QCC Opens CNA Testing Site to Assist with Shortage

WORCESTER, MA— November 2, 2022 —  Quinsigamond Community College’s Healthcare and Workforce Development Center opened its labs to offer Certified Nursing Assistant testing last week after administration learned that hundreds of people in Massachusetts were waiting to take the test to become a CNA.

“Federal regulations require a demonstration of skills, which require the use of equipment necessary to demonstrate those skills,” said Katheleen Conti assistant director of media relations for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

In early August 2022, QCC was awarded close to $500,000 in Skills Capital Grant funding, which was used to update three nursing labs with state-of-the-art equipment.

“Quinsigamond Community College is centrally located in Massachusetts, making it an ideal site for CNA testing,” Conti continued. “DPH is committed to ensuring that nurse aides receive high-quality training and certification to protect the health and safety of nursing home residents.”

QCC tested over 100 people and those who successfully pass the state-approved test will be eligible for employment or continue employment in healthcare settings as defined by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

“Our nursing faculty and students adapted to help support these exams,” said QCC’s Dean of the School of Healthcare, Pat Schmohl.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average 10-year growth rate for this occupation is 5%, the same as the average growth rate for all occupations.

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