Introduction
To address the need for a clear and accessible career ladder for direct care workers in Massachusetts, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), in collaboration with several state agencies, launched an initiative to redesign training and credentialing pathways for direct care workers across long-term care settings. This effort aims to create a system that provides greater opportunities for workers to enter and advance in the field, enhances workforce stability for long-term care employers, and improves care quality and accessibility for older adults and people with disabilities in Massachusetts.
Direct Care Worker Career Pathway Initiative
EOHHS, in collaboration with the Executive Office of Aging and Independence (AGE), the Department of Public Health (DPH), and the MassHealth Office of Long-Term Services and Supports (OLTSS), has developed a proposal to redesign the career pathway and credentialing process for this important part of the health care workforce.
The proposed solution has two elements:
- Create a new role specifically for Long Term Care Facilities called a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) to provide limited medication administration.
- Combine current HHA and CNA training requirements into a consolidated CNA certification, including enhanced training and skills, to better meet consumer needs across care settings.
New Certified Medication Aide (CMA) Credential
The CMA role and accompanying certification will require CNA certification as a prerequisite and will allow a CMA to support the complex needs of residents of Long-Term Care facilities and provide limited medication administration in those settings. For current and future CNAs, the CMA will offer a crucial new step in career pathway into nursing, social service, or other health care roles.
Consolidated Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Credential
A central component of the redesign is the development of the consolidated Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential, a singular training and testing program that will encompass all competencies currently required for CNAs and HHAs, plus several additional competencies designed to meet consumer needs, The resulting credential will qualify individuals to work either as home health aides (HHAs) in home and community-based settings or as CNAs in nursing homes and other settings.
For the new, consolidated CNA credential, EOHHS will design and deploy an online training curriculum in multiple languages and offer it as a state-approved option to new and current training providers.
Help us develop this important initiative
EOHHS has facilitated extensive stakeholder engagement throughout 2024 and 2025 to help establish the consolidated CNA training standards and build out the associated career pathway. This process engaged over 270 individuals from more than 160 organizations, gathering input from a diverse and representative cross-section of perspectives and expertise within the field.
We’re asking key audiences to provide input and perspective and help shape the continued development and thoughtful implementation of the Career Pathway initiative. We would especially love to hear feedback from:
- Employees and future employees
- Educational institutions and industry trainers
- Workforce support and job readiness partners
- Providers
Key audiences interested in receiving periodic project updates or participating in an upcoming listening and engagement session are encouraged to email Michael Kelleher: Michael.W.Kelleher3@mass.gov.
And please check this page for updates about the Career Pathway Initiative.
| Date published: | November 21, 2024 |
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