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
Jumpstart your healthcare career with Quinsigamond Community College's Nurse Assistant Direct Entry Certificate. This comprehensive program prepares students for certification in just one semester, providing essential skills for patient care across various healthcare settings. Students learn critical nursing fundamentals through classroom instruction, practice labs, and clinical experiences. Designed for career changers and aspiring healthcare professionals, the program offers affordable in-state tuition at $227 per credit and requires only a high school diploma or equivalent for entry.
Brockton, MA - Public 2-Year - massasoit.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Massasoit Community College offers a comprehensive Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide Certificate program designed for individuals seeking a rewarding healthcare career. This hybrid training prepares students with essential nursing skills including vital signs monitoring, personal care techniques, and emergency response. Students complete classroom lectures and hands-on practical training, followed by clinical hours in long-term care facilities. With an impressive 34% projected job growth, graduates can become Certified Nurse Assistants after passing state board examinations. The program addresses growing healthcare workforce demands, particularly in home health services, making it an excellent pathway for career changers and aspiring healthcare professionals.
Gardner, MA - Public 2-Year - mwcc.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mount Wachusett Community College offers a comprehensive 8-week Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training program designed to launch healthcare careers. This free hybrid program provides essential skills for supporting nursing staff in various medical settings. Students receive CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications while preparing for the Massachusetts Nurse Aide State Exam, making it an attractive pathway for those seeking quick entry into the healthcare profession.
Pittsfield, MA - Public 2-Year - berkshirecc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Berkshire Community College's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Course provides an intensive healthcare training program designed for aspiring medical professionals. The evening course runs Monday through Friday, including one Saturday class, offering flexibility for working students. Located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience at local healthcare facilities. Students learn essential nursing skills and patient care techniques, preparing them for a rewarding career in healthcare. Scholarships may be available for qualified individuals, making this program accessible to diverse learners seeking to enter the healthcare workforce.
Quincy, MA - Public 4-Year - quincycollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Quincy College's Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) offers a comprehensive two-year program preparing students for professional nursing careers. The rigorous curriculum combines classroom learning with extensive clinical experiences at top Massachusetts healthcare facilities. Students develop critical nursing skills through a concept-based approach, focusing on patient-centered care, clinical reasoning, and professional ethics. Graduates are well-positioned to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam, with recent pass rates consistently above 90%. Admission requires specific prerequisites, including biology, anatomy, and a competitive HESI A2 exam score. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to help manage educational costs.
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 |
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| Quinsigamond Community College |
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| Mount Wachusett Community College |
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| 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 |
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| Quinsigamond Community College |
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| Berkshire Community College |
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| Massasoit Community College |
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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
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