CNA Classes & Programs in Pawtucket, Rhode Island
1 state-approved CNA program in Pawtucket, including free and evening options. 4-week and online programs are offered in other Rhode Island cities.
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CNA training in Pawtucket
- Programs
- 1
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $41,600
- $20.00 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 9,350
- in the Providence-Warwick region
- Healthcare facilities
- 5
- 3 nursing homes and 2 home health agencies
- Population
- 75,893
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Pawtucket is home to 1 free CNA program supporting individuals who want to become certified nursing assistants close to where they live or work. This northern Rhode Island city provides accessible routes into healthcare through focused classroom learning paired with practical skill development required by state regulations.
The single available class offers free CNA training that prepares students thoroughly for both certification exams and real-world caregiving responsibilities expected by employers throughout Pawtucket’s long-term care facilities or home health providers. Graduates enter a workforce where hands-on skills learned during training translate directly into patient-centered roles vital across regional medical settings.
In the Providence-Warwick metro area—including Pawtucket—CNAs earn around $41,600 per year according to current labor statistics. Completing Pawtucket’s program helps position graduates competitively within this hiring landscape just outside metropolitan Providence.
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Browse CNA Classes in Pawtucket
Pawtucket’s single free CNA program prepares students for Rhode Island certification and entry into local caregiving roles where CNAs are needed most. This targeted class supports practical learning essential for passing exams while enabling graduates to qualify quickly for direct patient care jobs throughout Pawtucket’s active healthcare sector with minimal upfront cost barriers.
Program Types in Pawtucket
| Type | In Pawtucket | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Zenith CNA Academy ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Pawtucket | See other Rhode Island cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Pawtucket | See other Rhode Island cities → |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Zenith CNA Academy ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
The CNA program in Pawtucket
Zenith CNA Academy
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 100 East Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (401) 332-0157
- Schedule
- Evening classes
Harbor of Hope’s Zenith CNA Academy offers a tuition-free CNA program providing comprehensive coursework, hands-on labs, and clinical experience. Day and evening cohorts are available.
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 Pawtucket
Looking for more options near Pawtucket?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Major Rhode Island cities
- Providence11 programs
- Cranston7 programs
- Warwick9 programs
- East Providence2 programs
- Woonsocket4 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Pawtucket
| Median annual pay | $41,600 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $20.00 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 9,350 |
| Salary region | Providence-Warwick |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the Providence-Warwick region, approximately 9,350 certified nursing assistants are employed by various organizations serving patients across northern Rhode Island communities like Pawtucket itself. CNA jobs in Pawtucket are supported by consistent employment prospects due to sustained demand from both residential facilities and community-based providers supporting aging populations nearby.
CNA salary in Pawtucket is best reflected by regional figures: In the Providence-Warwick metropolitan area, CNAs typically earn around $41,600 annually or $20 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This amount matches Rhode Island’s statewide median salary and represents typical compensation levels relative to other entry-level allied health positions available locally.
Pawtucket features several notable CMS-certified employers such as Jeanne Jugan Residence (49 beds), Pawtucket Falls Healthcare Center (154 beds), Oak Hill Health & Rehabilitation Center (129 beds), Nursing Placement Home Health Care Services—a proprietary agency—and Lifetime Medical Support Services supporting varied career paths within both facility-based and community-focused environments throughout the city’s medical sector.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Pawtucket (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Pawtucket providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jeanne Jugan Residence964 Main Street(401) 723-4314Map | 49 | 3.9 |
| Pawtucket Falls Healthcare Center70 Gill Avenue(401) 722-7900Map | 154 | 3.0 |
| Oak Hill Health & Rehabilitation Center544 Pleasant Street(401) 725-8888Map | 129 | 2.5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Pawtucket (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Pawtucket providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Nursing Placement Home Health Care Services588 Pawtucket Avenue(401) 728-6500Map | 4.5/5 |
| Lifetime Medical Support Services235 Lonsdale Avenue(401) 333-3333Map | – |
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 Pawtucket? Explore CNA programs and jobs in East Greenwich, North Smithfield, Warren, Tiverton, and Exeter, or browse the Rhode Island 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 Pawtucket, RI
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Pawtucket, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Rhode Island. These include completing a Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)-approved Nursing Assistant Training Program, passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination administered by Credentia, and obtaining a Rhode Island Nursing Assistant License from RIDOH.
- At least 120 total hours of training (80 classroom hours and 40 supervised practical clinical hours)
- Completion of 16 hours of classroom instruction before any direct patient contact
- An original BCI background check from the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office, dated within four months of the application
- Passing the NNAAP exam: a written knowledge test (70 multiple-choice questions, with an oral version of 60 questions plus 10 reading-comprehension questions available) and a skills evaluation (five assigned skills)
- Up to three attempts to pass, with all testing completed within one year of starting training
- A Rhode Island Nursing Assistant License issued by RIDOH (Rhode Island licenses nursing assistants rather than using registry placement alone)
Once licensed, you may work in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living residences, home care agencies, and other healthcare settings throughout Pawtucket and across Rhode Island. The license must be renewed every two years (expiring June 30), and to renew you must document at least 8 hours of qualifying nursing assistant employment during the preceding 24 months and 12 hours of in-service training annually. Rhode Island charges a $35 initial application fee.
Already certified in another state? Rhode Island offers licensure by endorsement for nursing assistants who hold a current, active certification or license in good standing in another state. Approved applicants are licensed in Rhode Island without repeating the full 120-hour training program or retaking the NNAAP exam, provided they meet the state's training-based or employment-based endorsement criteria. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Rhode Island guide.
For complete details on training, testing, licensing, and renewal, see our full CNA License & Registration in Rhode Island 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 Pawtucket.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Pawtucket
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Pawtucket?
Most CNA programs in Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket?
The CNA program in Pawtucket is free or employer-paid.
Are there free CNA classes in Pawtucket?
Yes. Zenith CNA Academy 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 Pawtucket?
No program in Pawtucket is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other Rhode Island cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Pawtucket?
No 4-week program is listed in Pawtucket. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other Rhode Island cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Pawtucket there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as East Greenwich, North Smithfield, Warren, Tiverton and Exeter. You can also look at the Rhode Island state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Rhode Island CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Rhode Island, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Rhode Island CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Pawtucket?
CNAs in Pawtucket are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 3 nursing homes and 2 home health agencies in Pawtucket. 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.