab centers, and long-term care facilities may offer wage enhancements for nights or weekends. Learn more about CNA salaries.
CNA Salary in Massachusetts
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| Massachusetts | 38,280 | $45,410 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
Choosing the Best CNA Training in Massachusetts
When selecting CNA programs, consider:
- Massachusetts DPH approval: Training must enable you to sit for the state exam.
- Clinical site support: Schools that arrange clinical placements reduce stress and ensure compliance.
- Clear cost breakdown: Know exactly what tuition covers—books, test fees, uniforms, etc.
- Flexible scheduling: Find day, evening, or weekend options if needed.
- Career connections: Programs tied to local health systems may help with job placement.
Quality programs emphasize strong instruction, solid pass rates on exam components, and meaningful engagement with students before clinical rotations.
CNA vs Other Healthcare Careers in Massachusetts
| Role | Typical Training | Daily Focus | Credential |
| CNA | ~6–15 weeks | Personal care & basic nursing tasks | State registry |
| Medical Assistant (MA) | ~9–12 months | Clinical + administrative in ambulatory settings | Certificate |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | ~12–18 months | Medication administration & care plans | State license |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | ~2–4 years | Full nursing care & assessments | State license |
CNA training is among the quickest and most inexpensive pathways into hands-on patient care while remaining a foundation for further nursing advancement. CNAs looking to enter full nursing can consider a CNA to RN program. Check out nursing schools in Massachusetts for more pathways.
2026 Updated List of Massachusetts Schools Offering CNA Classes
Bedford, MA
Middlesex Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide
Campus Based - Website
- 100-hour comprehensive training program.
- Massachusetts DPH-approved curriculum.
- Blends online theory with hands-on labs.
- Includes 24-hour clinical rotations.
- Prepares for state certification exam.
- Requires high school diploma or GED.
- Literacy exam and background checks needed.
- Covers patient care and safety protocols.
Brockton, MA
Massasoit Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Assistant / Home Health Aide Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid training format
- Clinical hours included
- State board exam preparation
- Dementia care training
- High job growth potential
Danvers, MA
North Shore Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide (XCN) Pathway Team
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for Massachusetts CNA exam
- Includes Home Health Aide certification
- Provides CPR certification
- Day or evening program options
- Danvers and Lynn campuses
- 100 hours required curriculum
- Minimum age 16 years
- Clinical hours at nursing facilities
Gardner, MA
Mount Wachusett Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certificate in Nurse Assisting
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 8-week hybrid training program
- Completely free training
- CPR and First Aid certified
- 30-hour clinical practicum
- Massachusetts State Exam preparation
Greenfield, MA
Greenfield Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) & Home Health Aide (HHA)
Campus Based - Website
- 7-week program length.
- 100 total training hours.
- In-person campus instruction.
- $3,000 tuition cost.
- State testing fee included.
- No prerequisites required.
- CORI check required.
- Daily Monday-Friday schedule.
Pittsfield, MA
Berkshire Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Course
Campus Based - Website
- Evening course schedule
- Clinical training included
- CNA testing site
- Scholarship opportunities
- Located in Pittsfield, MA
Quincy, MA
Quincy College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant Program
Campus Based - Website
- Two-year Associate of Science degree
- Clinical training at top facilities
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Massachusetts state board approved
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Patient-centered learning approach
- Multiple campus locations
Roxbury Crossing, MA
Roxbury Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 54 hours classroom instruction
- 21 hours clinical training
- Massachusetts CNA exam preparation
- Covers medical terminology
- Patient rights and dignity focus
Springfield, MA
Springfield Technical Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - WCNA-020 Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Plus (140 hours)
Campus Based - Website
- 139-hour comprehensive program.
- Includes CPR certification.
- Home Health Aide training included.
- Alzheimer's disorders education.
- Campus-based instruction only.
- Program cost: $2,395.
- Minimum age: 16 years.
- 8th-grade reading requirement.
Wellesley Hills, MA
Massachusetts Bay Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 8-week program length.
- 120-hour certificate training.
- Online lectures with clinical labs.
- Prepares for Red Cross NACE test.
- Massachusetts DPH approved program.
- Scholarships available for tuition.
- 18+ age requirement.
- High school diploma or GED needed.
Worcester, MA
Quinsigamond Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Assistant Direct Entry Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- One-semester certificate program
- 7 total credits required
- In-state tuition $227/credit
- High school diploma needed
- Clinical experiences included
- Healthcare workforce entry
- Multiple healthcare settings
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant - Direct Entry Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- One semester program length.
- 7 credits required.
- Campus-based program.
- In-state tuition: $227/credit.
- Out-of-state tuition: $433/credit.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Immunization compliance needed.
- Clinical practice experiences included.
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