Certified nursing assistants are in high demand in Massachusetts, and for this reason
it is often easy to find the right CNA training MA program to suit your needs and schedule. There are four
accepted levels of nursing, and certified nursing assistants, also referred to as CNAs, are the first tier of
nursing. To become a CNA, you will need to complete a CNA training MA program, pass the licensing exam, and
submit the required documentation to the Massachusetts licensing board.
There are many different options available to people interested in pursuing CNA training MA
programs. There are some employer-sponsored CNA training courses that will take about three to four weeks to
complete. You can also find training programs at most nursing schools and community colleges in the state, and
these may take up to six months to complete. With an employer-sponsored program, you can often benefit from
free classes but with the obligation to work for that employer after your training is complete. Training
typically includes 75 classroom hours as well as 100 clinical hours.
After your CNA Training MA coursework is complete, you can then
apply to take the Massachusetts state licensing exam. The Massachusetts licensing exam features a written
portion that involves mostly multiple choice questions that explore practice scenarios. Questions may involve
topics like workplace conduct, hygiene, infection control, and other medically-related topics as well as those
involving the mental and emotional needs of the patient. There is also a portion of the exam that involves the
candidate being monitored in a clinical setting performing various duties.
To obtain a CNA license in the state of Massachusetts, a candidate must complete the required coursework and
pass the licensing exam. In addition, the candidate must pass a background check and provide evidence of high
graduation or GED, fingerprint cards, a photo ID card, a copy of immunization records and proof of a negative
tuberculosis test dated within the last six months. It is important to keep in mind that CNAs do need to renew
their licenses with the state periodically. However, provided you have been working in the field for the past
two years, there is no cost to renew and no additional training necessary.
The road to obtaining a CNA license may seem complicated and difficult from the outset, but being a CNA in a
clinical setting is a very rewarding job. Certified nursing assistants can work in
hospitals, nursing homes and other such medical facilities. Their job duties usually entail a significant
amount of interaction with patients. Duties of a CNA may include helping patients eat, bathe, move throughout
the facility and get dressed. Additionally, CNAs may also be asked to take vital signs, aid in ambulation with
the assistance of other nursing staff and various other duties.
While being a certified nursing assistant is a rewarding career choice and many people choose to pursue this
as a lifelong career, others use their CNA licensing, education and experience as a stepping stone for pursuing
a nursing path. Often CNAs will in turn gain additional education and licensing to become either a Registered
Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). If you are from Georgia, check out CNA Training GA.