CNA Classes in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Portsmouth CNA Training - New Hampshire

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 Portsmouth, New Hampshire

About Portsmouth

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a charming coastal city known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and picturesque waterfront. Nestled along the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth boasts a blend of historic architecture and modern amenities. The city is home to landmarks such as the Strawbery Banke Museum and Prescott Park. For more information, visit the official Portsmouth website.

CNA Training Programs in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Portsmouth, several local schools offer comprehensive training programs to help you get started in your healthcare career.

1. Great Bay Community College
   • Location: Portsmouth
   • Program: Great Bay Community College offers a Nursing Assistant Certificate Program designed to prepare students for the state licensing exam. The program includes classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical training.
   • Website: Great Bay Community College – Nursing Assistant Program
2. Seacoast Career Schools
   • Location: Sanford, ME (approximately 30 miles from Portsmouth)
   • Program: Seacoast Career Schools provides a Nursing Assistant program that covers essential skills and knowledge needed for a career as a CNA. The program includes hands-on training and preparation for the certification exam.
   • Website: Seacoast Career Schools – Nursing Assistant Program
3. York County Community College
   • Location: Wells, ME (approximately 25 miles from Portsmouth)
   • Program: York County Community College offers a Certified Nursing Assistant program that includes classroom instruction and clinical experience. This program prepares students for the Maine CNA certification exam, which is recognized in New Hampshire.
   • Website: York County Community College – Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Portsmouth

Portsmouth is home to several healthcare facilities and nursing homes that offer employment opportunities for CNAs.

1. Portsmouth Regional Hospital
   • Location: Downtown Portsmouth
   • Description: Portsmouth Regional Hospital is a full-service medical facility offering a wide range of healthcare services. It is one of the largest employers in the area and provides numerous job opportunities for CNAs.
   • Employment Page: Portsmouth Regional Hospital Careers
2. Edgewood Centre
   • Location: South End, Portsmouth
   • Description: The Edgewood Centre is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. They offer both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services, creating a variety of job opportunities for CNAs.
   • Employment Page: Edgewood Centre Careers
3. Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
   • Location: Dover, NH (approximately 12 miles from Portsmouth)
   • Description: Wentworth-Douglass Hospital is a non-profit hospital offering a wide range of medical services. It provides numerous opportunities for CNAs in various departments.
   • Employment Page: Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in New Hampshire

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

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and successfully complete a state-approved CNA training program, which includes both classroom instruction and clinical training.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the New Hampshire Nurse Aide Competency Examination, which tests both your theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

3. Background Check: Submit to a criminal background check as part of the certification process.

4. Application: Apply for certification through the New Hampshire Board of Nursing.

For more information, visit the New Hampshire Board of Nursing.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a rewarding decision. With several local training programs and numerous employment opportunities, you can start your journey towards becoming a CNA today. Reach out to one of the schools listed above to learn more about their programs and take the first step towards your new career.

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 New Hampshire 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 Portsmouth?

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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in New Hampshire, you can find CNA training starting in November 2024, December 2024, January 2025, or February 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in New Hampshire, 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 Portsmouth is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out New Hampshire CNA Salary info.