Working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Boston, MA can be a rewarding career path. CNAs are responsible for providing basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses.
To become a CNA in Massachusetts, you must complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam. Once you are certified, you can begin looking for job opportunities in the Boston area.
Some of the responsibilities of a CNA in Boston may include assisting with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming; taking vital signs; helping with mobility and exercise; and providing emotional support to patients and their families.
In Boston, there are many healthcare facilities that may be hiring CNAs, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies. Some of the top healthcare facilities in
Highlights
- There are an estimated 26,580 CNAs are employed in the Boston metro area. There are several major hospitals and health care systems, as well as hundreds of assisted living and nursing homes.
- CNAs in Boston can make up to $47,710 on the high end, depending on their experience.
- There are dozens of quality CNA programs in Boston that offer several different options for candidates depending on their schedule
CNA Requirements in Boston
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Massachusetts, you must meet certain requirements and complete a state-approved training program. Here are the general requirements:
Age: You must be at least 16 years old to enroll in a CNA training program.
Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Training: You must complete a state-approved CNA training program. The program must consist of at least 75 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised clinical experience. You can find a list of approved programs on the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website.
Competency Evaluation: After completing your training program, you must pass a competency evaluation, which consists of a written test and a clinical skills test. The test is administered by the American Red Cross or Prometric.
Background Check: You must pass a criminal background check.
Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for certification with the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry. You will need to provide documentation of your training and competency evaluation, as well as your background check results. Your certification will need to be renewed every two years by meeting certain continuing education requirements.
CNA Classes Near Boston
There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing the right CNA training program in Boston. Our goal is to make it a little easier for you. Check out our top ten list below. Read on for more details about the location, cost, and features of these amazing CNA programs.
| Rank | School | Address | Phone# |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jewish Vocational Service | 75 Federal St. 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02110 | 617.399.3131 |
| 2 | Cambridge Department of Human Services | 5 Western Ave., Cambridge MA 02139 | 617.349.6339 |
| 3 | K&K Healthcare Training Center | 471 Prospect St., Brockton, MA 02301 | 508.582.2785 |
| 4 | Metrowest Healthcare Academy | 100 Concord Street Suite 2A, Framingham, MA 01702 | 508.872.5973 |
| 5 | Spectrum Healthcare Training Center | 330 Lynnway Suite 112, Lynn, MA 01901 | 781.593.3900 |
| 6 | Universal Health Care Center | 27 Hunting St., Malden, MA 02148 | 781.480.3159 |
| 7 | MassBay Community College | 50 Oakland St., Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 | 508.270.4000 |
| 8 | Bunker Hill Community College | 250 New Rutherford Ave., Boston, MA 02129 | 617.228.2193 |
| 9 | Catholic Charities of Boston | 275 West Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127 | 617.464.8544 |
| 10 | Northern Essex Community College | 100 Elliott St., Haverhill, MA 01830 | 978.556.3700 |
Jewish Vocational Service **Free CNA Classes in Boston
Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) offers CNA classes that can help individuals launch their careers as nurse’s aides in the healthcare field. The program offers two training options: a 14-week and a 6-week training program, each tailored to different proficiency levels in English.
The 14-week training program is designed for non-native, intermediate-level English speakers, and includes 100 hours of ESOL training in addition to core nurse’s aide training. This program prepares students to pass the Massachusetts State Nursing Assistant Exam to become Certified Nursing Assistants. The program specializes in training aides in long-term care through classroom instructions and hands-on clinical experience. Students also benefit from career placement assistance with Boston area employer partners.
On the other hand, the 6-week training program is intended for advanced or fluent English speakers and does not include any ESOL classes. This program also prepares students to pass the Massachusetts State Nursing Assistant Exam to become Certified Nursing Assistants. It includes individualized job coaching and guarantees a full-time job with benefits at participating hospitals for students who successfully complete the program.
Price: $0
Address: 75 Federal St. 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Phone: 617.399.3131
URL: https://www.jvs-boston.org/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: 6-week and 14-week options available.
Cambridge Department of Human Services
The Cambridge Department of Human Services is offering two free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Programs for those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. These programs offer in-person and online learning, hands-on clinical experience, job readiness classes, and job placement assistance. Graduates of these programs are awarded several certificates, including a Certificate of Completion for the Nursing Assistant training program at Labouré College of Healthcare, Home Health Aide (HHA) Certificate, Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care Certificate, and a CPR/AED Certificate.
The 12-week CNA program is open to Cambridge residents who are English speakers, with priority given to members of the American-born Black community. The second program, also The 16-week CNA program is open to English language learners (intermediate level or higher), with priority given to Cambridge residents. Both programs offer dual enrollment at Labouré College of Healthcare in Milton, with free transportation to their campus.
Upon completion of their CNA class, students receive free registration for the CNA exam to become state-certified nursing assistants. The Cambridge Department of Human Services’ CNA Training Program provides a unique opportunity for individuals interested in the healthcare field to gain practical skills, job readiness training, and further certifications.
Price: Contact the organization for current program fees.
Address: 5 Western Ave.
