Applications Now Open for the Southcoast Health Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program. Application deadline is August 26! The six-week program begins October 7, 2024 

This part-time, 32-hour per week program is offered quarterly and focuses on providing the knowledge and competencies required for the Massachusetts Certified Nursing Assistant examination. Anyone that meets the minimum qualifications is welcome to apply.  Current Southcoast employees are encouraged to grow their career and apply. 

Participants will learn the theoretical concepts, principles and skills to care for patients in the acute care and long-term care settings, using the recommended practices established by the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry.

The six-week program consists of a classroom portion that includes lectures, skills lab practice and observational experiences on the inpatient care units at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, MA and clinical rotation at a local rehabilitation facility.  

• Clinical Time: 7am-3:30pm (3 days per week, variable days) 

• Classroom Time: 8am-4:30pm (1 day per week, variable days) 

• Pay Rate during training is $16/hr. 

• Costs covered for text and workbook, one scrub set and certification exam fee. 

Upon completion of the training program and certification, participants will be expected to continue to work at one of Southcoast Health’s three hospitals in a full-time or part-time nursing assistant position for a minimum period of 1 year. Positions are available at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham. Shifts will vary. 

Criteria for Successful Completion 

• Classroom learning 

• Hands-on skills training 

• Clinical rotation competencies 

• Positive feedback from preceptors and direct observation of instructors 

• Submission of a completed clinical rotation and skills competency checklist to the RN educator(s) at the conclusion of the rotation period 

• Completion of the Massachusetts Nursing Assistant certification examination, which includes written exam and skills competency testing. 

Minimum Requirements 

• High School Diploma or GED 

• In 200 words or less, describe your motivation becoming a CNA at Southcoast Health 

• Resume   

• References 

• Transportation to both program and clinical rotation sites 

• Must be available to start on October 7, 2024 

• Must be willing to continue full-time or part-time employment at a Southcoast Hospital upon completion of the program