Online CNA Classes in Massachusetts: Top Schools in MA
No matter how serious the condition, a patient’s quality of life makes all the difference. That’s where certified nursing assistants (CNAs) come in. Each day, CNAs help patients bathe, dress, eat, and rest comfortably, improving their lives. CNAs are in high demand in Massachusetts, so read on to find out how to become a CNA, how quickly you can complete your program, top schools to consider, how online and hybrid classes work, typical program costs, and what salary range to expect.
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Inside Online CNA Classes in Massachusetts
In healthcare, hands-on training is a mustLaunch y. With CNA programs, coursework is offered online but clinicals and labs will require in-person attendance. Some programs focus on maximum flexibility and offer courses asynchronously, while others are synchronous, focusing on live interaction among students and faculty. As you evaluate potential programs, think about your learning style and which format will help you be successful. Also, investigate where and when any in-person components of the program are held, to be sure you will have both time and transportation to get there.
MassBay Community College
At MassBay Community College, you can complete your CNA education almost entirely online through the CNA Certification in Greater Boston program. This 120-hour certificate program includes traditional classwork via WebEx, with in-person lab courses on campus and clinical rotations at a long-term care facility in the Greater Boston area. Remote classes are synchronous to encourage student participation.
Enrollment is open three times per year for maximum flexibility, and financial aid is available. Approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), the program prepares you to sit for your Red Cross Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. To receive your certificate, you must attend 100% of classes and clinical sessions, reach 100% skills lab competency, and pass all tests and quizzes with a score of 75% or higher.
Duration: Eight weeks
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $1,300
Admissions Requirements:
- Age 18
- High school diploma or GED
- Criminal background check
- Reliable transportation
- CPR certification
- Purchase of required materials, including textbook, uniform, patch, and name tag
Curriculum:
- Performing routine healthcare tasks for diverse populations
- Basic skills, including checking vital signs
- Roles and responsibilities of a nursing assistant
- Understanding the elderly
- Food service
- Safety
- Personal care
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Northern Essex Community College
The Certified Nurse Assistant/Certified Nurse Aide Training Program at Northern Essex Community College offers theory classes online and lab skills and clinical training courses in person. The program is approved by the Massachusetts DPH and prepares you for the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Certification Exam. As with many online CNA classes, you’ll complete in-person clinical courses in a long-term care facility under licensed CNA supervision. The program includes several mandatory Zoom meetings and mandatory skills lab training. Upon completion, you’ll be prepared to work as a CNA in a nursing care facility, hospital, retirement community, assisted living facility, or home healthcare service.
Duration: Four weeks
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $1,400
Admissions Requirements:
- Immunization records
- Physical exam
- Background check
- Photo ID
- Interview with program coordinator
- Intermediate English reading and writing skills
Curriculum:
- Communication
- Safety and infection control
- Personal care skills
- Vital signs
- Dementia care
- Documentation
- Legal and regulatory healthcare practices
Quincy College
Unlike many online CNA classes in Massachusetts, the Certified Nursing Assistant Program at Quincy College is a noncredit course rather than a certificate program. This program qualifies you to sit for the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Certification Exam. The curriculum is designed for flexibility, with online learning throughout the program and a choice of daytime, evening, and weekend classes. Lab skills must be completed in person, along with clinical training at a skilled nursing facility. Once you’ve finished, Quincy College offers job placement assistance. Multiple start dates are offered each year.
Duration: Four to six weeks
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $1,950
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Physical exam
- Negative TB test or chest x-ray
- Criminal background check
- Immunization record
- Commitment to participating in the full program
Curriculum:
- Basic care skills and techniques
- Caring for diverse populations
- Working in various healthcare settings
Answering Common Questions from CNA Students in Massachusetts
Still need answers before you apply to a CNA program? Whether you plan to study online, in person, or in a hybrid program, it’s natural to have a few things you’re wondering about before starting school to become a CNA.
Are there any four-week CNA classes in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can find four-week programs to get your CNA in Massachusetts. Some of these programs, such as the one at Northern Essex Community College, describe themselves as accelerated and stick closely to the four-week timeframe. Others, such as the one at Quincy College, have some flexibility regarding completion times and list a four- to six-week timeframe. Of the standout programs featured in this guide, MassBay Community College has the longest program, which takes eight weeks. However, even eight weeks is a quick turnaround for getting your education and moving into your profession. If a program is slightly longer, don’t write it off if it has other appealing factors, such as program reputation or location. Remember, after you’ve completed your training, you’ll need to take the CNA exam.
