CNA Classes in Agawam, Massachusetts

Agawam CNA Training - Massachusetts

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Agawam, MA

Are you thinking about becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Agawam, Massachusetts? This rewarding career allows you to make a significant impact on the lives of patients while working alongside healthcare professionals. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to transition into healthcare, becoming a CNA in Agawam is a great choice. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of becoming a CNA, provide information on local CNA programs, and highlight employment opportunities in the area.

About Agawam

Agawam, located in Hampden County, Massachusetts, is a charming town with a rich history and a close-knit community. Known for its beautiful parks, including the popular School Street Park, and its proximity to Six Flags New England, Agawam offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle with easy access to larger cities like Springfield. For more information about the town, you can visit the official Agawam town website.

CNA Training Programs in Agawam, MA

If you’re looking for CNA training programs in Agawam, MA, there are several options nearby that offer high-quality education to help you start your career. Here are three local schools with CNA programs:

1. American Red Cross – Springfield, MA
   • Location: Springfield, MA (Approx. 7 miles from Agawam)
   • Program Description: The American Red Cross offers a comprehensive CNA training program that includes classroom instruction and clinical practice. The program prepares students to pass the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Exam and provides hands-on experience in a clinical setting.
   • Learn more about the program
2. Holyoke Community College
   • Location: Holyoke, MA (Approx. 12 miles from Agawam)
   • Program Description: Holyoke Community College offers a Nurse Aide/Home Health Aide program that prepares students to become CNAs. The program includes classroom instruction, lab training, and clinical hours. Students are eligible to take the Massachusetts CNA certification exam upon completion.
   • Learn more about the program
3. Springfield Technical Community College (STCC)
   • Location: Springfield, MA (Approx. 8 miles from Agawam)
   • Program Description: STCC offers a Nurse Aide Training Program that covers essential skills such as patient care, safety, and infection control. The program includes both theoretical instruction and clinical experience. Graduates are eligible to take the state certification exam.
   • Learn more about the program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Agawam

Once you’ve completed your CNA training and earned your certification, you’ll find several healthcare facilities in and around Agawam where you can begin your career. Here are a few major employers in the area:

1. Heritage Hall East & West Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers
   • Location: Agawam, MA
   • Description: Heritage Hall East & West, part of Genesis HealthCare, provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. They frequently hire CNAs to assist with patient care, offering opportunities for growth within the company.
   • Explore employment opportunities
2. Heritage Woods Senior Living
   • Location: Agawam, MA
   • Description: Heritage Woods is a senior living community offering assisted living and memory care services. CNAs play a vital role in providing daily care and support to residents.
   • Learn more about job openings
3. Baystate Medical Center
   • Location: Springfield, MA (Approx. 7 miles from Agawam)
   • Description: Baystate Medical Center is one of the largest hospitals in Western Massachusetts and offers a wide range of healthcare services. CNAs are an essential part of the patient care team, and the hospital regularly hires nursing assistants for various departments.
   • View employment opportunities

CNA Certification Requirements in Massachusetts

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Massachusetts, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: You must graduate from a state-approved CNA program, such as the ones mentioned above. The program must include at least 75 hours of training, with both classroom and clinical components.

2. Pass the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the competency exam, which consists of a written test and a skills evaluation. The exam is administered by the American Red Cross in Massachusetts.

3. Register with the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, you will be added to the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry, which is maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. This registry allows you to work as a CNA in the state.

   • Learn more about the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry
4. Renewal Requirements: CNAs in Massachusetts must renew their certification every two years. To renew, you must have worked for pay as a CNA for at least eight hours during the two-year period.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Agawam, MA, is a fulfilling and achievable goal. With several excellent CNA training programs nearby and a variety of healthcare facilities in the area, you’re well on your way to starting a rewarding career. Take the next step by contacting a local school today to learn more about their programs and how to enroll. Your journey to becoming a CNA starts now!

For more information on the job outlook for CNAs, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Massachusetts may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Agawam?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Agawam usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Agawam will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Agawam?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Massachusetts, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Massachusetts, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Agawam is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Massachusetts CNA Salary info.