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The Nurse Aide registry in Massachusetts is under the jurisdiction of the state’s Department of Public Health.
If you want to become a Certified Nurse Aide in Massachusetts, there are a few things you should now.
You have to complete an official training program and pass the final exam to earn your certificate.
Table of Contents
Training Requirements
Massachusetts residents have to attend one of the state-approved training programs.
The list of currently approved programs in Massachusetts is available on the website of the Department of Public Health.
However, not everyone needs to take the course to become eligible for the final test.
People who have completed at least 75 hours of clinical training can take the test to become a CNA.
Also, in Massachusetts, those who have passed 100-hour programs since 1989 can also take the test.
Even though in these cases, retraining isn’t obligatory, the test can be difficult for those candidates due to changes in praxis.
Final Test
The American Red Cross administers the test for aspiring nurses in Massachusetts.
The test you have to pass is the NACE – Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation.
It has two parts – skills and knowledge tests.
During the skills check, you will have to perform different nursing aide and care for the patient.
You have to bring a volunteer for this part.
The knowledge test is available in both written and oral format, so you can choose which format is more convenient for you.
Massachusetts offers multiple testing locations across the state for aspiring nurses.
After you pick the location, you can schedule your testing date.
Candidates have four attempts to pass the knowledge test and three attempts to pass the skills test in limited time.
If you fail, you will have to take the training program from the beginning again.
The fees depend on the knowledge test format.
The skills test and knowledge test in written format together are $93, but if you pick an oral knowledge test you will have to pay $103 for the complete test.
Application
Candidates enrolled in official training courses have their mentors to guide them through the application procedure.
All other candidates can find useful information and download the application forms the American Red Cross website.
During the application, you will probably have to provide some documents, based on your eligibility route.
The documentation can include copies of past certificates, verification of out-of-state CNA, nursing school diploma, recommendation letter and to provide the instructors signature on the application.
Schools
In Massachusetts, there is a growing demand for CNA.
Therefore, there are plenty of available programs across the state.
Check the list to find out all free CNA training options in Massachusetts.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Colony Center for Health & Rehabilitation | Abington, MA 02351 |
| Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation – Country Estates | Agawam, MA 01001-2933 |
| Belmont Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center | Belmont, MA 02478 |
| Eastpointe Rehabilitation & Skilled Care Cente | Chelsea, MA 02150 |
| Westover Job Corps Center | Chicopee, MA 01022 |
| Shriver Job Corps Center | Devens, MA 01434-5106 |
| Don Orione Home – Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation | East Boston, MA 02128 |
| Bristol Community College | Fall River, MA 02720 |
| North Shore Community College | Lynn, MA 01901 |
| Alliance Health at Abbott | Lynn, MA 01902 |
| Hannah B. G. Shaw Home | Middleboro, MA 02346 |
| Grafton Job Corps Center | North Grafton, MA 01536 |
| University of Massachusetts | Plymouth, MA 02360 |
| Seashore Point | Provincetown, MA 02657 |
| Project Hope | Roxbury, MA 02119 |
| Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center | Gloucester, MA 01930-4832 |
| Westborough Healthcare Center | Westborough, MA 01581 |
Salary
In Massachusetts, a CNA can earn an average yearly salary of $34730.
Your salary is calculated based on the education level, experience level, additional skills and certificates, location, and other factors.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $36,029 |
| Worcester | $33,613 |
| Springfield | $33,357 |
| Lowell | $34,794 |
| Cambridge | $36,029 |
| Brockton | $34,570 |
| New Bedford | $33,645 |
| Fall River | $33,645 |
| Lynn | $36,029 |
| Quincy | $36,029 |
Regional Salary in Massachusetts
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | 1,160 | $43,860 | $21.09 | $56,610 | $36,150 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 25,200 | $45,880 | $22.06 | $55,200 | $37,550 |
| Leominster-Gardner, MA | 680 | $40,690 | $19.56 | $46,620 | $35,160 |
| New Bedford, MA | 940 | $41,560 | $19.98 | $49,240 | $36,610 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 530 | $41,450 | $19.93 | $46,390 | $34,940 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 3,850 | $42,340 | $20.35 | $49,140 | $36,200 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 4,150 | $42,680 | $20.52 | $49,590 | $36,030 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Nurse Assistant
CNA Classes by State