The Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is advancing its health care aide career ladder initiative to strengthen the direct care workforce, address persistent staffing vacancies, and expand career advancement opportunities for Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) and Home Health Aides (HHAs) across the Commonwealth. As part of this initiative, EOHHS convened a Program Advisory Committee composed of representatives from government agencies, Mass Senior Care, health care employers and providers, employees, and educational institutions. The committee has met regularly to develop recommendations on core competencies, learning management system design, and instructor training standards that will inform the creation of a single, consolidated CNA credential.
The new integrated CNA training program is expected to launch in April 2026, with certification testing through D&S Headmaster beginning in June 2026. Individuals currently certified as CNAs or HHAs will be able to continue working under their existing credentials and may voluntarily obtain the new consolidated CNA credential by completing a bridge program. Once the new program is implemented, the consolidated CNA training will become the required standard for all new certifications.
This effort marks an important step in modernizing the state’s approach to workforce development, ensuring a more flexible, efficient, and career-oriented pathway for direct care workers. At the same time the consolidated CNA role is progressing, EOHHS has also been working toward developing and implementing regulations and training for the new certified medication aide (CMA) role. The CMA role was passed in Chapter 197 of the Acts of 2024 following years of advocacy by MSCA and members. The CMA is on track to be ready late fall, and these two initiatives combine to establish a new nursing career pathway with stackable credentials in our state. MSCA will continue to share information on these important initiatives.