Build the skills to give safe, compassionate patient care, and prepare for your Massachusetts nurse aide certification.
Why become a CNA?
Nursing assistants give the daily, hands-on care patients count on, and they work closely with nurses in every kind of care setting. It is one of the fastest ways to start a healthcare career.
You'll learn how to:
- Help patients with daily living activities
- Take and record vital signs
- Practice infection control and safety
- Communicate with patients and the care team
- Protect patient rights and dignity
Program overview
| Credential | Prepares you for the Massachusetts Nurse Aide certification exam |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | Massachusetts DPH-approved Nurse Aide Training Curriculum |
| Hours | 90 hours of instruction and 24 hours of supervised clinical training |
| Length | 7 to 10 weeks, depending on the term |
| Class schedule | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6–9 PM |
| Format | Hybrid: in-person skills lab, live online classes, and clinical rotations at a partner facility |
| Location | BHCC Chelsea Campus |
| Cost | Contact the R3 team for current tuition and funding options. You must be a Massachusetts resident to qualify for any funding. |
What you'll learn
Patient care
- Activities of daily living
- Vital signs
- Positioning and mobility
- Nutrition and hydration
Safety
- Hand hygiene and PPE
- Infection control
- Fall prevention
- Emergency procedures
Professional practice
- Patient rights and dignity
- Communication
- Observing and reporting
- Working on a care team
Student story
“The R3 program opened the door to the medical and clinical field for me. I am grateful this program exists with no boundaries for people like me to get exposure to healthcare. It prepares us to be ready for work in a short amount of time. I'm really thankful for all of the wonderful people who made this program work.”
Mavelyn, R3 CNA Academy, Summer 2026
Career opportunities
- Hospitals
- Nursing and rehabilitation facilities
- Assisted living communities
- Home health agencies
How to get started
Spring 2027 cohorts
What to expect after you apply
There's no application deadline. After you apply, our team contacts students as seats become available. None of our programs offer rolling admissions, and seats are limited, so applying doesn't guarantee a seat in the next cohort. Plan for time between applying and your first class, and apply early. You must be a Massachusetts resident to qualify for any funding.
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Submit your application. Apply online at www.bhcc.edu/training.
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Complete intake. Meet with our team to confirm the program is a good fit. Medical Interpreter applicants must pass the language assessment to be considered for the course.
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Attend orientation. R3 orientation for all programs is Tuesday, January 19, 2027, in person.
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Start class. Phlebotomy and EKG begin Monday, January 25. CNA and Medical Interpreter begin Tuesday, January 26.
Frequently asked questions
When can I start?
None of our programs offer rolling admissions. The next CNA cohort starts Tuesday, January 26, 2027. There's no application deadline. Seats are offered as they become available. You must complete intake before classes begin, so apply early.
Do I need healthcare experience?
No. The program starts from the basics and builds your skills step by step.
What do I need for clinical rotations?
Clinical sites require a background check and immunization records. The R3 team walks you through each requirement during onboarding.
Is the state exam part of the program?
The program prepares you for the Massachusetts nurse aide exam. Ask the R3 team about exam registration and fees.
Is funding available?
Funding may be available for eligible students. You must be a Massachusetts resident to qualify for any funding. Contact the R3 team to learn more.
What happens after I finish?
After you pass the state exam, you can apply for CNA positions. R3 career workshops help you with your resume, interviews, and job search.