CNA Classes in Gardner, Massachusetts

Gardner 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 Gardner, MA

About Gardner

Gardner, Massachusetts, known as the “Chair City” due to its rich history in furniture manufacturing, is a charming town located in Worcester County. With a population of around 20,000, Gardner offers a small-town feel with the amenities of a larger city. Notable landmarks include Dunn State Park and the Gardner Museum. For more information about Gardner, visit the official Gardner website.

CNA Training Programs in Gardner, MA

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Gardner, MA, there are several local programs available to help you get started on your career path. Here are three reputable schools offering Nursing Assistant programs:

1. Mount Wachusett Community College
   • Location: Gardner, MA
   • Program Description: Mount Wachusett Community College offers a comprehensive CNA training program that includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The program prepares students for the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
   • Program Page: Mount Wachusett Community College CNA Program
2. Quinsigamond Community College
   • Location: Worcester, MA (approximately 30 miles from Gardner)
   • Program Description: Quinsigamond Community College provides a Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide Certificate program designed to equip students with the skills needed for entry-level positions in healthcare.
   • Program Page: Quinsigamond Community College CNA Program
3. American Red Cross
   • Location: Worcester, MA (approximately 30 miles from Gardner)
   • Program Description: The American Red Cross offers a Nurse Assistant Training program that combines lecture, lab, and clinical experiences to prepare students for the CNA certification exam.
   • Program Page: American Red Cross CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Gardner

After completing your CNA training, there are several healthcare facilities and nursing homes in Gardner where you can seek employment. Here are some key employers in the area:

1. Heywood Hospital
   • Location: Gardner, MA
   • Description: Heywood Hospital is a 134-bed acute care hospital providing comprehensive healthcare services. They offer various employment opportunities for CNAs.
   • Employment Page: Heywood Hospital Careers
2. Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
   • Location: Gardner, MA
   • Description: Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Center provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services. They frequently hire CNAs to support their residents.
   • Employment Page: Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Center Careers
3. Broadview Assisted Living
   • Location: Winchendon, MA (approximately 10 miles from Gardner)
   • Description: Broadview Assisted Living offers a range of services for seniors, including assisted living and memory care. They offer various roles for CNAs.
   • Employment Page: Broadview Assisted Living 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: Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program that includes both classroom and clinical components.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which consists of a written (or oral) exam and a skills evaluation.
3. State Registry: Once you pass the exam, you will be listed on the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

For more information, visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Gardner, MA, is a rewarding choice that offers numerous opportunities in the healthcare field. Contact one of the local schools today to begin your journey toward becoming a CNA. Your future in healthcare starts with taking that first step!

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 Gardner?

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 Gardner 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 Gardner 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 Gardner?

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 November 2024, December 2024, January 2025, or February 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 Gardner is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Massachusetts CNA Salary info.