CNA Classes & Programs in MA
Within a short 2-6 months you could be a qualified CNA working in Massachusetts! The state requires that you complete a minimum of 75 hours of CNA classes in MA, and 40 hours of clinical practice in a medical environment. The nice thing about the state of Massachusetts is that you do not have to have earned a high school diploma (or GED) to enroll in CNA programs in MA. You do, however, need to have a clean background check, be fingerprinted, and obtain a fingerprinting card in order to qualify for the CNA classes in MA. Additionally you will need to test negative for TB and have all immunizations up to date and proof of such. Once obtaining your CNA certification in the state of MA, CNA’s in need to have clocked a minimum of 8 hours of paid work as a CNA within the state of Massachusetts. Anyone wishing to work as a CNA in Massachusetts needs to appear on the state nursing registry as a qualified CNA.
What do CNA’s do in the state of Massachusetts?
CNA’s in Massachusetts assist Resident Nurses in their care of long-term patients. This can consist of transporting patients, taking vital signs, as well as assisting in basic living skills. Some long term patients require help with bathing, eating and moving. CNA’s in Massachusetts are responsible in aiding with such tasks. Some other requirements are thing such as maintaining a sterile and safe environment for the patients under their care, minimizing infection spread, and distributing medication. A large part of the CNA’s job description requires detailed record keeping, and communication to keep Nurses informed of the day to day needs, concerns, and medical changes in the patients who are under their care.
Why become a CNA Certified in MA?
Many people who are interested in a career in the medical field begin as CNA’s. Pursuing CNA programs in MA is a quick way to get your foot into the world of medicine and patient care. People who enjoy working with people who are dependent on others for help, are looking for a fulfilling and rewarding job, and are interested in the medical care of others, make great nursing assistants. As the geriatric community in our country continues to be on the rise, so does the need for well qualified CNA’s. Typical wages for a Certified Nursing Assistant in the state of Massachusetts is approximately $12/hour. Job opportunities are projected to be on the rise over the next decade for all states as CNA’s including Massachusetts. It is a great time to start CNA classes in MA to get CNA certification.
What do I need to join CNA programs in MA?
As stated before, the first step is to make sure that all your immunizations are up to date and to test negative on a TB test. You also need to clear a routine criminal background check. Once those things are complete you can apply for a Massachusetts state approved CNA program. When searching for CNA classes in MA, it may be helpful to contact your local American Red Cross to find out what placed offer the training courses in your area. CNA training Boston is one of the more popular choices of the Red Cross. In addition to offering CNA classes in Boston, the Red Cross also offers Home Health Aide training programs in Boston MA.
Starting CNA Classes in MA
Once you complete to minimum of 75 hours of coursework from your CNA classes in MA you can complete your clinical hours. Clinical hours are to be completed in a live medical environment, such as a nursing home, long-term care facility or hospital. This training will be completed under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. During your clinical training you will be able to practice the theoretical skills you learned throughout the duration of your course work. The state of Massachusetts requires a minimum of 40 hours to be completed in clinical setting. During the clinical process you will work on mastering the skills needed to pass the skills portion of the state required clinical exam. The exam will require you to demonstrate your ability to perform required tasks in front of state examiner. Once you complete the class and clinical hours you will need to pass the 2-section Massachusetts state CNA exam. The first section is the skills exam, the second part is the written portion, which consists of multiple choice questions. After passing both portions of the state required exam you will be placed on the Massachusetts CNA registry. This will allow you to apply for CNA jobs in Boston and throughout the state of Massachusetts.
What do I need to do to remain on the state of Massachusetts CNA registry?
After completing CNA classes in MA, your CNA certification is valid for two years. In order to maintain your certification you will need to renew your certification, and also clock a minimum of 8 hours within those 2 years as a paid CNA. Make sure that your keep an up to date address with the Massachusetts Department of Health so that you receive notification of when your CNA certification needs to be renewed. The letter that they send will lay out the steps of how to renew your CNA certification in Massachusetts to remain on the Massachusetts CNA registry.