CNA Training Program for English Language Learners
Are you interested in a career in healthcare? The Community Learning Center's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program offers clinical experience and education. We partner with Labouré College of Healthcare, located in Milton.
The English language learning track of this program is for people who are learning English. There are two sessions each year: fall and spring.
To Apply:
- You must be an English language learner (intermediate level or higher).
- You must be able to legally work in the U.S. You must be able to show documentation of work authorization, permanent residency (green card holder) or U.S. citizenship.
- You must attend an information session and take a placement text.
- You do not need a high school diploma.
Cambridge residents have priority. We also accept students who live in eligible cities in the Boston area. View the list of eligible cities when you sign up for an information session.
Program Schedule
- Classes are in person.
- Two sessions each year: Fall session is September to January. Spring session is February to June.
- CNA prep classes meet on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Community Learning Center (5 Western Ave.) from 5 - 9 p.m.
- Clinical classes meet on Thursdays at Labouré College from 4 - 9 p.m. Free transportation is provided from Cambridge to Milton.
The CNA Training Program Provides:
- Job readiness classes to help prepare for a career in healthcare
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Dual enrollment at Labouré College of Healthcare with free transportation to the college
- Classes to strengthen English and math skills
- Job readiness classes to help prepare for a career in healthcare
- Access to an online course
- Alzheimer's / Dementia Care training
- Payment of fee for Massachusetts Nurse Aide Certification Exam
- Home Health Aide (HHA) Certificate
- CPR/AED Certificate
- Nursing Assistant Training Program Certificate of Completion
Program Graduates Earn:
- Home Health Aide (HHA) Certificate
- CPR/AED Certificate
- Nursing Assistant Training Program Certificate of Completion
Information Session and Placement Test
Come to an information session to learn more about our program!
Sign Up for an Information Session
Applications will be accepted through September 4, 2026.
Questions? Contact Yan Zheng at yzheng@cambridgema.gov or 617-299-9950.
The Community Learning Center (CLC) also offers a CNA Training program for people who are fluent in English. Learn more.
Questions and Answers
Do I need a high school diploma to participate in the training program?
No, you do not need a high school diploma.
You need to have intermediate level English skills.
When does the program start?
We offer two sessions each year:
- The fall session starts in September and ends in January.
- The spring session starts in February and ends in June.
Can I take classes online?
Classes are in-person on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.
Is the program free?
Yes. This program is free for participants.
CLC pays for all fees. Required materials are provided. This includes:
- Course materials
- Scrubs
- Transportation from Cambridge to Milton for clinical classes
- Exam fee to take the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Certification exam
- Access to a Chromebook to study
How long is the program?
The program is five months. If you enroll in the program, you must be able to attend for all five months.
The CNA prep classes meet on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Community Learning Center (5 Western Ave.) from 5 – 9 p.m.
The clinical classes meet on Thursdays at Labouré College in Milton from 4 – 9 p.m.
I don’t live in Cambridge. Can I still participate?
Yes. We give priority to people living in Cambridge, but you can also apply for the program if you live in one of these MetroNorth cities:
- Arlington
- Belmont
- Burlington
- Cambridge
- Chelsea
- Everett
- Malden
- Medford
- Melrose
- North Reading
- Reading
- Revere
- Somerville
- Stoneham
- Wakefield
- Wilmington
- Winchester
- Winthrop
- Woburn
If you don’t in one of these cities, you can find other CNA training programs through the MA Adult Education Help Desk.