Massachusetts CNA Program Basics
Massachusetts ensures that all CNA training courses throughout the state meet the federal requirements. The duration of the course depends on where the training program is given but all must be at least 75 hours. Included in the training are classroom studies and clinical exercises. Some of the training courses in Massachusetts don’t accept applicants that are below 18 years old and these programs also require high school diploma or GED.
Massachusetts CNA Training Requirements
- A typical CNA training course covers these topics: infection control, ambulatory care (basic ambulatory therapy), in depth HIPPA coverage, patient rights and basic nursing procedures.
- Some programs particularly those being offered in facilities include extensive memory care training as lots of nursing homes residents suffer from dementia.
- CNA certification programs in Massachusetts are commonly held in care facilities, community colleges. The state’s National Red Cross also offers the same training.
- Unless their employers offer training and sponsorship, students are responsible for their training fees.
Massachusetts CNA Examination Requirements
- To obtain certification, a student must pass an assessment which is composed of two parts – written and clinical exam.
- The assessment is administered by a state certified examiner.
- The examinees must pass both portions of the test in order to be certified.
- Should the student fail to pass the state assessment, he or she may re-take the test after 24 hours.
- Students are given 3 attempts to pass the certification exam; otherwise they will be required to undergo the training course again.
Massachusetts CNA Certification Renewal
- Certification Renewal in the state of Massachusetts is required every 24 months.
- Employers have the option to pay for their CNAs renewal fees or reimburse the amount used by the nurse aides for their re-certification.
- Some employers may be required to fill out some portions on the renewal form except for the portions that needs to be accomplished by the CNA as required by federal law.
- A couple of weeks prior to the actual expiry of the certification, the state’s Nurse Aide Registry sends a renewal notification to CNAs.
- During the past 24 months, the CNAs must have been employed with pay for at least 8 hours.
- Once the new certificate is issued, another two years is added from the date of the last employment – not from the date of renewal.
Massachusetts CNA Certification Reciprocity
- The state of Massachusetts participates in reciprocity for nurse aides that are relocating from another state.
- It usually takes 15 days to validate a reciprocity application.
- Direct reciprocity does not cost anything, but requires that the certification be in good standing in the previous state where CNA has initially obtained a license.
- The transferring CNA must not have any charges of neglect or abuse of a patient.
