Are you considering becoming a CNA? If so, you may be wondering where the best place to take classes is. Well, look no further than Boston! There are several great schools in the city that offer certified nursing assistant training. And, as an added bonus, most of these schools are relatively affordable. So what are you waiting for? Check out some of the best CNA programs Boston has to offer!
One of the best benefits of becoming a CNA is the job security it provides. CNAs are in high demand due to the nursing shortage, and are therefore less likely to be laid off or fired. Another reason for taking, and passing a certified Boston CNA program is that CNAs typically earn higher wages than other types of nurse aids. This makes it a financially beneficial career choice if you want to get started in the healthcare industry. CNAs also enjoy many personal rewards, such as the satisfaction of helping others, and working in a supportive team environment. Check out available Boston CNA classes below and learn more about the requirements for earning your CNA certification in Massachusetts.
| Harvard Medical School | Boston, MA | 2115 | 617-432-1000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bunker Hill Community College | Boston, MA | 2129 | 617-228-2000 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | 2139 | 617-253-1000 |
| Cambridge Community Learning Center | Cambridge, MA | 2139 | 617-349-6363 |
| Rindge School of Technical Arts | Cambridge, MA | 2138 | 617-349-6630 |
| MassHire Downtown Boston Career Center | Boston, MA | 2110 | 617-399-3100 |
| New England Baptist Hospital (NEBH does not provide emergency medical services) | Boston, MA | 2120 | 617-754-5000 |
| Cambridge Rehabilitation & Nursing Center | Cambridge, MA | 2138 | 617-864-4267 |
| Lesley University | Cambridge, MA | 2138 | 617-868-9600 |
| MassBay Community College | Wellesley Hills, MA | 2481 | 781-239-3000 |
| Wellesley College | Wellesley, MA | 2481 | 781-283-1000 |
| Minuteman High School | Lexington, MA | 2421 | 781-861-6500 |
| Meetcaregivers, Inc. | Newton, MA | 2460 | 888-541-1136 |
The Best CNA Classes in Boston
If you have questions about any of the CNA programs above, we recommend calling them directly. Below you’ll find some more detail on a couple of the more popular CNA classes in Boston.
Jewish Vocational Services
Location: 75 Federal Street, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02110
Phone: (617) 399-3131
Website
One of the most unique things about the JVS program is that they offer classes for non-native English speakers, with 100 hours of English as a second language training in addition to the core nurse training. The JVS program covers important elements that CNAs need to perform their day to day activities working under registered nurses which includes things such as:
- Computer skills
- Customer service in a healthcare environment
- Anatomy and medical terminology
- Exam prep for the Massachusetts State Nursing Assistant Exam
- Specialized skills for working in elder care facilities like taking vital signs, and caring for frail patients
Class Schedule
The ESL program is 14 weeks, while the standard program for native or fluent speakers is six weeks long. They focus strongly on full time job placement, with guaranteed positions for graduates of the six week program.
- Massachusetts requires 100 total hours of training with 25 of those being in a clinical setting.
Cost
Applicants pay no cost if they pass the selection process and are chosen to participate.
Massachusetts Bay Community College
Location: Three campuses in Wellesley Hills, Framingham, and Ashland
Phone: (508) 270-4100
Website
Mass Bay’s certified nursing assistant training program teaches you everything you need to know to care for elderly or disabled patients. This course will provide you with an introduction into the many roles and responsibilities of a nursing assistant, including but not limited to understanding elderly patients or those who require special care. The course also covers safety issues such as how to keep yourself and your patients healthy while working in this field and how to manage infection control.
Class Schedule
In an effort to prepare you for the Red Cross Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation (NACE), the MassBay program goes above and beyond with 120 hours of total training. 80 hours of training comes in a classroom setting and 40 comes from clinical hours. The program lasts eight weeks.
Cost
Most recently, the advertised price for the program’s tuition was $1,130, though this did not include additional costs such as uniform, watch, stethoscope, textbook, and CPR certification.
Boston CNA Salary
| Location | Boston | Massachusetts | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Employed | 26,140 | 37,730 | 1,310,090 |
| Average Hourly Wage | $20.42 | $19.90 | $17.41 |
| Average Salary | $42,480 | $41,390 | $36,220 |
| Hourly Wage 10th Percentile | $17.42 | $16.89 | $13.48 |
| Hourly Wage 25th Percentile | $18.21 | $17.94 | $14.79 |
| Hourly Wage 50th Percentile | $19.26 | $18.83 | $17.19 |
| Hourly Wage 75th Percentile | $21.68 | $21.26 | $18.87 |
| Hourly Wage 90th Percentile | $24.07 | $23.46 | $22.09 |
| Salary 10th Percentile | $36,240 | $35,140 | $28,030 |
| Salary 25th Percentile | $37,870 | $37,320 | $30,770 |
| Salary 50th Percentile | $40,060 | $39,170 | $35,760 |
| Salary 75th Percentile | $45,090 | $44,220 | $39,260 |
| Salary 90th Percentile | $50,060 | $48,800 | $45,940 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take CNA classes online in Boston?
While fully online courses have been gaining in popularity in recent years, due to the nature of the work a CNA does, classes must at least be taught partially in person. This allows CNA students to learn how to perform critical CNA care skills on patients. If you need the flexibility of at least some online learning, ask about hybrid courses, as many institutions are now offering them in the Boston area.
How much does a CNA in Boston earn per year?
CNAs in Boston earn $42,480 per year, with an hourly wage of $20.42 per hour according go the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2022 data.
What are the requirements for becoming a CNA in Boston?
To become a CNA in Boston you’ll need to meet some generally accepted guidelines set out by the state of Massachusetts for nursing assistants. Common requirements for this health care job for working in nursing homes, hospitals, and elderly care facilities includes:
- Educational requirements – this can vary by the education provider, but is typically a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Some organizations do have lesser requirements, however.
- Pass a criminal background check
- Be a minimum of 18 years old
- Pass a physical
- Up to date on immunizations including tuberculosis
- Current CPR certification