CNA Classes & Programs in Gardner, Massachusetts
1 state-approved CNA program in Gardner, including free, online and evening options. 4-week programs are offered in other Massachusetts cities.
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CNA training in Gardner
- Programs
- 1
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $39,020
- $18.76 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 680
- in the Leominster-Gardner region
- Healthcare facilities
- 4
- 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 21,090
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Aspiring CNAs in Gardner can choose from 1 local program that provides direct preparation for entering healthcare support roles throughout north-central Massachusetts. Gardner’s presence within the Leominster-Gardner metro area ensures focused access to quality nurse aide education close to home without needing to travel into larger cities nearby.
This single program offers classroom instruction alongside hands-on experience meant specifically for those targeting state certification exams—and uniquely features free CNA classes not always found elsewhere locally or statewide. In Leominster-Gardner, CNAs typically earn around $39,020 annually; this figure is slightly below but still comparable with Massachusetts’ broader median wage landscape at $44,200 per year according to official data sources.
CNA courses here emphasize practical skills required by employers such as Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Center or Heywood Hospital—helping ensure graduates meet expectations when joining teams at local hospitals or long-term care facilities following completion of their studies.
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Browse CNA Classes in Gardner
Students in Gardner can choose from 1 free CNA training program that prepares them directly for Massachusetts state certification while building vital patient care abilities needed by employers locally. This class enables eligibility for placement on the registry so graduates can pursue roles where CNAs are needed throughout Gardner’s healthcare sector after completing their training requirements successfully.
Program Types in Gardner
| Type | In Gardner | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Mt Wachusett Community Comm College ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Gardner | See other Massachusetts cities → |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Mt Wachusett Community Comm College ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Mt Wachusett Community Comm College ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
The CNA program in Gardner
Mt Wachusett Community Comm College
CostFreeHours–Weeks8
- Address
- 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01901
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (978) 630-9363
- Schedule
- Evening classes
MWCC offers an 8-week hybrid CNA program that is free for eligible residents, with day or evening classes and a one-week 30-hour clinical practicum.
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 Gardner
Looking for more options near Gardner?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Major Massachusetts cities
- Boston6 programs
- Worcester10 programs
- Springfield2 programs
- Dorchester1 program
- Cambridge1 program
- Lowell2 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Gardner
| Median annual pay | $39,020 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.76 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 680 |
| Salary region | Leominster-Gardner |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the Leominster-Gardner region, approximately 680 certified nursing assistants work across various hospitals and long-term care facilities according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). Demand remains steady due to aging populations requiring continued support from trained nurse aides within both urban centers and smaller towns like Gardner.
The CNA salary in Gardner reflects regional data: in Leominster-Gardner, CNAs earn around $39,020 annually or about $18.76 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023). While slightly below the current statewide median wage of $44,200 per year in Massachusetts, these figures represent typical earnings specific to this local market context.
The city features multiple CMS-certified employers such as Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Center—a facility providing skilled care with over 120 beds—and Wachusett Manor serving nearly 100 residents as another significant provider operated by a limited liability company. Heywood Hospital stands out as an acute-care hospital offering emergency services; Care Central VNA & Hospice also delivers high-quality home health services rated at 3.5 stars by CMS data—all contributing key job opportunities within Gardner’s community-focused network of employers.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Gardner (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Gardner 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Gardner Rehabilitation And Nursing Center59 Eastwood Circle(978) 632-8776Map | 124 | 2.0 |
| Wachusett Manor32 Hospital Hill Road(978) 632-5477Map | 96 | 1.9 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Gardner (1 facility)
1 hospital in Gardner offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Heywood Hospital -Acute Care Hospitals · 242 Green Street(978) 632-3420Map | 3/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Gardner (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Gardner providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Care Central Vna & Hospice Inc34 Pearly Lane(978) 632-1230Map | 3.5/5 |
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 Gardner? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Baldwinville, Greenfield, Charlton, Palmer, and Leicester, 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 Gardner, MA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Gardner, 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 Gardner 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 Gardner.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Gardner
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Gardner?
Most CNA programs in Gardner can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 8 weeks, at Mt Wachusett Community Comm College.
How much does CNA training cost in Gardner?
The CNA program in Gardner is free or employer-paid.
Are there free CNA classes in Gardner?
Yes. Mt Wachusett Community Comm College 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 Gardner?
Yes. Mt Wachusett Community Comm College offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Gardner?
No 4-week program is listed in Gardner. 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 Gardner there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Baldwinville, Greenfield, Charlton, Palmer and Leicester. 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 Gardner?
CNAs in Gardner are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency in Gardner. 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.