CNA Classes in Amherst, Massachusetts

Amherst 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 Amherst, MA

About Amherst

Amherst, MA, is a vibrant town known for its academic excellence and rich cultural scene. Home to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst College, and Hampshire College, this town offers a unique blend of educational opportunities and community life. For more information about the town, visit the official Amherst website.

CNA Training Programs in Amherst, MA

If you are looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Amherst, MA, there are several local programs to consider:

1. Greenfield Community College
   • Location: Greenfield, MA (approximately 20 miles from Amherst)
   • Program Description: Greenfield Community College offers a comprehensive CNA training program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The program prepares students for the Massachusetts state certification exam.
   • Program Link: Greenfield Community College CNA Program
2. Holyoke Community College
   • Location: Holyoke, MA (approximately 15 miles from Amherst)
   • Program Description: Holyoke Community College provides a Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide program designed to equip students with the necessary skills to become a CNA. The course includes lectures, lab work, and clinical practice.
   • Program Link: Holyoke Community College CNA Program
3. Springfield Technical Community College (STCC)
   • Location: Springfield, MA (approximately 25 miles from Amherst)
   • Program Description: STCC offers a CNA program that combines theoretical education with practical training. The program covers essential nursing assistant skills and prepares students for the state certification exam.
   • Program Link: STCC CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Amherst

Amherst and its surrounding areas have several healthcare facilities and nursing homes that often seek qualified CNAs. Here are a few notable ones:

1. Cooley Dickinson Hospital
   • Location: Northampton, MA (approximately 8 miles from Amherst)
   • Description: Cooley Dickinson Hospital is a full-service community hospital offering a wide range of medical services. They frequently hire CNAs to support patient care.
   • Employment Opportunities: Cooley Dickinson Hospital Careers
2. Center for Extended Care at Amherst
   • Location: Amherst, MA
   • Description: This facility provides long-term care, rehabilitation services, and skilled nursing care. They offer various employment opportunities for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities: Center for Extended Care at Amherst Careers
3. Linda Manor Extended Care Facility
   • Location: Leeds, MA (approximately 10 miles from Amherst)
   • Description: Linda Manor offers a range of services including short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and memory care. They regularly seek CNAs to join their team.
   • Employment Opportunities: Linda Manor Careers

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: The program should include at least 75 hours of training, with both classroom and clinical components.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes a written and a skills test.
3. Register with the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry: Upon passing the exam, you must register with the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry.

For more detailed information, you can visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Get Started Today

Now is the perfect time to take the first step towards a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Amherst, MA. Contact one of the local schools today to learn more about their CNA programs and start your journey in the healthcare field.

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 Amherst?

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 Amherst 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 Amherst 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 Amherst?

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