Becoming a CNA in MA

DolphinRN84, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Sep 2, 2008

They offer a CNA course at the American Red Cross. That's where I did mine when I became a CNA. Salary will vary depending where you work. I'm not sure but I think you need at least a HS diploma or GED. Hope this somewhat helped.

funfunfun · Sep 2, 2008

They offer a CNA course at the American Red Cross. That's where I did mine when I became a CNA. Salary will vary depending where you work. I'm not sure but I think you need at least a HS diploma or GED. Hope this somewhat helped.

Thanks for your reply. I will look into it..however, real quick, do you know how long it took and how much it cost??

Thx again!

VM85 · Sep 2, 2008

I know catholic charities in brock. mass has a course....i was looking into it a year ago...but i cant remember the specifics....if shes around there, she should check it out. I think it was less expensive than red cross. Just call 411 and then get the number, they are all very nice there!

DolphinRN84, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Sep 2, 2008

Thanks for your reply. I will look into it..however, real quick, do you know how long it took and how much it cost??
Thx again!

From what I remember the course was 4-5 weeks long. I don't remember how much it costs..I think it was close to 500 bucks...and this was back in 2004. Hope this info helps.

1uvakindmom · Sep 3, 2008

Look at the website http://www.longtermcarecareers.org/train.php there you can look for different training programs based on what part of MA you live.

Missy

A_Simp · Sep 3, 2008

I did mine through the Red Cross and it was about $600 and took 4-5 weeks. Depending on where your friend's mother would like to work (hospital or Long term care), she should call a facility directly.

Some facilities offer training programs free if the participant is will to work for a certain amount of time once completed. The hospital where I work has a program like that.

MsKaz · Sep 7, 2008

Hey I live on the South Shore too and I'm about to start the program at Catholic Charities. It's actually more than the American Red Cross Program and longer but, they have payment plans and scholarships for people that can't pay full price all at once...this is the only reason why I went to this program and not Red Cross.

If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

nursingstudent29 · Oct 2, 2008

Hi there!

I am a CNA here in central MA. I get my certification from the Mount and it cost me around $700, book is included. Red Cross offered the course as well and I think the cost is also around $600-$700 and the book is included as well. The rate varies, where I work they paid more on their CNAs but you have more residents to take care. Rates are between $9-16/hr.

gebyldig · Oct 6, 2008

I took a 4wk course, through Red Cross, during the month of August for HHA/CNA course. Cost=$700, just took the state certification (and passed I might add!) last week, cost=$93. A textbook was included with the Red Cross training. I'm waiting entry into the nursing program where I live.

Best of luck!

beck_79 · Oct 6, 2008

I took mine at North Shore Community College. But that would be a trek coming from the South Shore. Try community colleges in your area. Some LTC facilities may offer training programs too.

MassADNstudent · May 26, 2009

I know this tread is older, but to those that have became a CNA recently....how are job prospects currently in Massachusetts. I'm already in nursing school, and am going to take the CNA course. RN jobs seem to be difficult to obtain, I hope the jobs for CNAs are a little more abudent!