Boston, MA (April 16, 2025) – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that $9.7 million has been awarded through the Community College Nursing Grant to expand workforce training in critical health care professions across Massachusetts. This funding will support noncredit Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Medical Assistant training programs at each of the state’s 15 public community colleges, serving approximately 1,125 students in the state. Non-credit programs are designed to meet workforce demands quickly and efficiently, while providing individuals with practical, job-ready skills for upward mobility.

“As the daughter of a school nurse, I know how important it is to have experienced workers in the health care industry. These training programs will bolster the nursing pipeline to meet the workforce needs of employers in the medical field and the health care needs of patients across Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This funding will help to break down barriers that far too many people face when trying to obtain credentials and certificates to advance their careers in health care.”

“As one of the most rapidly growing STEM occupations, it is vital that we open pathways for more people to pursue nursing and health care careers as soon as possible,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These training programs are a win for our residents, a win for our employers, and a win for our health care system.”

By investing in these programs, the administration is bolstering Massachusetts’ health care industry by developing a highly skilled workforce of CNAs, Medical Assistants, and other health care professionals. This funding will also create training and employment opportunities across the state, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds have access to stable, well-paying careers in health care. Additionally, these programs will serve as a foundation for further education, providing learners with clear pathways to advance their careers and pursue higher levels of health care education in the future.

These non-credit training programs are designed to meet workforce demands more quickly than a college semester cycle, while providing individuals with job-ready skills that open opportunities for upward mobility. After participating in these health care training programs, residents can choose to use their learned skills to enter into the workforce or, thanks to MassReconnect and MassEducate, to continue their education and pursue for-credit programs tuition and fee-free at community colleges.

Atwia Wymy, Certified Nursing Assistant

Northern Essex CNA program graduate Atwia Wymy is doing just that. She was shocked to discover the college’s CNA program was free when she called to request information about the program in the fall of 2023. She found work immediately upon passing her state exam and is now employed full-time while taking classes toward an associate degree in General Studies: Health Specialization.

“I never paid a penny, I couldn’t believe it,” she remembered. “It was like my dreams came true. And because I was given this support, I now have the love and support to pass on to those that I care for in my job.”

You can read more about Atwia’s journey in the upcoming edition of NECC’s alumni magazine, alumnecc.

Sessions of CNA training at Northern Essex span 90 hours over four weeks. Students must then pass a state exam to earn their certification. The grant funding covers all program costs, including books, scrubs, and testing fees. Cohorts start throughout the year. For more information, contact Program Coordinator Heather Waniga, RN or visit the webpage.