Center for Workforce and Community Education

Contact Information

Lisa Fortier
401.333.7336
lmfortier@ccri.edu

Joanna Geremia

401.333.7077
jmgeremia@ccri.edu

Lori Cavallaro
Program Coordinator
401.333.7077
lacavallaro@ccri.edu

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

The Demand for Certified Nursing Assistants in Rhode Island is Enormous!
What is a Nursing Assistant?

A Nursing Assistant is a member of the health care team who provides personal care and related health care assistance to individuals who are sick, disabled, dependent, or who are residents of health care facilities. 

If you wish to be employed as a nursing assistant or home health aide in Rhode Island, you must complete an approved nursing assistant training course.

How long is the program?

The program lasts from 6-10 weeks: depending on the schedule. Classes are held at CCRI Campuses at a variety of days and times, including nights and weekends, as follows:

What is covered in the training?

The program consists of 120 hours of training - 88 hours of classroom and laboratory and 32 hours of clinical training in a nursing facility.  Topics covered include basic nursing skills, resident’s rights, mental health and social services, basic rehabilitative services, personal care skills, and safety and emergency procedures. And ... completion of CCRI’s CNA program qualifies for a maximum of six credits into the Renal Dialysis Technology Certification Program.

How do I enroll?

If you are interested in the CNA program, your first step is to register for one of the following dates to take the CNA Pre-Test. This reading comprehension pre-test MUST be taken prior to registering for the CNA program. (Note: If you are in the FIP Program, you must contact the REACH Office prior to enrollment.) A nonrefundable application fee is payable at registration time.

CNA Pre-test Dates
Check Available Courses »

After the pre-test, you will be given an application and a physical form that must be completed by your physician. Students will be scheduled for a class of their choice upon receipt of the completed application, physical, and Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) forms. You will be notified two weeks prior to the start of class date.

CPR certification must be attained prior to the clinical portion of the program, which takes place during the last two weeks of training.  Certification must be Healthcare Provider level by American Heart Association.

Tuition for the program is payable at the time of registration. Textbook is included, but please note that the state licensing fee is not included. (Financial aid assistance is not available for this non-credit course.)

Upon successful completion of the course, we will schedule you to take the state boards in our fully equipped state-of-the-art testing center within three weeks. The state’s application process and licensing fees will be explained to you by your instructor upon completion of the program.

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