As the fourth largest city in Massachusetts, Lowell is a primary place for people in many different fields to find employment. This includes the medical field specifically. For those looking at becoming a certified nursing assistant, there are numerous places for employment in and around the city. Becoming a CNA can be quite a career with many rewards. However, before you begin taking CNA classes in Lowell, you will want to learn more about the career, what type of training you will need, and what to expect from your chosen job path.
Getting Information about the Certified Nursing Assistant Job
You most likely already know, but keep in mind that it is a very good idea to find out more of what you can expect from the job market before you begin CNA training in Lowell. The medical industry is always in need of experienced and well-trained professionals, but it does not take long to get further information with a few online and offline tools.
Craigslist can be a good place to start your information gathering since there are plenty of companies that post jobs and information on the site. While there is no page for Lowell specifically, Indeed.com does include postings for the city and surrounding areas. Here, you can search for many types of medical jobs, including certified nursing assistant positions.
You do not have to just depend on the Internet to find out information about CNA programs in Lowell. You can also turn to medical staffing agencies. The ideal thing about speaking with such an agency is that they can actually help you find a job after you have completed your training. Some of the top medical staffing agencies in the area include:
CNA Training in Lowell
In order to become a certified nursing assistant in Lowell, you will need to take part in an approved program and you will need to meet the state minimum requirements for licensed CNAs. These state requirements include two different types of study: classwork and clinicals.
For your classwork, you are required by the state of Massachusetts to take 75 hours of courses. For the clinicals, which are hands on training, you will need to finish 100 hours of supervised work. You can expect your CNA training in Lowell to take about 13 weeks to complete. This follows along directly with the required federal minimum training as well.
When you finish your CNA classes in Lowell, you will need to take an exam. This certification exam must be passed in order to become a licensed certified nursing assistant in the state. The test will be broken up into two sections: written and hands-on. You will need to pass both sections.
In order to receive your CNA certification in Massachusetts, you will need to submit proof of immunizations. Your licensing will last for two years, and after that, you will need to renew it. To renew CNA licensing, you will need to show that you worked at least eight hours during that two year span.
Where You Can Find CNA Programs in Lowell
It is important to choose the right training center for your CNA classes. Keep in mind that finishing a quality training program will make it much easier for you to find employment. Additionally, you must choose an accredited program that has been approved by the state of Massachusetts and this includes CNA classes online and offline. Some of the best training centers you could choose for CNA classes in Lowell include:
Where You Can Find Employment
It is a good idea to start looking for employment options before you finish your CNA classes in Lowell. There are plenty of employment options, including these top employers in or near Lowell:
What You Can Expect to Be Paid
Some people need to consider salary information before they begin a program of training. It is a good idea to learn more about what you can expect as far as pay from your certified nursing assistant job. The median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Lowell, MA is $35,180, as of August 4, 2020, with a range usually between $29,219-$42,172 (Salary.com)
Skills You Can Expect to Learn as a Certified Nursing Assistant
If you take part in the top quality CNA training in Lowell, then you will learn the skills you need to be an excellent CNA. Some of these skills include:
- Medical terminology
- Communications with staff, peers, patients, and families
- Caring for patient hygiene
- Patient fall safety, lifting, and independence
Choosing the right CNA programs in Lowell is a must so that you can receive the best training possible. Make sure you choose a program that has been approved by the state of Massachusetts.
- CNA Training Centers
- Street Address
- Phone Number
| COMMONWEALTH NURSING SERVICES-HOME CARE INC | 40 CHIRCH ST. | 978-459-7771 |
| MIDDLESEX CC FOR CREDIT NAT (ACADEMY OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS JOAN LADIK) | 44 MIDDLE ST | 978-656-3139 |
| MIDDLESEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE EVENING | 33 KEARNEY SQUARE | 978-656-3416 |