Top CNA Programs in New York (2027 Rankings)

New York’s nursing assistant workforce is projected to grow 24% from 2022 to 2032, far outpacing most other entry-level healthcare roles. This growth has created a dense patchwork of training options across New York City, Long Island, and upstate, with net prices ranging from zero-cost grants to several thousand dollars at private institutions.

Below, we rank state-approved accelerated, hybrid, and traditional formats, each with distinct certification timelines and costs. The interplay of location, program type, and funding determines exam eligibility and early earnings. In the downstate metro, median CNA wages exceed $46,000, but the same paycheck stretches further in Binghamton or Buffalo after housing expenses.

10 Best CNA Programs in New York

This affordability-weighted list spans public CUNY and SUNY campuses, a private career college in Albany, and community colleges across NYC, Long Island, and upstate New York. Program lengths range from about six to eleven weeks, with several formats for working adults. Note that graduation rates shown for these schools reflect the entire institution, not the CNA training cohort specifically.

Rank	School	Location	Net price	Best for
#1	CUNY Hostos Community College	Bronx, NY	~$5,000/yr (est.)	Bronx residents needing grant-funded pathways
Hostos delivers CNA training through Continuing Education and Workforce Development, with hands-on patient care skills and support services for academic and career success. A recent grant can cover CNA certificate costs for eligible healthcare-related students beginning in 2025-26, making it a strong pathway for Bronx residents. Admission typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with background checks or health screenings possible. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website Campus-based program through Continuing Education Hands-on training included Tuition assistance available for eligible students High school diploma or equivalent required Background checks may apply for clinical placement Health screenings possible Focus on patient care skills Certification pathway to entry-level healthcare roles
#2	CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College	New York, NY	~$5,000/yr (est.)	Manhattan learners prioritizing NYS exam prep
BMCC's nursing assistant preparation includes New York State Certified Nurse Aide exam readiness and CPR certification, with direct patient care skills at the center. The program is designed for individuals entering healthcare, and applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent plus TABE test scores. Nursing Assistant Preparation, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website Fully in-person program Prepares for New York State CNA exam Includes CPR certification High school diploma or equivalent required TABE test scores required Focus on direct patient care Career training in healthcare Supervised clinical preparation
#3	Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus	Albany, NY	~$24,000/yr (est.)	Albany area career changers seeking six-week entry
Mildred Elley's Albany campus offers a six-week Nurse Aide Training program with classroom instruction, skills practice, and offsite clinical experience. The curriculum covers medical terminology, patient care, safety, and basic life support, preparing students for New York certification. Flexible scheduling and a career-training focus suit entry-level healthcare seekers and career changers. Nurse Aide Training (CNA), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website Six-week program length Campus-based in Albany, NY Flexible class schedules available Includes offsite clinical experience Covers medical terminology Teaches patient rights and safety Focuses on basic life support Prepares for New York certification
#4	CUNY City College	New York, NY	~$4,000/yr (est.)
City College's CNA program is approved by the New York State Education Department and prepares students for the NYS Nurse Aide Certification Exam. It includes a 30-hour clinical internship in a nursing home and requires a high school diploma or equivalent, minimum age 18, and legal U.S. work authorization. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website Hybrid learning format 152.5 total program hours 30-hour clinical internship Approved by NYSED Prepares for NYS exam Tuition $1,235 plus $25 registration fee Minimum age 18 and U.S. work authorization required Medical clearance and drug screen required
#5	CUNY Lehman College	Bronx, NY	$3,000/yr (est. net price)
Lehman's CNA is New York State-approved and includes an exam voucher, scholarships, and Workforce1 voucher acceptance. The curriculum covers anatomy, patient care fundamentals, and clinical rotations in hospitals, hospice, and home health settings. No prior healthcare experience is required, and evening classes with weekday or weekend clinicals support working adults. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website New York State approved training Includes NYS certification exam voucher Clinical rotations at healthcare facilities 97 hours didactic instruction 30 hours clinical rotation Evening classes with weekday or weekend clinicals ASSET scholarship available Workforce1 vouchers accepted