Are there any free Massachusetts CNA training programs?
In Massachusetts, you may be eligible for free CNA training through state government-funded initiatives. The Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund offers training opportunities for in-demand fields, which can include CNA training for those eligible. This program may apply toward online CNA classes in Massachusetts. The program has trained over 6,000 individuals and started with $50 million in funding available. If you don’t qualify for a free program, you’ll find that many CNA courses are affordable, with costs under $1,500. Be sure to ask if your CNA program offers financial aid.
Can I take the CNA test without classes in Massachusetts?
Generally, you will need to take approved CNA training, such as online CNA classes in Massachusetts, to then be qualified to sit for your exam. However, there are a few specific circumstances that may permit you to take the exam without completing the training. For example, if you already have considerable experience working in a nursing home, you may be able to sit for the exam without formal CNA training. In addition, if you’re already trained as a CNA in another state, you won’t need to go through training again in Massachusetts. If you have questions, contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to clarify your status or discuss the situation with the facility where you’re interviewing.
How much does the CNA test cost in Massachusetts?
Typically, you’ll need to pay a total of $150 to take the full set of CNA exams in Massachusetts. This includes a $100 fee for the written and skills portions of the exam, plus a $50 fee for the oral portion of the exam. Each portion may be scheduled and paid for separately. The test is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Haitian Creole. Once you’ve taken the test, allow at least three weeks to receive your results and for your name to appear on the license verification site. You may take the knowledge portion of the test up to four times and the clinical portion up to three times. Tests are administered through D&S Diversified Technologies LLP/Headmaster LLP.
What do I need to do to maintain my CNA license?
In Massachusetts, your CNA license is valid for two years before you’ll need to renew. The Massachusetts Health Professions License Verification Site allows you to check your license validity online to know when it expires. You can renew through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Licensing Renewal System, which offers step-by-step guides for how Massachusetts CNAs renew their licenses when necessary. The process may include uploading your photo, updating your background check, and paying for your license renewal. Unlike other healthcare professions, you don’t need to submit continuing education credits as part of your license renewal.
Salary & Career Outlooks for CNAs in Massachusetts
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $31,390 | $39,530 | $50,140 |
| Massachusetts | $38,380 | $45,410 | $56,340 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $36,900 | $43,630 | $48,020 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $37,740 | $45,600 | $62,020 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $39,080 | $46,110 | $57,520 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $37,350 | $44,800 | $49,460 |
| Springfield, MA | $37,240 | $41,220 | $49,210 |
| Worcester, MA | $37,490 | $44,080 | $51,630 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,361,300 | 1,417,800 | 56,500 | 4.20% | 202,400 |
| Massachusetts | 12,640 | 13,640 | 1,000 | 7.90% | 1,960 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Schools for Online CNA Classes in Massachusetts
Quinsigamond Community College
Worcester, MAProgram Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $1,343 Avg. Aid Amount
- 29% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Quinsigamond Community College
- The Nursing Assistant Direct Entry Certificate program offers a blended learning format with up to 50% online coursework, providing flexibility for students balancing other commitments.
- The program includes clinical practice experiences at local healthcare facilities, ensuring hands-on training that prepares students for real-world patient care and workforce entry.
- Students benefit from low in-state tuition rates at $227 per credit, making the program financially accessible compared to typical healthcare training costs.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $1,343 Avg. Aid Amount
- 29% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $4,151 Avg. Aid Amount
- 27% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Bunker Hill Community College
- The Nursing Assistant program offers free college-credit courses supported by grants, including tutoring, monthly stipends, case management, and transit passes for eligible Boston residents aged 17-21.
- Students gain hands-on clinical experience and training aligned with state certification requirements, enhancing job readiness in healthcare facilities like hospitals and nursing homes.
- The program is part of Bunker Hill Community College’s Allied Health Department, preparing students for state licensure and providing a foundation for advanced healthcare career pathways.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $4,151 Avg. Aid Amount
- 27% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $1,856 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Middlesex Community College
- The Nursing Assistant program offers high clinical placement rates with 50% of study time spent in partner NHS hospitals, providing extensive real-world experience.
- Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art simulation facilities, including virtual and augmented reality technology and advanced clinical skills labs, enhancing practical learning.
- Graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects, with 90% securing graduate-level nursing roles within six months of completing the program.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $1,856 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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