CNA Classes & Programs in Dorchester, Massachusetts
1 state-approved CNA program in Dorchester, including evening and weekend options. Free, 4-week and online programs are offered in other Massachusetts cities.
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CNA training in Dorchester
- Programs
- 1
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $45,620
- $21.93 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 25,200
- in the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua region
- Healthcare facilities
- 2
- 2 nursing homes
- Population
- 125,392
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Dorchester offers 1 CNA program designed to help prospective nursing assistants begin their journey toward certification in one of Boston’s most populous neighborhoods. This community-based option provides an accessible pathway into patient-centered roles within local long-term care environments close to home.
CNA classes here focus on essential theory alongside practical skills needed for successful certification exams in Massachusetts. Graduates benefit from direct connections with Dorchester-based facilities—including two CMS-certified nursing homes—that can provide hands-on experience following completion of coursework requirements.
CNA salaries align with figures from the broader Boston-Cambridge-Nashua region; local graduates can expect annual earnings near $45,620, which sits above statewide benchmarks according to current data sources.
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Browse CNA Classes in Dorchester
Dorchester offers a single CNA program that prepares participants for Massachusetts state certification through focused instruction aimed at building strong clinical foundations and confidence required on exams. Graduates emerge ready for placement on the registry and are well positioned for roles where certified nursing assistants support patient needs throughout Dorchester’s vibrant community healthcare network.
Program Types in Dorchester
| Type | In Dorchester | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Dorchester | See other Massachusetts cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Dorchester | See other Massachusetts cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Dorchester | See other Massachusetts cities → |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Boston Healthcare Institute ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
The CNA program in Dorchester
Boston Healthcare Institute
Cost–Hours96Weeks–
- Address
- 340 Talbot Ave, Dorchester, MA 01832
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (617) 756-6840
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
BHI provides Nursing Assistant training with classroom, lab, and a 21-hour clinical rotation. Multiple schedules are available including weekday, evening, and weekend options, and graduates receive job search assistance.
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.
CNA Programs Near Dorchester
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Major Massachusetts cities
All Massachusetts cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Dorchester
| 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 region, approximately 25,200 certified nursing assistants work across various healthcare organizations according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). Employment prospects remain steady due to consistent need within both long-term care centers and home-based service providers operating locally, supporting ongoing demand for CNA jobs in Dorchester.
The CNA salary in Dorchester is best reflected by metro-level data: In the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua area, CNAs earn a median annual salary of $45,620, or about $21.93 hourly based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) statistics. This level exceeds Massachusetts’ statewide median ($44,200), indicating favorable wages compared with other regions across the Commonwealth.
Dorchester features two CMS-certified nursing homes: St Joseph Rehab & Nursing Care Center (123 beds) operates as a major employer along Centre Street, while The Bostonian Nursing Care & Rehabilitation Center provides additional skilled services nearby with its own sizable bed capacity. Greater Horizon Healthcare adds home health employment possibilities within neighborhood boundaries, giving new CNAs several avenues into meaningful direct-care positions following program completion.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Dorchester (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Dorchester providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 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 |
|---|---|---|
| St Joseph Rehab & Nursing Care Center321 Centre Street(617) 825-6320Map | 123 | 2.1 |
| Bostonian Nursing Care & Rehabilitation Ctr, The337 Neponset Avenue(617) 265-2350Map | 121 | 2.0 |
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 Dorchester? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Boston, Quincy, Lynn, Somerville, and Framingham, 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 Dorchester, MA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Dorchester, 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 Dorchester 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 Dorchester.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Dorchester
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Dorchester?
Most CNA programs in Dorchester can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Dorchester?
Contact the program in Dorchester directly for its current cost. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Dorchester?
No program in Dorchester is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other Massachusetts cities. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Dorchester?
No program in Dorchester 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 Dorchester?
No 4-week program is listed in Dorchester. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other Massachusetts cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Dorchester there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Boston, Quincy, Lynn, Somerville and Framingham. 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 Dorchester?
CNAs in Dorchester are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 2 nursing homes in Dorchester. 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.