Thomas Reed, RN
June 23, 2025
Massachusetts healthcare functions depend heavily on Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who support nurses while giving hands-on care to patients. The daily activities of patient care involve CNA duties which include bathing and feeding patients as well as dressing them, checking vital signs, and maintaining patient comfort. The nursing workforce employs CNAs across hospitals and nursing homes as well as rehabilitation centers and home healthcare settings.
Worcester, MA - Public 2-Year - qcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Quinsigamond Community College's Nurse Assistant Direct Entry Certificate is a one-semester program requiring 7 credits, with in-state tuition at $227 per credit. It prepares students for certification through classroom learning, lab practice, and clinical experiences, focusing on essential patient care skills for various healthcare settings. Entry requires a high school diploma or equivalent, making it accessible for career changers and aspiring professionals. No entrance exams are needed, and it provides a direct path into the healthcare workforce.
Brockton, MA - Public 2-Year - massasoit.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Massasoit Community College's hybrid Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide Certificate program combines online and in-person learning to equip students with vital skills like monitoring vital signs, providing personal care, and handling emergencies. It includes clinical hours in long-term care settings and prepares graduates for state board exams, with a focus on dementia care. This program supports the high demand in healthcare, offering a practical entry point for those pursuing careers as CNAs, with no entrance exam required.
Gardner, MA - Public 2-Year - mwcc.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mount Wachusett Community College's 8-week hybrid Certified Nurse Assistant program is tuition-free, blending online learning with hands-on experience. It includes CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications, plus a 30-hour clinical practicum, preparing students for the Massachusetts Nurse Aide State Exam. This accelerated pathway offers quick entry into healthcare roles, ideal for those seeking to support nursing teams in diverse medical environments without financial barriers.
Pittsfield, MA - Public 2-Year - berkshirecc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield, Massachusetts offers an intensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Course with evening classes from Monday to Friday and one Saturday session, ideal for working students. The program includes hands-on clinical training at local healthcare facilities, focusing on essential nursing skills and patient care. As a CNA testing site, it prepares graduates for immediate certification and entry into the healthcare workforce. Scholarships are available for eligible participants, enhancing accessibility without requiring entrance exams, as this is a certificate-level program.
Quincy, MA - Public 4-Year - quincycollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Quincy College's Certified Nursing Assistant Program provides hands-on training for aspiring CNAs, focusing on essential skills like patient care, safety, and communication. As a campus-based program, it emphasizes practical experience through clinical rotations at Massachusetts healthcare sites, preparing students for state certification exams. With a military-friendly environment and no concentration specified, the curriculum covers fundamentals such as anatomy and nursing ethics. Admission may involve prerequisites, but no entrance exam is required for this CNA-level program. Financial aid options are available to support students in achieving their career goals efficiently.
The state of Massachusetts does not provide full online CNA training but students can enroll in hybrid programs which merge online classroom work with hands-on clinical training. The theoretical part of education for students can be studied online through video lectures or online modules. The state requires CNA candidates to perform clinical hours in person because practical hands-on training remains vital for skill development. The flexible hybrid program provides working adults with class options that take place during evenings and weekends. Students need to fulfill their in-person training requirements to achieve certification and deliver effective patient care although they complete theory classes online.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Quincy College |
|
|
| Quinsigamond Community College |
|
|
| Mount Wachusett Community College |
|
|
| Eligibility Prerequisites | Complete a DPH-approved CNA program, clear criminal and health screenings, and submit your application with photo ID/SSN |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Nurse Aide Registry Program |
| Training Program Requirements | Minimum of 75 hours of approved classroom and supervised clinical instruction |
| Exam and Application Fees | $40 for the knowledge test, $70 for the skills evaluation (combined $110), optional $70 oral exam |
| Certification Exam | Pass the written/oral knowledge test (up to 4 attempts) and five-skill practical evaluation (up to 3 attempts) |
| Registry Activation Time | Registry listing appears within three weeks of passing both exam components |
| Renewal Requirements | Renew biennially with at least eight hours of paid nurse aide work under RN/LPN supervision |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs apply via reciprocity with proof of active certification, no retesting required |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Massachusetts receive salaries that range from $18 to $22 per hour as their average pay rate. Entry-level Certified Nursing Assistants receive between $18 to $20 per hour before their experience and work in high-demand areas of Boston leads to higher compensation. CNA workers can obtain supplementary compensation from their employers through overtime pay and shift differential rates particularly when working night shifts or weekends. The demand for Certified Nursing Assistants in Massachusetts remains strong because healthcare organizations continuously look for qualified candidates. The aging population along with increasing healthcare requirements will drive steady growth in the demand for CNAs which creates both job stability and career development possibilities.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Massachusetts | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $39,850 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $19.16 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$47,200 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $39,850 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$32,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~5% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~8,100 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Quinsigamond Community College |
|
|
| Berkshire Community College |
|
|
| Massasoit Community College |
|
|
Working as a CNA provides rewarding experiences although most people use this role to move into advanced positions in healthcare. CNA professionals who want to advance their careers can take additional education to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs). Multiple educational institutions in Massachusetts operate transition programs which help CNA professionals enter nursing studies using their acquired knowledge and practical skills. Many healthcare organizations support CNAs who wish to advance their education through financial aid programs and tuition reimbursement benefits. Healthcare professionals who take advantage of these opportunities can move forward in their careers to obtain higher-paid positions which include leadership roles and specialized nursing professions.
Additional Nursing Programs in Massachusetts
LEARN MORE
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