#6	CUNY Queensborough Community College	Bayside, NY	$4,000/yr (est. net price)
Queensborough's CNA program prepares students for the NHA certification test with anatomy, physiology, patient care, and supervised clinical externships at Chapin Nursing Home or Parker Jewish Institute. Weekday, weeknight, and weekend tracks help working students, and flexible payment plans plus scholarships are available. Graduates can pursue roles with NYC HealthPlus Hospitals and other care settings. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): NYSED Certification, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website $45,500 median earnings reported Prepares for NHA certification test Clinical externships at Chapin or Parker Weekday and weekend schedules available Weeknight classes Tuesday through Thursday evenings Employment pathway with NYC HealthPlus Hospitals Flexible payment plans available NYS LGBTQIA+ affirming care training
#7	Fulton-Montgomery Community College	Johnstown, NY	$6,000 – $7,000/yr (est.)
Fulton-Montgomery offers both a standalone CNA and a combined CNA/Home Health Aide program, each 120 hours and eight weeks long. The format includes offsite clinical training, with textbook and testing fees included. Financial sponsorships and scholarships from regional healthcare partners help cover tuition, and admissions are first-come, first-served. Certified Nursing Assistant, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website 120-hour NYS-approved training $2,200 total program cost 8-week program duration Combines classroom and offsite clinical training Includes textbook, testing, and licensing fees Financial sponsorships available Scholarship opportunities offered First-come, first-served admissions Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)/Home Health Aide (HHA), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website Combined CNA and Home Health Aide credential Median salary $30,365 reported Prepares for NYS CNA exam Campus-based program Works with hospital, nursing home, and home care patients Special admission requirements apply Regional employer partnerships Schedule and application details coming soon
#8	SUNY Westchester Community College	Valhalla, NY	$6,000 – $12,000/yr (est.)
SUNY Westchester's CNA and combined CNA/Home Health Aide offerings sit within Health Sciences and lead to industry certifications. The programs are designed for entry-level nursing care roles in Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley, with student services and career-focused education supporting diverse learners. Certified Nursing Assistant, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website In-person learning format Ossining campus location Industry certifications offered Health Sciences area of study Campus-based program delivery Certified Nurse Aide/Home Health Aide (CNA/HHA), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website Combined CNA and Home Health Aide credential Located in Ossining, NY Campus-based option
#9	Schenectady County Community College	Schenectady, NY	~$9,000/yr (est.)
Schenectady County Community College offers a Certified Nurse Aide program with 90 classroom hours and 30 clinical hours over eight weeks. The cost includes textbooks, scrubs, and test fees, and evening classes with transportation support and laptop loans help local students. The program emphasizes hands-on skills for elderly, child, and developmentally disabled patient care. Certified Nurse Aide, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website Prepares for NY State certification 90 classroom hours minimum 30 clinical hours minimum Eight-week program length Cost: $1,800 total Includes textbooks and scrubs Covers test fees Evening classes available
#10	Nassau Community College	Garden City, NY	~$7,000/yr (est.)
Nassau Community College's CNA program runs 11 weeks with 120 total hours, including 90 classroom and lab hours and 30 clinical rotation hours at a local nursing home. Saturday clinicals fit working adults on Long Island, and the program maintains a partnership with VEEB Practical Nursing Program. Graduates prepare for the NY State certifying exam and can work in hospitals, nursing homes, adult day care, and assisted living. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website $1,700 total program tuition 11-week program 120-hour training program 90 classroom and lab hours 30 clinical rotation hours Saturday clinical rotations Partnership with VEEB Practical Nursing Program Prepares for NY State certifying exam

How to Choose the Right CNA Program in New York

How do I know if a CNA program in New York will actually qualify me for the state exam? Not every training course leads to certification, so the first and most important filter is whether the program holds current approval from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) or the Department of Health (NYSDOH).

