Certified Nursing Assistant in Massachusetts
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Massachusetts.
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route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Massachusetts
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Massachusetts, you must complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, which includes both classroom learning and clinical practice. After completing the training, you must pass the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (TMU Portal), which includes a written/oral exam and a skills demonstration. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health oversees the Nurse Aide Registry, and renewal is required every two years, contingent on having worked at least 8 hours as a CNA for pay in the preceding 24 months. Reciprocity is available for out-of-state CNAs who meet specific criteria.
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Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Massachusetts. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Massachusetts requirements
| Licensing body | Massachusetts Department of Public Health |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program of at least 75 hours, including classroom and clinical instruction. Many programs require a high school diploma or GED. |
| Exam | Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation (administered by D&S Diversified Technologies/TMU Portal) ($110) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Reciprocity | Massachusetts offers reciprocity for active, in-good-standing CNAs from other states.Reciprocal states: Reciprocity is available for CNAs certified in another state, whose certification is current and in good standing, and who have never been certified in Massachusetts. Specific instructions apply for California, Colorado, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, and Tennessee. |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18 years old (some programs allow 16-17 with parental consent, but must be 18 to work). Requires a criminal background check (CORI and SORI). Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours performing nursing-related duties in the past 24 months. There is no continuing education requirement for renewal. |
Source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Massachusetts? See whether Massachusetts recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Certified Nursing Assistant license reciprocity guide.
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- check_circleMassachusetts license required — clearer credential signal to employers
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