New Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Curriculum Framework
The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) are releasing a new curriculum framework to support enhanced training and certification of Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) across the Commonwealth…. click here to access the memo.
Nurse Aide Certification Testing is available in Four Languages
The nurse aide certification exam is available in English, Haitian Creole, Spanish, and Chinese. For more information regarding testing in Haitian Creole, Spanish, or Chinese, please refer to the Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook available on the Massachusetts Nurse Aide page of the D&S website.
Establishing a Nurse Aide Training Program
To apply to become a DPH approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP), first create an account in the Health Professions Licensing System and then follow these steps to access the online application:
ONE - Select “Apply for a New License” (click the arrow)
TWO - Scroll to “Nurse Aide Registry”. Click View More:
THREE - Review the information provided in the links below, then click Start Application
FOUR – Begin your application. eLicensing will prompt you through the application process to submission.
- If you are a private occupational school, you will also need a license from the Division of Professional Licensure (DPL).
- DPH must approve all clinical sites. For sites to be approved, they must be a level II or level III long-term care facility in good standing.
- DPH does not approve certification or continuing education units (CEUs) for educational CNA workshops.
Nurse Aide Training Programs approved by DPH are located throughout Massachusetts. To locate a NATP in your area or obtain a complete list of Department-approved programs visit: Interactive map for Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Training Sites | Mass.gov.
Training equipment
Nurse Aide Training Programs are required to maintain the following equipment and resources:
Equipment
- Standing scale for height and weight, i.e. eye level (physician mechanical beam scale)
- 5 Standard bedpans
- 5 Fracture bedpans
- 5 Blood pressure cuffs
- 5 Stethoscopes
- 2 Teaching stethoscope (binaural)
- Bedside commode
- 5 Thermometers (non-mercury)
- 50 Alcohol wipes
- Clock with second hand for wall
- Trash can with cover
- Laundry hamper with cover
- Hospital bed with non-restraint (partial) side rails, call bell, and privacy curtains (1 for every 5 students)
- Bedside stand and over-bed table
- Chair with arms
- Sink with running hot & cold water in room or nearby, with a closed paper towel dispenser mounted on the wall and wall mounted soap dispenser
- Walker
- Wheelchair
- Gait belts (1 per every 2 students; minimum of 5)
- Manikin
- Disposable gloves (various sizes; 4 boxes)
- Isolation gowns and masks (6 of each)
- 5 Bath basins
- 5 Mouthwash, toothpaste and toothbrushes
- 5 Denture cups
- 50 Drinking cups for mouth care
- 1 set of Dentures
- Hearing Aide
- 24 Glycerin/lemon swabs for mouth care
- 5 Emesis basins
- Disposable bowls, cups, plastic spoons, food (applesauce and cereal) and thickener for feeding
- Disinfectant wipes or spray for equipment/classroom/lab cleaning
Linens
- Pillows (4 per bed)
- Pillow cases (4 per bed)
- Sheets (4 per bed)
- Bedspreads (1 per bed)
- Bed protector (2 per bed)
- 6 Hand towels
- 6 Bath towels
- 6 Wash cloths
- 6 Hospital gowns
- Female street clothing (2 sets)
- Male street clothing (2 sets)
Nurse Aide Training Program Resources
- Current editions of instructors’ manual and student textbooks and workbooks (not older than 5 years)
- Desks or tables and chairs for classroom
- Whiteboard and markers
- DVD player and DVDs demonstrating ADL skills
- Reference books such as medical dictionary, medical abbreviation book or listing, medical reference books
- Charts on relevant topics (example: poster about hand washing/infection control) and/or models of the human body
- Locking file cabinets to secure confidential student information
Download the entire list: Nurse Aide Training Program Equipment List
Nurse Aide Training Program Inspections
Initial inspection: Following the review of an initial Nurse Aide Training Program application, a site survey inspection will be scheduled at a time that works for both the Program and Survey Inspection staff. The site visit serves as an opportunity for the Program to meet with DPH and discuss any questions or concerns associated with beginning a new Nurse Aide Training Program. It is also an opportunity for Survey Inspection staff to review available Program resources.
Renewal inspection: Every 2 years, an unannounced site survey inspection will take place. Survey Inspection staff review available Program resources and ensure there are no deficiencies, or non-compliance issues, with the Program. If the site survey inspection results in deficiencies being found, the Program would receive a Statement of Deficiencies form outlining which regulations are not being complied with, and the Program would be required to correct the noted deficiencies. Failure to correct the deficiencies may result in withdrawal of Nurse Aide Training Program approval.
Please note that pursuant to Federal regulation 42 CFR 483.151(f)(3), Nurse Aide Training Programs must permit unannounced visits by the State.
Making changes to your approved Nurse Aide Training Program
- Nurse Aide Training Programs must notify DPH of any significant changes. DPH must approve some changes, such as those involving clinical site
- To notify DPH of any significant changes, submit proposed changes by going to: healthprofessionlicensing.mass.gov.