CNA Classes Chelsea, MA

An upsurge in new health care facilities is a direct response to rising health care needs. These new facilities offer state of the art equipment and specialized services, but they would fall far short of expectations without the army of health care professionals called certified nursing assistants (CNAs). CNAs operate at the lowest tier of the nursing team, but their contributions to patient care are integral in the restoration of health. In fact, the entire model of care would become unglued were it not for their services. Registered nurses direct the activities of nursing assistants. They are the eyes and ears of the medical team. Their responsibilities include assisting patients with daily activities and personal care, maintaining stability, keeping patients’ rooms clean, preparing and serving meals, providing adjunct care, and setting up medical equipment for exams and treatments.

Many CNAs make a lifelong commitment to care in this capacity. Others might enter the profession as a means of preparation for a greater role in care. They might enroll in a licensed practical nurse or registered nursing program to become a licensed nurse. The outward flow of nursing assistants creates a high turnover rate for the profession, but the good news is that there is always room for new entrants. Nursing assistant programs prepare adults for state certification and ensure that seniors get the highest quality care in assisted living facilities.

Bunker Hill Community College

The nursing assistant program at Bunker Hill Community College features online learning, on-campus lectures and skills lab, and a clinical practicum in a long-term care facility. The intensive program is designed to be completed in 8 weeks. The program admits students in the fall semester only. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills to support nurses in hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and long-term care facilities. The online coursework will cover topics such as anatomy and physiology of body systems, medical terminology, communication skills, ethics in healthcare, diseases and conditions, and standard transmission-based precautions. Students will meet on campus 2 to 3 nights a week for the development of patient care skills to take the Certified Nurse Aide Exam and Home Health Care Exam. the off-site practicum requires participation in 21 hours of direct patient care in a skilled nursing facility. The practicum meets the specifications for the state requirement for nurse aide training.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend a mandatory information session
  • Submit a completed Allied Health Certificate Programs (AHCP)
  • Complete a Criminal Offender Record Information and Sex Offender Registry Information Checks (CORI and SORI)
  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Provide valid photo ID and social security card
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Provide a negative TB test or chest x-ray
  • Provide a copy of all medical immunizations
  • Attend a new student orientation
  • Sign the health insurance waiver or provide proof of coverage

Students must budget for uniforms, books, and supplies in addition to the tuition.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is a credible institute for nurse aide training. Their program uses the latest educational technologies to help students succeed on the job. Persons interested in enrolling the program must attend an orientation session to learn the program’s requirements and expectations. Students will be taught by licensed, committed instructors who will prepare them for success in healthcare. They will emphasize the Art of Caregiving, effective communications, and the performance of critical functions. Students will participate in clinical sessions in addition to the classroom lectures. The clinical rotations will give students the opportunity to provide direct care to residents in the long-term care facility under the supervision of a registered nurse instructor. Students who successfully complete the program’s theory and practical components will be prepared to take the state licensing exam, which includes a written exam and skills evaluation. The Red Cross offers daytime classes only.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend an orientation session
  • Pass a reading and math assessment
  • Have a high school diploma or GED certificate
  • Complete an acceptable criminal background check
  • Complete the Red Cross physical form/TB test

Tuition for the program is $1,250. Scholarship opportunities may be available for eligible students.

Partners Healthcare Workforce Development

Partners HealthCare Workforce Development routinely offers free CNA training in collaboration with the Academy for Healthcare Training. Graduates will earn dual certification in Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide and will receive job placement assistance, specifically full-time employment as a CNA within the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network. They will also be eligible to apply for the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Certification Exam (within 30 days of completing the program) to be added to the Nurse Aide Registry. The fees for the certification exam will also be covered by Partners Healthcare. The program will run for 7 weeks – when they’re offered. It includes classroom lectures and hands-on clinical experiences in a skilled nursing facility. Students will learn medical terminology, anatomy, vital signs, range of motion exercises, problem solving, customer service, infection control, computer literacy, time management and multitasking, CPR/First Aid/AED, stress management techniques, and interview and resume preparation. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Admission criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years or older
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Be eligible to work in the United States
  • Be available to work beyond daytime hours
  • Have prior work experience
  • Provide four references
  • Be able to read, write, and speak English
  • Be able to lift, walk, and stand without assistance
  • Obtain occupational clearance
  • Successfully complete CORI screening

Tuition is free.

Winchester Hospital

Winchester Hospital facilitates a nursing assistant program that prepares adults for state certification. The curriculum delivers 75 hours of classroom theory and clinical experiences to produce graduates capable of delivering competent and safe care in acute and long-term care settings. Experienced instructors will teach personal care, infection control, basics of anatomy, medical terminology, common diseases, hospice care, nutrition and feeding, vital signs, patient transfers, and communication. The program is available as an evening program only. Classes meet Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm and two Saturdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Admission criteria:

  • Be able to speak, read, and write English at a minimum high school level
  • Pass a pre-admission exam with a score of 90 or above – the fee for the exam is $25
  • Provide a valid picture ID at the pre-entrance exam
  • Submit a completed health form
  • Provide documentation of negative TB test – conducted within 1 year of enrollment

Tuition for the program is $750. Applicants must make full payment to register for the program.

  • Website: http://www.winchesterhospital.org/our-services/community-education–training/nurse-assistant-training
  • Address: 41 Highland Avenue, Winchester, MA 01890
  • Phone: 781-729-9000

JVS Boston

JVS Boston equips adults with the knowledge and skills to launch a career as a certified nursing assistant. The curriculum blends hands-on clinical experience with classroom sessions to provide specialized instruction in long-term care. Non-natives who speak English at an intermediate level can enroll in the non-native class and complete the program in 4 weeks. This class will include English language instruction. Native English speakers can enroll in the advanced class and complete the program in 6 weeks. Course topics include medical terminology and anatomy, computer skills, English language skills, customer service, specialized skills in geriatric care and acute care. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the Nurse Aide Competency Exam to become certified in the state. They will also receive an offer of full-time employment at Spaulding Rehabilitation Network. The program admits new students eight times a year.

Admission requirements:

  • Be an intermediate English speaker or fluent English speaker
  • Obtain criminal background clearance
  • Have at least 3 months of work experience
  • Ability to lift heavy objects without restrictions
  • Attend an information session

Tuition is free for candidates admitted to the program.