CNA Classes & Programs in Boston, Massachusetts
6 state-approved CNA programs in Boston, including free, 4-week, evening and weekend options. Online programs are offered in other Massachusetts cities.
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CNA training in Boston
- Programs
- 6
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $45,620
- $21.93 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 25,200
- in the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua region
- Healthcare facilities
- 40
- 12 nursing homes, 12 hospitals and 16 home health agencies
- Population
- 665,945
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Boston offers 6 CNA programs, making it a central hub for aspiring nursing assistants in Massachusetts. As the state's capital and a key part of the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua metro area, Boston provides students with access to diverse educational paths toward CNA certification, including free CNA classes and accelerated training options for those seeking a faster entry into healthcare roles.
Local CNA classes prepare students for direct patient care through hands-on experiences and classroom learning. Training opportunities are enhanced by the presence of 12 hospitals, 12 nursing homes, and 16 home health agencies throughout Boston, connecting graduates to a range of employment settings. The city’s healthcare sector is anchored by respected institutions, ensuring that new CNAs can gain practical skills in real-world environments after completing their program.
In the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua region, CNAs earn around $45,620 annually—a figure above the statewide median. This solid earning potential, paired with varied CNA program choices in Boston, allows students to confidently pursue state certification and begin their careers in one of New England’s leading healthcare markets.
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Browse CNA Classes in Boston
Students in Boston can choose from 6 CNA programs that prepare them for Massachusetts state certification and success on the state registry. With options including free CNA training and accelerated programs, these courses equip students with patient care skills while supporting flexible scheduling needs. Graduates are well prepared for job opportunities throughout Boston’s healthcare sector, where certified nursing assistants are valued for their training and readiness to enter the workforce.
Program Types in Boston
| Type | In Boston | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Quincy College ArLab ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Roxbury Community College ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Boston | See other Massachusetts cities → |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Roxbury Community College ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 6 CNA programs in Boston
Lowest published cost first.
Quincy College ArLab
CostFreeHours–Weeks6
- Address
- 122 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116
- Phone
- (617) 405-5961
ArLab offers free CNA training in partnership with JVS Boston, with 6-week or 14-week options featuring hands-on labs, clinical experience, and job coaching. Graduates are guaranteed a full-time job with benefits with participating employer partners.
Visit websiteC&S Healthcare Training & Staffing
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 891 Hyde Park Avenue, Boston, MA 02740
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (617) 272-3676
C&S Healthcare Training & Staffing advertises CNA training with hands-on skills instruction and career placement assistance. The site describes support to help graduates secure jobs in healthcare.
Visit websiteEdward M Kennedy Academy For Health Careers
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 10 Fenwood Road, 110 Fenway and 75 Malcolm X Boulevard, Boston, MA 02720
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (617) 306-5643
EMK offers a health careers pathway with classroom, lab, and clinical experiences culminating in CNA skill development and recognition events. Recent school communications highlight junior and senior cohorts preparing for CNA skills testing and pinning ceremonies.
Visit websiteMadison Park Tech Voc High School Dept of Adult Ed
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 75 Malcolm X Blvd, Boston, MA 02720
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (617) 635-8970
Madison Park Tech Voc High School Dept of Adult Ed is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteRoxbury Community College
Cost–Hours75Weeks2
- Address
- 1234 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02721
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (857) 701-1607
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
RCC’s Workforce Development CNA course provides classroom instruction and clinical training in a long‑term care facility covering patient care, terminology, documentation, and legal/ethical topics. Multiple daytime, evening, and weekend cohorts are offered across the year.
Visit websiteThe English High School
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 144 McBride Street, Boston, MA 02130
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (857) 203-1044
The English High School is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Massachusetts cities
All Massachusetts cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Boston
| Median annual pay | $45,620 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $21.93 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 25,200 |
| Salary region | Boston-Cambridge-Nashua |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua metro area, approximately 25,200 certified nursing assistants are employed according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This large workforce reflects sustained demand for CNA jobs in Boston across numerous healthcare settings, including urban hospitals and long-term care facilities throughout the region.
