MassBay Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program prepares students for entry-level careers in healthcare and provides the training needed to take the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation examination.
The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on skills practice, and clinical experience in a long-term care setting. Students develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to provide safe, compassionate care to patients and residents.
Program Length: Approximately 8 weeks
Format: Online instruction, in-person skills labs, and in-person clinical experience
Clinical Setting: Long-term care facility
Program Approval: Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Certified Nursing Assistants are an important part of the healthcare team. CNAs provide direct care and assistance to patients and residents under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals.
Responsibilities may include:
A CNA career can be a strong starting point for students interested in healthcare. CNAs work in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, assisted living communities, and other healthcare environments.
The CNA role can also provide valuable experience for students who plan to continue their education in healthcare.
MassBay’s CNA program provides students with both foundational knowledge and hands-on experience.
Students will learn about:
Students must successfully complete the required classroom, skills laboratory, and clinical components of the program.
Students must:
Students must meet all program requirements in order to successfully complete the program and receive a certificate of completion.
Required program materials and supplies are included in the program tuition. Students do not need to purchase these items separately unless otherwise noted.
Required items include:
Students are responsible for providing:
Specific instructions regarding when and how students will receive their required materials will be provided before the program begins.
Program tuition includes the required CNA training materials and supplies listed above, including the textbook, workbook, uniform, training supplies, BLS certification, and required background check fee.
Students should review the current CourseStorm course listing for the most up-to-date tuition amount, program dates, schedule, location, and availability.
MassBay’s CNA program is offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters, with schedules varying by cohort.
Depending on the cohort, students may participate in:
Clinical and laboratory schedules are provided to students before the start of the applicable component of the program and are subject to change based on facility and program availability.
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, laboratory sessions, and clinical experiences.
Hands-on clinical experience is an essential component of the CNA program.
Students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned during classroom and laboratory instruction in a supervised healthcare setting.
Clinical experiences may include providing direct patient care, assisting with activities of daily living, taking vital signs, practicing infection-control procedures, and working as part of a healthcare team.
Students must successfully demonstrate required skills and meet all program requirements before participating in clinical experiences.
Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a Certificate of Completion in Nurse Assistant Training.
MassBay’s Nurse Assistant program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Successful completion of the program prepares students to take the applicable Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation examination. Completion of the MassBay program does not by itself guarantee state certification or employment.
Students are responsible for completing the applicable state examination and certification requirements.
Scholarship funding may be available for eligible students and qualifying CNA cohorts.
Students interested in scholarship opportunities should review the current information provided by MassBay Community College and confirm eligibility before registering.
Please email: cpwd@massbay.edu
For current program dates, tuition, availability, and registration information, visit the MassBay CNA program page and CourseStorm registration site.
Find CNA Courses and Register through CourseStorm
Students should review the current course listing carefully before registering, as program schedules, locations, tuition, and other requirements may vary by cohort.
For questions about the CNA program, registration, or upcoming cohorts, please contact:
Office of Corporate Partnerships, Workforce Development & Community Education
MassBay Community College
Framingham Campus
490 Franklin Street
Framingham, MA 01702