Becoming a CNA in Massachussets

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What is Involved in Completing CNA Training in Massachusetts?

If you are considering a career as a certified nurse aide in Massachusetts, you will first need to complete a number of tasks. The first task is to finish a CNA training course that has been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Health. You will then need to pass the nurse aide exam that is issued at approved sites throughout the state. Finally, you must be placed on the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry.

Enrollment and Completion of CNA Classes in Massachusetts

Step 1:

Find an approved program in your state:
Find a CNA Training Program

There are also a few requirements you must meet before you can enroll in CNA training courses in Massachusetts. Students need to be 18 years of age or older to be considered, for example, and have a GED or high school diploma, as well as a clear criminal record. A full physical examination and a tuburculosis screening is also required before enrollment for obvious reasons.

Step 2:

Complete your CNA training.

You must complete 100 hours of coursework during your CNA training in Massachusetts. Seventy-five of these hours involve classroom training, where you will learn numerous concepts, such as medical terminology, patient interaction skills, and tactics to help you remain calm in an emergency, like a heart attack or accidental fall.

There will be 25 hours of hands-on nurse aide training in a medical facility. This experience is invaluable, as it will be part of your testing for certification. You will learn basic phlebotomy skills, how to utilize various medical equipment, CPR skills, and much more.

Available Programs in Massachusetts State

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Name	Address
Medical Professional Institute	380-388 Pleasant Street, Malden, Massachusetts 02148-8143	Program cost	Financial Aid	Request Information
Middlesex Community College	Springs Rd, Bedford, Massachusetts 01730-9124	Program cost	Financial Aid	Request Information
Bunker Hill Community College	250 New Rutherford Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02129-2925	Program cost	Financial Aid	Request Information

CNA Testing Procedures and Applying for CNA Certification in Massachusetts

Step 1:

You can often take the test at the same facility where you trained, but occasionally you will need to travel to a different location within your region. You will have to pay a fee of $93 at the time when you register to be given a test date.

Step 2:

Find a testing site to take your certification exam.

Certification exams are administered by several testing sites within the state but most commonly at the Red Cross. However, the place where you took your CNA training in Massachusetts will often be an approved testing site. Registration can be done online. A date for testing will be scheduled by mail within 26 days of the time of your application. At this time, it may be a good idea to prepare for your exam and take practice tests.

Step 3:

Take the certification exam.

Two forms of ID must be shown on the day of the test and it is a good idea for you to show up at least half and hour early. This allows you time to check in with the test administrators and complete any last minute paperwork that may be required. You may be asked to bring along fingerprint ID cards as well, so make certain to read all the instructions within your registration information.

The first part of the exam requires the successful completion of five randomly chosen tasks that demonstrate your ability to perform the basic job functions of a CNA.

If you pass this portion, you will then be permitted to take the second part of the CNA certification exam. This typically consists of 50 to 60 multiple-choice questions that are designed to test what you learned in your CNA training classroom time. There will be a few reading comprehension question in this section, as well.

Step 4:

Once you’ve taken the exam, results will often be provided instantly, but the certificate will not arrive until a few weeks later by mail. If you pass the two-part exam, you will be listed on the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry, and will ready to secure solid employment anywhere within the state.

At this point, you should create a resume, which lists your education, skills, experience, and certification.

The average CNA salary in Massachusetts is $28,300 a year and openings for these positions are expected to grow by 13% during the next few years, so now is a great time to enroll.

Don’t automatically dismiss the idea of more education to advance your career, however. Many CNAs choose to enroll in RN or LPN degree programs, for instance, which qualifies them for more lucrative job opportunities.

For additional information on becoming a CNA in Massachusetts:

Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry
Massachusetts Department of Public Health – Division of Health Care Quality
99 Chauncy Street, Boston, MA 02111
Phone: (617) 753-8143