Cambridge MA 02139
Phone: 617.349.6339
URL: https://www.cambridgema.gov/DHSP/programsforadults/communitylearningcenter/cnatraining
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: In-person and online course options.
K&K Healthcare Training Center
K&K Healthcare Training Center offers a dual certificate Nursing Assistant Program that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to work as a nursing assistant and home health aide. This program combines lectures, hands-on practical skills, and clinical hours at a long-term care facility to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience. Students will develop necessary skills such as taking vital signs, moving and turning patients, personal care basics, bed making, bathing and feeding, record keeping, and responding to emergencies.
Upon successful completion of the program, students must take and pass the Massachusetts state board examination to become a Certified Nurse Assistant. The cost of the exam is not included in the tuition fee. It is strongly recommended that students acquire or maintain a Healthcare Provider CPR certification. The Nursing Assistant Program at K&K Healthcare Training Center is a great opportunity for individuals interested in healthcare to develop practical skills and knowledge required for a career as a nursing assistant and home health aide.
Price: $1,500
Address: 471 Prospect St.
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 508.582.2785
URL: https://www.kkhealthcaretraining.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Morning and evening classes available.
Metrowest Healthcare Academy **Hybrid-Online CNA Classes Near Boston
Metrowest Healthcare Academy offers a 90-hour Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide hybrid program that prepares students for a career as a nursing assistant and home health aide. These CNA classes include 69 hours of lecture/theory and lab/practice and 21 hours of clinical experience at an approved Long-Term Care Facility or Hospital.
Metrowest utilizes a variety of teaching methods including lectures, videos, games, role-playing, and laboratory practice to provide students with a comprehensive range of training that includes infection control, communication and interpersonal skills, safety and emergency procedures, personal care skills, psycho-social needs, basic restorative services and skills, basic nursing skills, quality improvement, and more.
Students will learn how to assist patients with Activities of Daily Living such as bathing, dressing, positioning, transfer, ambulation, and vital signs. They will also learn how to gather information needed to provide care for people within the health care system.
Price: $1,500
Address: 100 Concord Street, Suite 2A
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: 508.872.5973
URL: https://www.mwhacademy.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: 3-4 week program with online courses. Installment plan available for tuition, free courses available for qualifying students.
Spectrum Healthcare Training Center
Spectrum Healthcare Training Center offers a comprehensive Nursing Aide and Home Health Aide program that equips students with the necessary skills to thrive in the ever-changing healthcare industry. The curriculum adheres to the recommended standards set by the state and federal governments, ensuring that students meet the training requirements and acquire the needed skills.
The faculty at Spectrum Healthcare Training Center comprises highly qualified Registered Nurses with extensive experience in long-term care and community nursing environments. All teachers are approved by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure, Office of Private Occupational School Education, and Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Spectrum provides students with a wide range of career opportunities within the healthcare sector, including nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. The program consists of two sections: the classroom lecture combined with laboratory training and the clinical section.
In the classroom section, students learn the theoretical aspects of nurse assisting from an experienced Registered Nurse, providing them with insights into the clinical section of the training. In the clinical section, which is conducted in a long-term care facility, students have hands-on experience, practicing what they learned in the previous section while interacting with patients.
Price: $1,200 – does not include textbook
Address: 330 Lynnway, Suite 112
Lynn, MA 01901
Phone: 781.593.3900
URL: http://www.spectrumhtc.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Weekday programs are four weeks long, and weekends are ten weeks.
Universal Health Care Center
Universal Health Care Center is a vocational school dedicated to providing students with the education and guidance necessary to succeed. The school’s goal is to facilitate and orient students in shaping their lives. The team of professionals at Universal Health Care Center share the same values and are committed to helping every student reach their goals.
The school is proud to serve and assist both local and international students and has been providing vocational training for 13 years. The staff is dedicated to continuing to offer their services and to making a positive impact in the community. Universal Health Care Center believes that there is nothing more rewarding than helping others achieve their dreams.
Price: $1,375
Address: 27 Hunting St.
Malden, MA 02148
Phone: 781.480.3159
URL: https://uhccinc.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: A decade-plus of CNA training experience.
MassBay Community College **Online CNA Classes
MassBay Community College offers a comprehensive eight-week Nurse Assistant Training program for individuals interested in pursuing an entry-level career in healthcare as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). In just 120 hours, students will receive 80 hours of online lecture and laboratory training, along with 40 hours of clinical experience in a long-term care facility. The program is designed to prepare students for the Red Cross Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation (NACE) test, as well as to perform hands-on resident/client care for individuals of different ages and health conditions.
Through the program, students will gain knowledge on basic nursing skills, including how to monitor vital signs, understand patients’ needs, and perform routine healthcare tasks for an increasingly diverse population. The course covers a range of topics, such as the roles and responsibilities of a Nurse Assistant, personal care, food service, elimination, hygiene and infection control, and the ethics of being a professional member of the nursing and health team.
Classes are held online, and students benefit from a small, intimate student-centered environment that allows for personalized attention from experienced instructors. Upon completion of the program, students will be ready to take the NACE test and pursue a rewarding career as a CNA.
