Applications to our Spring 2026 CNA training cohort are now exclusively open to all Southcoast Health Employees

• This cohort will run from March 23, 2026 through May 1, 2026.

• Deadline for employees to apply is January 2, 2026 with acceptances determined by February 16, 2026.  

This part-time paid, 32-hour per week program 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.  

Please note, in order to participate in this program, you will have to vacate your current position. 

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 the training program 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(24+) Evening or Night Shift nursing assistant position for a minimum period of 1 year. Positions are available based on hospital needs at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham.   

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 March 23, 2026, with no time off needs during the 6-week training program ending May 1, 2026 

• Must be willing to continue full-time or part-time (24hrs) employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant at a Southcoast Hospital upon completion of the program for a minimum of 1 year. 
• Must be willing to accept an off-shift position (3p-11p, 7:15p-7:15a, 7a-7:30p or 11:15p-7:15) upon completion of the program.