Medical Training Classes

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Overview

Nursing Assistants help provide basic care for patients in hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Overview

Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.

CNA Labor Statistics

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nursing Assistants

EMT Labor Statistics

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, EMTs and Paramedics

How to become a Certified Nursing Assistant

To become a CNA in Massachusetts, you need to:

1. Complete an approved CNA training program (or meet the qualifications listed at 105 CMR 156.100)
2. Pass the state’s certification exam

Prospective students need to:

• have a High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
• be fluent in English and have strong written and verbal skills
• have a valid government-issued photo I.D.

Upon completion of Assabet After Dark’s CNA Program, you will be:

• certified as a Home Health Aide (HHA)
• eligible to take the practical and written state certification exam to become a Certified Nurse Assistant

To register for Assabet After Dark’s next CNA program, click here.

To request an application for the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program or to schedule your CNA examination, please contact the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Testing Office at (781) 979-4010.

How to become an Emergency Medical Technician

To become a certified Nationally and in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as an EMT, you need to:

1. Complete an EMT course from an accredited provider
2. Pass the written and practical certification exam

Prospective students need to be:

1. 18 years old at the time of the practical exam which is the Saturday after the last class
2. Able to lift 125 lbs
3. Able to read, understand, and communicate in English

Instructor Advice to Prospective Students

Students are eligible to sit for the CNA exam with a Tax ID number, however, you cannot be placed on the Nurse Aide Registry until you have your Social Security Number. You may work as a Home Health Aid until that time.

There are many different pathways for students to take after completing the EMT course and getting their certification. Many students work in Emergency Medical Services to “get their foot in the door,” towards other careers in the medical field. Although yes, many times it is a stepping stone towards other careers, many people continue to work as EMT’s and make very good livings at it working in many busy cities and towns as Boston Emergency Medical services and Worcester Emergency Medical Services where they eventually retire with very good pensions.

Careers that many students eventually go into but are not limited to are Firefighting, Law Enforcement, Emergency Room Technicians, Paramedicine, Physician Assistance, and Nursing.