CNA Classes & Programs in New Bedford, Massachusetts
5 state-approved CNA programs in New Bedford, including free and 4-week options. Online programs are offered in other Massachusetts cities.
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CNA training in New Bedford
- Programs
- 5
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $39,030
- $18.76 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 940
- in the New Bedford region
- Healthcare facilities
- 6
- 6 nursing homes
- Population
- 100,620
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
New Bedford offers 5 CNA programs tailored to those pursuing a career as a certified nursing assistant in this historic port city. Students can select from traditional classroom-based instruction as well as one free CNA class and an accelerated program option for those seeking faster entry into the workforce. Each pathway provides access to foundational nursing skills needed in local healthcare environments.
CNA courses in New Bedford focus on preparing participants for hands-on patient care roles and Massachusetts CNA certification. In New Bedford, CNAs earn around $39,030 annually—a figure below the statewide median of $44,200—highlighting the importance of program selection and career planning for prospective students. Graduates are equipped to serve patients across various facility types within the region.
Free CNA classes and accelerated 4-week programs are available among New Bedford’s offerings, supporting flexible learning paths while meeting ongoing demand for certified assistants at local nursing homes such as Brandon Woods of New Bedford or Sacred Heart Nursing Home.
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Browse CNA Classes in New Bedford
New Bedford provides 5 CNA training programs that qualify students for Massachusetts state certification and help build essential caregiving skills. Options include free training and accelerated 4-week classes that allow rapid preparation for certification exams. With local demand for CNAs across diverse care settings, these CNA classes prepare graduates to confidently pursue employment opportunities throughout New Bedford’s healthcare community.
Program Types in New Bedford
| Type | In New Bedford | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Southcoast Health at St. Luke's Hospital ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Lifestream Employment & Training Services ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in New Bedford | See other Massachusetts cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in New Bedford | See other Massachusetts cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 5 CNA programs in New Bedford
Lowest published cost first.
Southcoast Health at St. Luke's Hospital
CostFreeHours–Weeks6
- Address
- 101 Page Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (508) 973-5559
Southcoast Health offers a paid six-week CNA Training Program based at St. Luke’s Hospital with classroom, skills lab, observational experiences, and clinical rotations. Tuition-related costs (text/workbook, one scrub set, exam fee) are covered, and trainees are expected to continue working at a Southcoast hospital after certification.
Visit websiteCoastal Career Academy
Cost–Hours100Weeks–
- Address
- 715 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 01970
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (508) 536-5366
Coastal Career Academy offers a state-approved Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide program with 100 hours combining classroom, lab, and supervised clinical experience. Lectures and clinicals are in person with classes running monthly.
Visit websiteGreater New Bedford Reg Voc Tech High School
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1121 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02127
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (508) 998-3321
GNB Voc-Tech’s Nurse/Health Assisting CVTE pathway provides classroom and clinical training, including dementia care and HHA curriculum, and makes students eligible for the Massachusetts CNA exam after completing required coursework and clinical hours. Seniors may participate in cooperative education placements as CNAs.
Visit websiteLifestream Employment & Training Services
Cost–Hours120Weeks5
- Address
- 174 Union Street, New Bedford, MA 02375
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (508) 991-4503
LifeStream’s Nurse Aide/Home Health Aide program is a 120-hour, five-week course with classroom, lab, and supervised clinical training approved by the Massachusetts DPH. Classes are scheduled monthly through the Employment & Training division.
Visit websiteNew Bedford High School
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 230 Hathaway Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 01109
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (508) 997-4511
New Bedford 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.
Not sure which of the 5 programs fits you?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Massachusetts cities
- Boston6 programs
- Worcester10 programs
- Springfield2 programs
- Dorchester1 program
- Cambridge1 program
- Lowell2 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in New Bedford
| Median annual pay | $39,030 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.76 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 940 |
| Salary region | New Bedford |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the New Bedford region, approximately 940 CNAs are employed based on recent market data. This reflects steady demand within both skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers throughout New Bedford and its surrounding communities.
The CNA salary in New Bedford is reported at a median annual wage of $39,030, or $18.76 per hour according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This local figure is lower than the Massachusetts statewide median salary of $44,200 annually and reflects regional compensation conditions for those considering entry into this field within the city’s healthcare sector.
Nursing homes play a significant role as employers in New Bedford; notable CMS-certified facilities include Brandon Woods of New Bedford with 135 beds and Sacred Heart Nursing Home offering care with over 200 beds. Other major centers such as Hathaway Manor Extended Care and Care One at New Bedford provide further employment opportunities for new CNAs seeking practical experience within supportive clinical teams.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in New Bedford (6 facilities)
6 nursing homes in New Bedford 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Brandon Woods Of New Bedford397 County Street(508) 997-9396Map | 135 | 3.0 |
| Sacred Heart Nursing Home359 Summer Street(508) 996-6751Map | 217 | 2.5 |
| Hathaway Manor Extended Care863 Hathaway Road(508) 996-6763Map | 142 | 2.3 |
| Care One At New Bedford221 Fitzgerald Drive(508) 996-4600Map | 154 | 2.3 |
| Oaks, The4525 Acushnet Avenue(508) 998-7807Map | 122 | 2.3 |
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 New Bedford? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Easton, Dedham, Canton, Hanover, and East Bridgewater, 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 New Bedford, MA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in New Bedford, 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in New Bedford
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in New Bedford?
Most CNA programs in New Bedford can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 5 weeks, at Lifestream Employment & Training Services.
How much does CNA training cost in New Bedford?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in New Bedford 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 New Bedford?
Yes. Southcoast Health at St. Luke's Hospital 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 New Bedford?
No program in New Bedford 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 New Bedford?
Yes. Lifestream Employment & Training Services 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 New Bedford there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Easton, Dedham, Canton, Hanover and East Bridgewater. 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 New Bedford?
CNAs in New Bedford are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 6 nursing homes in New Bedford. 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.