Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) offers a robust Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Home Health Aide training program designed to equip students with the foundational skills needed to support patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Delivered in an entirely in-person format, this 10-week certificate program includes classroom learning, skill development, and a clinical practicum that aligns with state certification requirements.
Students enrolled in this program take three courses concurrently: AHE 110: Principles of Clinical Practice, AHE 111: Patient Care Skills, and AHE 106: CNA Practicum. These combined courses cover anatomy, physiology, common medical conditions, ethical healthcare practice, infection control, communication techniques, and hands-on patient care procedures. The curriculum is designed to meet the Massachusetts state requirements for CNA certification and offers a balanced blend of theory and practice.
Class Schedule and Program Duration
The CNA program runs for approximately 10 weeks. Classes are scheduled Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m., making it a full-time commitment during the day. The off-site clinical practicum begins after the eighth week and is conducted over a three-day period—typically on weekends and/or holidays—to meet the 24-hour clinical requirement. Students complete the practicum in small groups at partnering healthcare facilities.
Admissions Requirements and Prerequisites
Applicants must attend a scheduled information session or meet with the program coordinator before registering. All students are required to undergo a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and SORI (Sex Offender Registry Information) check before they can participate in the clinical practicum. Students with certain criminal histories may be deemed ineligible for placement. Additionally, students must obtain medical clearance before beginning their clinical experience.
This program does not currently accept online registrations, reinforcing the importance of an in-person, proactive application process.
Program Cost and Financial Aid Options
Tuition for the CNA/Home Health Aide program ranges between $1,500 and $2,000, depending on the semester and applicable fees. This cost includes seven academic credits. While traditional financial aid may not be available for short-term certificate programs, BHCC provides re-employment assistance and workforce recovery support through its Rapid Recovery and Re-employment (R3) program. Students are encouraged to speak with program coordinators for information on scholarships, payment plans, or potential tuition assistance through workforce development grants.
Faculty and Instructional Quality
BHCC’s Allied Health faculty is composed of highly qualified instructors with professional experience in nursing, surgical technology, pharmacy, and public health. Faculty members such as Dr. Rebecca Alleyne-Holtzclaw and Professor Dana Thomas bring academic rigor and real-world knowledge to the classroom. The Clinical Placement Coordinator, Stephen O’Leary, works closely with students to ensure successful practicum placement and coordination.
The CNA courses are overseen by the Allied Health Department and benefit from BHCC’s strong institutional support, including access to state-of-the-art facilities and partnerships with major Boston-area healthcare organizations.
Clinical Experience and Employer Affiliations
A standout feature of the BHCC CNA program is its access to some of the most respected healthcare institutions in Massachusetts. Clinical partnerships include Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and many others. These affiliations provide students with exposure to professional environments and opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings.
Although BHCC does not formally guarantee job placement, the program includes extensive job search preparation. Students learn how to write resumes and cover letters, apply for jobs online, and network with employers. Career workshops hosted on campus allow students to connect with recruiters from major hospitals and care centers. The clinical practicum often serves as an informal audition for future employment.
Certification and Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the three required courses (AHE 110, AHE 111, and AHE 106), students receive a course completion certificate along with seven college credits. Graduates are then eligible to sit for the Massachusetts CNA certification exam administered through D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). This credential allows them to seek employment as CNAs or HHAs in a wide variety of care settings.
What Students Can Expect
Students should expect an academically rigorous but supportive experience that emphasizes practical skills, ethical patient care, and clinical readiness. From the outset, students are immersed in the healthcare field, learning not only how to provide basic care but how to function effectively as part of a medical team. The pace of the program is intensive, and commitment to attendance and performance is crucial to success.
After graduation, students will be equipped to begin working as certified nursing assistants or home health aides in Massachusetts. With Boston’s vibrant healthcare sector as a backdrop, graduates will find themselves well-positioned to secure entry-level roles or continue advancing toward LPN or RN credentials through additional study.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $1,500–$2,000 |
| Program Duration | 10 weeks |
| Class Schedules | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–2:15 p.m. |
| Prerequisites | CORI/SORI background check, medical clearance, and in-person info session |
| Address | 250 New Rutherford Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02129 |
| Phone | (617) 228-3361 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://www.bhcc.edu/alliedhealth/certifiednurseassistant/ |
| Job Placement | No |