Check NYSED or NYSDOH Approval Status

Only graduates of an approved program can sit for the NYSDOH Certified Nurse Assisting Exam, administered by Prometric. School-based programs, those offered by high schools, BOCES, or postsecondary institutions, must be approved by NYSED. Other training providers, such as nursing homes, may operate under NYSDOH oversight. You can verify a program's status directly on the NYSED Office of Professions list of approved nurse aide programs. If a school cannot show you its approval or appears inactive on that directory, move on. Approval also means the curriculum meets the state's minimum 100 total hours, with at least 30 hours of supervised clinical experience in a nursing home or long-term care facility. Many programs run closer to 120 hours to ensure thorough preparation.

Understand Clinical Placement Logistics

Clinical hours are not optional, and where you complete them matters. Ask pointed questions: Does the program arrange clinical placements for every student, or are you expected to find your own site? How close are the clinical facilities to the classroom location or your home? A program that relies on a single nursing home across town may add significant commute time. Clarify whether the clinical schedule mirrors class hours or if you'll need to be available on weekends or evenings.

Evaluate Scheduling and Total Cost

Evening, weekend, and part-time tracks can be essential if you work or have family obligations. Request a sample schedule for the entire program, not just the first two weeks. Then go beyond tuition: add up uniforms, textbooks, background checks, health screenings, and the exam fee. The "cheapest" tuition might hide these extras, leading to a higher total than a slightly pricier program that bundles everything.

• Timetable fit: Does the class schedule conflict with your job or caregiving duties?
• Commute: Calculate travel time to both classroom and clinical sites.
• Hidden fees: Ask for a line-item list of all costs, including retest fees if you don't pass on the first attempt.

Dig into Exam Pass Rates and Job Placement

Programs with consistently high pass rates tend to invest in quality instruction and clinical rehearsal. Ask the program coordinator for the most recent two years' pass rates on the NYSDOH exam; some schools post them publicly. Pair that data with job placement assistance: does the school offer resume workshops, employer introductions, or a formal job board? A program that actively helps graduates land their first CNA role can shorten your job search considerably.

Balance Quality with Affordability

Low cost is attractive, but not at the expense of a convenient schedule, strong clinical partnerships, and evidence of successful outcomes. A program that forces a long commute, offers only daytime clinicals you can't attend, or lacks employer connections may end up costing you more in lost wages and retesting fees than a moderately priced option with better support.

Questions to Ask Yourself

CNA Program Costs in New York: What to Expect

A CNA program's total cost extends beyond tuition. Additional expenses for textbooks, uniforms, CPR certification, background checks, medical exams, and the state certification exam can add several hundred dollars. The breakdown below shows how a typical total of around $2,000 is distributed across these components.

Free and Funded CNA Training Options in New York

Some CNA training pathways in New York erase tuition but lock you into a multi-year job commitment; others cover costs through public workforce grants with no strings attached. Understanding the trade-off between immediate debt relief and long-term career flexibility can help you pick the best-funded route.

Public Grants: WIOA and NYC Workforce1

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the largest source of free CNA training in New York. Administered through local career centers, WIOA funding can pay for the entire program if you qualify as an unemployed, underemployed, dislocated worker, or low-income adult. Unlike many employer-funded programs, WIOA does not require a work commitment after certification, you are free to seek any CNA job. To apply, find your nearest New York State Career Center and ask about WIOA-approved training. Only programs listed on the Eligible Training Provider List can be covered, so confirm eligibility early.

For New York City residents, NYC Workforce1 Career Centers operate similarly. They target individuals facing employment barriers, and while they do not impose a formal work obligation, they often partner with training providers that feed directly into local hiring pipelines. Services include career counseling and job placement support, making the transition from classroom to clinical floor smoother.

Employer-Sponsored Training: Commitment Required

Many nursing homes and hospitals across New York offer free CNA training in exchange for an employment commitment, typically one to two years. This is a legitimate, no-cost path: the facility covers tuition, textbooks, and certification exam fees, and you often receive a wage during training. The trade-off is that you must work for that specific facility after licensure. If you leave early, you may owe back the training costs. This model works well if you already have a preferred employer in mind, but read the agreement carefully, some contracts lock you into a particular shift or unit. Major long-term care chains in the state regularly advertise these programs on their career pages.