Price: $1,538
Address: 50 Oakland St.
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
Phone: 508.270.4000
URL: https://www.massbay.edu/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Scholarships available for qualified students.
Bunker Hill Community College
Bunker Hill Community College offers a comprehensive training program for aspiring Certified Nurse Aides. With a focus on supporting nursing staff in hospitals, long-term care facilities and rehabilitation clinics, this program prepares students to provide basic care for patients. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible for certification by the American Red Cross. The program consists of three courses that must be taken concurrently:
AHE 110 – Principles of Clinical Practice (online course) covers anatomy and physiology of body systems, diseases and conditions, ethics in healthcare, communication skills, medical terminology and standard transmission-based precautions.
AHE 111 – Patient Care Skills (in-class learning 2-3 nights per week) teaches the patient care theory and clinical skills necessary to take the Certified Nurse Aide and Home Health exams.
AHE 106 – Practicum for Nurse Aide (off-site practicum) is a 21-hour clinical practicum at a skilled nursing facility that fulfills the State Nurse Aide Certification requirement.
The program’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for success as professional, compassionate, and skilled nurse aides.
Price: Contact the school for current tuition fees.
Address: 250 New Rutherford Ave.
Boston, MA 02129
Phone: 617.228.2193
URL: https://www.bhcc.edu/alliedhealth/certifiednurseassistant/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Combination in-person and online CNA classes.
Catholic Charities of Boston
Catholic Charities of Boston is offering an opportunity to take the first step on the career ladder in health care. With nursing assistants and home health aides (CNA/HHAs) being two of the fastest-growing occupations, there are many job openings at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and visiting nurse services or private care agencies.
The healthcare sector provides flexible schedules to meet the needs of students and their families. These jobs may be part-time, days, evenings, nights, or weekends. Being a nursing assistant or home health aide can be the first step on a career ladder into higher paying jobs in the health care sector, including licensed practical nurse (LPN) and registered nurse (RN).
Price: $1,000 – does not include state exam fee.
Address: 275 West Broadway
South Boston, MA 02127
Phone: 617.464.8544
URL: https://www.ccab.org/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Accelerated four-week CNA program.
Northern Essex Community College **Free CNA Classes
Northern Essex Community College offers a grant-funded Certified Nurse Assistant/Certified Nurse Aide Training Program designed to prepare students for the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Certification Exam. The 4-week program is delivered through a hybrid format, consisting of online theory content, mandatory virtual meetings, in-person skills lab training, and a 25-hour clinical experience at a long-term care facility under the supervision of CNA instructors.
The program emphasizes communication, safety, infection control procedures, and basic personal care skills for patients in sub-acute, long-term care, and home settings, and covers other important topics such as dementia care, vital signs, documentation, and legal and regulatory healthcare practices. This program is a great option to enter the in-demand direct care field, as well as a gateway to other healthcare professions, and best of all, the cost of tuition and supplies are free due to the current grant funding.
Price: $0 – tuition is grant funded.
Address: 100 Elliott St.
Haverhill, MA 01830
Phone: 978.556.3700
URL: https://ccce.necc.mass.edu/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Classes led by experienced registered nurses.
How Much Do CNAs Get Paid in Boston?
The average salary for CNAs in Boston is $42,480 per year or $20.42 per hour according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That is higher than the Massachusetts state average of $41,390 and signicanlty higher than the U.S. average of $36,220 annually.
| CNAs Employed | Avg. Annual Pay | Avg. Hourly Pay | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | 26,140 | $42,480 | $20.42 |
| Massachusetts | 37,730 | $41,390 | $18.83 |
| United States | 1,314,830 | $36,220 | $17.41 |
How Much Do CNA Courses Cost in Boston?
The cost of CNA classes in Boston, MA can vary depending on the institution offering the program. The cost of a CNA program in Boston can range from $1,000 to $1,500 on average. Community colleges and vocational schools are often the most affordable options for CNA training in Boston. The cost of these programs can range from $800 to $1,000.
Private schools and healthcare facilities may offer CNA training programs that are more expensive, with costs ranging from $1,200 to $1,750. These programs may offer additional benefits, such as more individualized attention, job placement services, or a higher quality of instruction.
Some healthcare facilities may offer free CNA training programs to individuals who agree to work for them for a certain period of time after completing their training.
Job Opportunities for CNAs in Boston
As of the most recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics report, they are approximately 26,580 CNAs working in Boston. There continues to be an increasing demand for CNAs at hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities in Boston and throughout the New England area. View the types of organizations nurse assistants in the Boston area are most likely to be working in:
| Industry Type | Boston Total Employment |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 9,525 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 7,814 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 2,847 |
| Home Health Care Services | 1,689 |
| Employment Services | 787 |
| Individual and Family Services | 733 |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 528 |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 524 |
| Offices of Physicians | 353 |
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | 325 |
| State Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 287 |
| Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities | 240 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 239 |
| Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals | 184 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 133 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 90 |
Helpful Links
- CNA pay statistics by state
- CNA practice test
- Massachusetts nurse aide registry
- Massachusetts CNA classes