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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Continuing Education (Non-Credit)

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program Overview

Gain essential knowledge and hands-on experience to enter the healthcare field with confidence. With a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential from Quincy College, you’ll cultivate the foundational skills necessary to pass the Massachusetts CNA competency exam with flying colors. 

In this 7-week program, students will learn basic patient care and cover the important responsibilities of the CNA role, like assisting patients with daily activities, taking vital signs, and ensuring patient safety. Designed as a hybrid learning model with both on-line and in-person instruction, the program allows students to put clinical knowledge to practice through supervised training at a skilled nursing facility. Finally, upon program completion, students will be eligible to take the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program Outcomes

After completing the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, students will be able to:

  • Support patients’ daily needs while maintaining dignity and safety
  • Measure vital signs, recognize changes, and document care accurately
  • Follow procedures, use protective equipment, and protect patients and coworkers
  • Work effectively with patients, families, and staff while upholding ethics
  • Gain eligibility to take the state competency exam 

CNA Certification Career Paths

The CNA nursing program at Quincy College offers students a critical entry point into the world of healthcare, which can lead to various long-term career opportunities in hands-on patient care. These roles include:

  • Nursing home CNA
  • Long-term care center nurse
  • Home health care nurse
  • Assisted living nurse
  • Hospice nurse
  • Adult day care nurse
  • Rehab center nurse

 

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Questions?
Nicole Morrissey, Deans Assistant of QC Boston
[email protected]  |  (617) 984 – 1799

Rupa Nijhawan,
[email protected]  |  617-405-5960

Experience Quincy College   

Whether you’re looking to launch a career, build your professional skill set, receive industry-focused training, or transition to a new field entirely, Quincy College is here to help. Explore our academic programs to find the right path for you. 

 

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Courses
    •  
    • Code
    • Course
    • Credits
    • CNA 100
    • Certified Nursing Assistant
    • 0
    Certified nurse assistants (CNA’s) provide basic care for patients as part of the healthcare team. Learn skills and techniques to help meet patients' physical and emotional needs through classroom teaching, skills lab training, and hands on patient care. Hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living and healthcare organizations are looking for CNA’s able to care for those who are ill, injured or disabled and to work with a diverse population in a variety of health care settings. This class will prepare students to take the CNA license exam.

Upcoming CNA Classes

Summer 2026 – Quincy Campus

Daytime Classes:
Online Theory | Labs on-campus | Fridays from 8 a.m.—4:30 p.m. | Clinical 24 hours during the last 1–2 weeks
Option 1: May 15, 2026 – June 26, 2026
Option 2: July 10, 2026 – August 21, 2026

Evening Classes:
Online Theory | Labs on-campus | Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4 p.m.–10 p.m. | Clinical 24 hours during the last 1–2 weeks
Option 1: June 2, 2026 – July 9, 2026
Option 2: July 14, 2026 – August 21, 2026

Weekend Classes:
Online Theory | Labs on-campus | Saturdays from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. | Clinical 24 hours during the last 1–2 weeks
Option 1: May 2, 2026 – June 13, 2026
Option 2: June 27, 2026 – August 8, 2026

Summer 2026 – Plymouth Campus

Daytime Classes:
Online Theory | Labs on-campus | Thursdays from 8 a.m.—4:30 p.m. | Clinical 24 hours during the last 1–2 weeks
Option 1: May 21, 2026 – July 2, 2026
Option 2: July 16, 2026 – August 27, 2026

Fall 2026 – Quincy Campus

Daytime Classes:
Online Theory | Labs on-campus | Fridays from 8 a.m.—4:30 p.m. | Clinical 24 hours during the last 1–2 weeks
Option 1: September 11, 2026 – October 30, 2026
Option 2: November 6, 2026 – January 15, 2027

Evening Classes:
Online Theory | Labs on-campus | Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4 p.m.–10 p.m. | Clinical 24 hours during the last 1–2 weeks
Option 1: September 15, 2026 – October 23, 2026
Option 2: October 27, 2026 – December 4, 2026

Weekend Classes:
Online Theory | Labs on-campus | Saturdays from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. | Clinical 24 hours during the last 1–2 weeks
Option 1: September 12, 2026 – October 24, 2026
Option 2: October 31, 2026 – December 12, 2026

Fall 2026 – Plymouth Campus

Daytime Classes:
Online Theory | Labs on-campus | Thursdays from 8 a.m.—4:00 p.m. | Clinical 24 hours during the last 1–2 weeks
Option 1: September 17, 2026 – October 30, 2026

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long is the Hybrid CNA Program?

  • Daytime session: 6-7 weeks
  • Evening session: 5 weeks
  • Weekend session: 6 weeks

2. Do I have to come in for classes?

  • Class/theory is online asynchronous (via Cinematic App), and the weekly assignments can be done at your convenience.
  • Skills Lab is onsite for 12 hours a week. Day cohorts will have 8.5 hours and Evening cohorts will have two 6-hour lab sessions per week for the first four weeks. Weekend groups will have one 12-hour lab on Saturdays for the first four weeks.
  • Clinical will take place off-site at a long-term care facility where students must complete 24 hours of clinical care. Daytime and evening session students will have three 8-hour clinical rotations, while weekend session students will have two 12-hour clinical rotations.

3. How much does the hybrid CNA program cost?

Tuition for the CNA program is $1,550, plus the cost of uniform (navy-blue scrubs).

4. Is there a payment plan available?

Yes, tuition can be paid in two installments: one before the course begins and one before the start of clinical sessions.

5. What are the eligibility requirements of the CNA program?

  • Students must be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
  • Be able to understand and communicate comfortably in English

6. Do I have to purchase my uniform at Quincy College?

We encourage students to purchase Quincy College navy blue scrubs available at the College’s Bookstore. Navy blue is required for clinical. Students are free to wear any color healthcare uniform/scrubs for skills lab.

7. Is financial aid available?

 No, financial aid is not available for non-credit courses.

8. Are grant funds available?

Yes, MassHire offers financial support for eligible individuals seeking full-time employment. In order to receive grant funding, students must complete the CNA program in its entirety, obtain relevant industry certification, and agree to find training-related employment. MassHire will also provide job placement assistance to program participants. Those seeking grant funding must meet the following criteria:

  • Massachusetts resident
  • Unemployed or under-employed
  • Pass a CORI/SORI
  • Register with the MassHire Career Center
  • Agree to seek employment as a CNA or HHA after successfully completing course

To find your nearest MassHire Career Center, visit www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-masshire-career-center.

9. Are there CNA testing fees?

 Yes, there is a $110 testing fee per student (Knowledge test- $40, Skills test- $70).

10. Where can I work as a CNA?

CNAs can work in various locations and environments, including nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living and/or retirement communities, home care agencies, adult day care centers, schools, clinics, and private practices.

11. Does Quincy College help with job placement?

 Yes, you can receive job placement assistance at the Student Career Center.

12. Will being a CNA help me get into a nursing program?

Yes, becoming a CNA helps tremendously when it comes applying to nursing school—you’ll already be ahead of the curve in terms of skills and experience. However, it’s important to remember that working as a CNA does not guarantee admission into a nursing program.

Questions?
Nicole Morrissey, Deans Assistant of QC Boston
[email protected]  |  (617) 984 – 1799

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