CNA Classes in Watertown, Massachusetts

Watertown 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 Watertown, MA

If you’re considering a rewarding career in healthcare, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Watertown, MA, could be a great option. CNAs, also known as nurse aides or nursing assistants, play a critical role in patient care, providing essential support to both patients and medical staff. This article will guide you through the process of becoming a CNA in Watertown, from finding local CNA training programs to understanding Massachusetts certification requirements.

About Watertown

Watertown, Massachusetts, is a vibrant city located just a few miles west of Boston. Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and proximity to major healthcare hubs, Watertown offers a great environment for those seeking a career in healthcare. With easy access to the Charles River and landmarks like the Arsenal Yards shopping and dining district, Watertown is a convenient and appealing location for students and professionals alike. To learn more about the city, visit the official Watertown website.

CNA Training Programs in Watertown, MA

Finding the right CNA training program is the first step in your journey to becoming a certified nursing assistant. Below are some local schools and programs that offer nursing assistant courses near Watertown, MA.

1. Bunker Hill Community College (Charlestown, MA)

• Location: Charlestown, MA (about 7 miles from Watertown)
• Program Overview: Bunker Hill Community College offers a comprehensive CNA training program that prepares students for the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The program covers essential skills such as patient care, infection control, and basic nursing techniques.
• Learn more about the CNA program at Bunker Hill Community College.

2. American Red Cross of Massachusetts (Boston, MA)

• Location: Boston, MA (about 6 miles from Watertown)
• Program Overview: The American Red Cross offers a Certified Nurse Assistant training course that combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience. This program is well-regarded for its focus on patient safety and compassionate care.
• Learn more about the CNA program at the American Red Cross.

3. MassBay Community College (Wellesley Hills, MA)

• Location: Wellesley Hills, MA (about 12 miles from Watertown)
• Program Overview: MassBay Community College offers a CNA training program that includes both classroom learning and clinical practice. Students are trained to provide high-quality care in various healthcare settings, preparing them for the Nurse Aide Certification Exam.
• Learn more about the CNA program at MassBay Community College.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Watertown

Once you’ve completed your CNA training, you’ll want to explore employment opportunities in Watertown and the surrounding areas. Here are a few major healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs are often in demand.

1. Mount Auburn Hospital

• Location: Cambridge, MA (just 4 miles from Watertown)
• Overview: Mount Auburn Hospital is a top-rated teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School. It offers a wide range of healthcare services and frequently hires CNAs to assist in patient care.
• Explore employment opportunities at Mount Auburn Hospital.

2. Watertown Health Center

• Location: Watertown, MA
• Overview: Watertown Health Center is a skilled nursing facility that provides long-term care and rehabilitation services. CNAs are essential members of their care team, providing daily patient assistance and support.
• Explore employment opportunities at Watertown Health Center.

3. Newton-Wellesley Hospital

• Location: Newton, MA (about 6 miles from Watertown)
• Overview: Newton-Wellesley Hospital is a comprehensive healthcare facility offering a variety of services, including surgery, maternity care, and emergency services. CNAs are a critical part of the patient care team at this hospital.
• Explore employment opportunities at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

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 first step is to complete a state-approved CNA training program, which typically includes at least 75 hours of classroom and clinical instruction.

2. Pass the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.

3. Register with the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, your name will be added to the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry, making you eligible to work as a CNA in the state.

For more information on CNA certification requirements, visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health or the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Watertown, MA, is a fantastic way to enter the healthcare field and make a difference in the lives of patients. With several local CNA training programs and numerous employment opportunities, there’s no better time to start your journey. Contact one of the schools listed above today to learn more about their programs and take the first step toward a fulfilling career as a CNA.

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 Watertown?

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 Watertown 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 Watertown 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 Watertown?

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