Job openings for entry-level positions, especially certified nursing assistants (CNAs), are available in virtually all long term care facilities across Massachusetts. Click here to find a facility near you to ask about specific job openings, or you can call us at (617) 558-0202 or toll-free in Massachusetts at 1-800-CARE-FOR for listings of facilities in your area.
A number of entry-level positions are available in the long term care field that require no previous health care experience. Each of these positions offers the opportunity to advance to more senior positions. Many facilities offer scholarships and tuition reimbursement to enable their employees to return to school. In addition, the Massachusetts Long Term Care Foundation - the nonprofit education arm of the Massachusetts Extended Care Federation -- sponsors a Scholarship Program to assist long term care staff in meeting their career goals.
The following are some of the entry-level positions that are available in long term care facilities:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - This is the entry-level direct care position most commonly found in nursing homes. CNAs provide basic patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse. To be certified as a nursing assistant, you must complete 75 hours of training, and demonstrate your skills through a competency examination. Many certified nursing assistants go on to become licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and therapists.
Resident Assistants - This is the entry-level position most commonly found in assisted living residences and retirement communities. Training requirements and advancement opportunities are generally the same as for certified nursing assistants; in fact, many assisted living residences will only hire certified nursing assistants.
Dietary Aide - This is the entry-level position for individuals interested in food service. Dietary aides help prepare and serve nutritionally balanced foods to frail elders and disabled individuals. Many dietary aides go on to become food service managers.
Housekeeping/Laundry Aide - This is the entry-level position critical to ensuring the cleanliness and comfort of long term care facility residents. Many of those who start out in the housekeeping and laundry departments either go on to become department heads or decide to enter direct patient care positions as certified nursing assistants or licensed nursing staff.
Rehabilitation Aide - This is an entry-level position for individuals who are interested in rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Rehabilitation aides are certified nursing assistants who work under the supervision of a licensed therapist to assist elderly and disabled individuals in regaining their strength and function after an illness or operation. Many rehabilitation aides go on to become licensed physical, occupational, or speech therapists.
Activities Assistant - This is an entry-level position for individuals who are interested in recreational therapy. Working under the supervision of the facility's activity director, the activities assistant implements recreational program to enhance the quality of life of long term care facility residents. |
Other Positions in Long Term Care
The following are other positions available in long term care facilities. Many require an advanced degree and/or Massachusetts license.
Administrative Positions
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Administrator
Assistant Administrator
Admissions Director
Executive Director
Human Resource Manager
Staff Development Coordinator
Financial Manager
Bookkeeper/Billing Clerk
Medical Records Clerk
Clerical | Nursing Positions
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Director of Nursing
Assistant Director of Nursing
Nursing Supervisor
Unit Nurse Manager
Charge Nurse
Staff Nurse
Quality Assurance Nurse
MMQ Case Mix Nurse
MDS Nurse Coordinator
Service Plan Coordinator
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
Resident Assistant | Therapy Positions
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Physical Therapist
Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
Occupational Therapist
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Speech Therapist
Rehabilitation Therapist
Respiratory Therapist | Housekeeping/Dietary/Maintenance/Laundry Positions
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Housekeeping Supervisor/Aide
Maintenance Supervisor/Aide
Food Service Supervisor/Aide
Laundry Service Supervisor/Aide
Registered Dietician
Head Cook | Other Positions
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Medical Director
Social Worker
Activities Director/Assistant | |