The CNA salary in Boston is best represented by metro-level data. In the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua region, CNAs earn a median annual salary of $45,620, or about $21.93 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This median wage is higher than the statewide Massachusetts figure of $44,200 per year, suggesting that local pay rates may be particularly favorable for new and experienced CNAs working within this metropolitan area.
Boston features an extensive network of CMS-certified facilities that create employment opportunities for new CNAs. Notable examples include Spaulding Nursing and Therapy Center - Brighton (123 beds), Boston Home, Inc (96 beds), and Laurel Ridge Rehab and Skilled Care Center—all nonprofit organizations providing skilled care. Major hospitals such as Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital anchor acute care services in the city. Home health agencies like Suburban Home Health Care, Inc further expand job options for graduates entering this essential field.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Boston (12 facilities)
12 nursing homes in Boston providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Spaulding Nursing And Therapy Center - Brighton100 N Beacon Street(617) 726-9700Map | 123 | 4.4 |
| Boston Home, Inc (The)2049 Dorchester Avenue(617) 825-3905Map | 96 | 4.4 |
| Laurel Ridge Rehab And Skilled Care Center174 Forest Hills Street(617) 522-1550Map | 120 | 2.5 |
| Armenian Nursing & Rehabilitation Center431 Pond Street(617) 522-2600Map | 83 | 2.5 |
| German Center For Extended Care2222 Centre Street(617) 325-1230Map | 133 | 2.4 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Boston (12 facilities)
12 hospitals in Boston offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Brigham And Women'S HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 75 Francis Street(617) 732-5500Map | 5/5 |
| Massachusetts General HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 55 Fruit Street(617) 726-2000Map | 5/5 |
| New England Baptist HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 125 Parker Hill Avenue(617) 754-5000Map | 5/5 |
| Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 330 Brookline Avenue(617) 667-7000Map | 4/5 |
| Boston Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 1 Boston Medical Center Place(617) 638-8000Map | 3/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Boston (16 facilities)
16 home health agencies in Boston providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 4 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Suburban Home Health Care, Inc1050 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 300(617) 264-7100Map | 2.5/5 |
| Uphams Home Health Care415 Columbia Road, Mail Stop 415-1(617) 287-8000Map | 2.0/5 |
| Bethel Health System Llc1485 Dorchester Avenue, Suite 205(617) 822-0900Map | – |
| Solace Healthcare Solutions, Llc16 Greendale Road, Unit 2 | – |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Boston? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Dorchester, Cambridge, Worcester, Lowell, and Brockton, or browse the Massachusetts CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Boston, MA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Boston, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Massachusetts. These include completing a DPH-approved Nurse Aide Training Program, passing the state competency exam administered by D&SDT-HEADMASTER, and being listed on the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 75 total hours of training (classroom/lab + clinical), including 16 hours of required instruction before any direct resident contact
- At least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice in a licensed healthcare facility
- Passing both parts of the DPH-approved exam (knowledge and skills) administered by D&SDT-HEADMASTER
- Placement on the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry (employers verify registry status)
Once certified, you can apply for CNA jobs at hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies throughout Boston and the surrounding area.
Already certified in another state? You may qualify for reciprocity to transfer your certification into Massachusetts without retraining. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Massachusetts guide.
For full details on testing, certification, renewal, and maintaining an active listing, see our step-by-step CNA License & Registration in Massachusetts guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Boston.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Boston
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Boston?
Most CNA programs in Boston can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 2 weeks, at Roxbury Community College.
How much does CNA training cost in Boston?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Boston directly for their current costs. One program is free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Boston?
Yes. Quincy College ArLab offers free or employer-paid CNA training. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may also offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Boston?
No program in Boston is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other Massachusetts cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Boston?
Yes. Roxbury Community College is an accelerated program. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Boston there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Dorchester, Cambridge, Worcester, Lowell and Brockton. You can also look at the Massachusetts state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Massachusetts CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Massachusetts, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Massachusetts CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Boston?
CNAs in Boston are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 12 nursing homes, 12 hospitals and 16 home health agencies in Boston. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.