Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) / Home Health Aide (HHA) Certificate Program

Launch Your Career in Healthcare

Ready to make a difference in the lives of others? Cape Cod Community College’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Home Health Aide (HHA) Program provides the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to start a rewarding career in healthcare.

Our comprehensive program prepares students to deliver skilled, compassionate care to patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health settings. Whether you are just starting out or considering a career change, this program is your first step toward a future in nursing or other health professions.

What You’ll Learn

• Essential nursing skills: vital signs, infection control, patient hygiene
• Effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams
• Patient rights, safety procedures, and ethical responsibilities
• Preparation for success in healthcare workplaces and further educational pathways

Technical Standards

To be eligible for and successfully complete the Nursing Assistant Training Program, certain physical and behavioral standards are required as part of the program and clinical/lab experience. These technical standards have been developed using the U.S. Department of Labor's skills and abilities for those working in a medical setting. Some cooperative work experience opportunities may have additional requirements beyond the technical standards listed here, and requirements may vary by agency. Students must satisfy the program’s technical standards and the individual agency requirements before a clinical assignment is approved.

These technical standards are established in accordance with the Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act. All students must be able to satisfy these standards with or without reasonable accommodation. These include:

Communication (Verbal and Non-Verbal) 

• Communicate effectively either independently or with corrective devices.
• Communicate in English through reading, orally and in writing to instructors, professors, clinical staff, clients, families and all members of the health care team.
• Understand oral directions/requests from health care workers, clients, voice pages and telephone messages stated in a normal tone.

Auditory Ability

• Hear all alarms on technical and supportive equipment set at a normal volume.
• Listen and respond to distress sounds from clients.
• Accurately detect audibly blood pressure readings with a stethoscope. 

Visual Ability

• See and accurately read all written medical information pertaining to the client.
• See and accurately read all readings and functions of technical equipment pertaining to client care.
• See and accurately read all calibrated containers for accurate measurement of body fluids and specimens. 

Physical Strength (Gross Motor Control)

• Ability to lift 25 pounds unassisted in a safe manner, thereby protecting yourself, the client, and those in close proximity to you.
• Bend and/or lift to assist client with activities of daily living and manipulate client equipment.
• Lift to safely transfer or position all clients in various situations.
• Move, push or pull equipment, beds, stretchers, wheelchairs, etc.
• Ability to raise arms over one’s head in order to assist clients and manipulate equipment.
• Walk/stand for extended periods and distances over an 8-hour period. 

Manual Dexterity (Fine Motor Movement)

• Accurately manipulate dials, gauges, buttons and switches to set, monitor and care for client care related equipment.
• Safely and effectively perform dressing procedures without contaminating the wound.
• Successfully don and remove protective apparel (including sterile gloves) to maintain standard precautions. 

Behavioral/Mental Performance

• Function safely, effectively and calmly under stressful situations.
• Prioritize and manage tasks simultaneously.
• Exhibit social skills necessary to interact therapeutically with clients, families, staff, and faculty.
• Maintain personal hygiene consistent with department dress code guidelines.
• Display ethical attitudes and actions consistent with professional behavior.
• Display the social skills to behave with politeness, tact, and sensitivity to others in all settings.
• Exhibit respect for cultural and ethnic differences of clients, peers, and individuals.
• Remain free from alcohol and/or chemical impairment in classroom and clinical settings at all times.

Why Choose Cape Cod Community College for Your CNA Training

"Empowering students to deliver exceptional patient care while serving the healthcare needs of our community."

Cape Cod Community College is committed to student success through culturally responsive teaching, personalized support, and strong partnerships with local healthcare providers.

Students who complete the program and pass the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Exam are eligible to receive 3 credits for prior learning, which can be applied toward a Health Science degree program at Cape Cod Community College.

Start your healthcare journey with us today and take the first step toward long-term career growth and educational advancement.