State Stipends and Community Partnerships

Less common but increasingly available are stipend-backed pre-CNA initiatives through public colleges. For example, a SUNY-linked program at Tompkins Cortland Community College offered a fully funded pre-CNA course plus a $500 stipend with no employment obligation. While that specific program may be time-limited, it reflects a broader trend: New York’s Medicaid-funded workforce initiatives sometimes channel grants to community colleges and workforce boards to cover CNA training costs. Check with your local community college or county workforce development office for pilot programs that bundle free tuition with a living-expense stipend. Additionally, the American Red Cross runs CNA courses in several New York regions; while these are not typically free, limited scholarships or fee waivers may be available for eligible students.

Online, Hybrid, and In-Person CNA Programs in New York

Choosing between online convenience and in-person learning isn't a simple either/or, especially in New York, where state rules require hands-on clinical training no matter what. The key is understanding what each format actually delivers and matching it to your schedule and learning style.

What Online Actually Means for a CNA Program

No New York CNA program is 100% online. The New York State Education Department mandates all nurse aide students complete supervised clinical hours in a patient-care setting. Any program marketing "online CNA" still requires in-person skills practice and a clinical externship. If you see online-only promises, verify that the program is state-approved and includes required clinicals, otherwise it will not qualify you for certification.

Hybrid Models: Classroom Online, Clinicals On-Site

Many New York schools now offer hybrid tracks that split instruction: you complete theory and lectures online, then attend scheduled in-person sessions for skills lab and clinical rotations. City College of New York and Lehman College both list hybrid CNA options where coursework is delivered online but hands-on labs and clinicals happen on campus or at partner facilities. This format cuts commute time for lectures while preserving essential face-to-face practice.

In-Person Formats: Immersive and Accelerated

Traditional in-person programs pack all learning into on-site classes and labs. These often suit career changers who want a fast, immersive experience, some accelerated programs finish in as little as four to six weeks. Because everything happens in a classroom with direct instructor feedback, students who struggle with self-paced online work often prefer this route.

Which Format Fits Your Life?

• Working adults: Hybrid or evening tracks let you hold a job while studying. Check if online lectures are live or recorded so you can fit them around shifts.
• Career changers needing speed: An accelerated in-person program may justify stepping away from work temporarily to jump into a new field fast.
• Parents or caregivers: Hybrid options reduce travel to campus, but confirm childcare coverage for clinical days, which are non-negotiable and often during business hours.
• Self-directed learners: A hybrid lecture structure can work well if you are disciplined, but if you need structure and accountability, in-person may keep you on track.

Every approved program builds in the required clinical hours, so your choice comes down to how much flexibility you need for the classroom portion and how you learn best.

Fastest and Accelerated CNA Programs in New York

How quickly can you become a certified nursing assistant in New York?

Minimum Training Hours in New York

New York State Education Department (NYSED) requires a minimum of 100 hours of training for CNA programs: typically 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Some programs exceed this, but the state floor applies to all approved programs. Always confirm that a program is on the official NYSED approved list before enrolling; this ensures eligibility for the state competency exam.

Typical Accelerated Program Durations

Accelerated CNA tracks in New York often compress the required hours into a 4- to 12-week schedule. Full-time, day programs may finish in as little as 4 weeks, while evening or weekend formats stretch to 8 to 12 weeks. These fast-paced options demand full attendance and intense study, but they get you exam-ready quickly. Check directly with schools for current start dates and exact durations, as schedules shift seasonally. Some NYC-based programs offer rolling admissions, allowing you to begin within weeks of applying.

From Enrollment to Employment: The Real Timeline

The classroom and clinical portion is only half the story. After completing training, you must schedule and pass the New York CNA competency exam administered by Prometric. Exam wait times currently range from 1 to 4 weeks, although they can vary by testing center location and season. Factor in additional days for program paperwork processing and state certification issuance once you pass. In a best-case scenario, a motivated student could go from enrollment to securing a job offer in roughly 2 to 3 months, but you should plan for 3 to 4 months to account for registration delays and exam availability. Contact Prometric directly for the most current scheduling windows.

• Check NYSED: Verify program approval status at the official state site.
• Ask admissions: Request exact completion timelines and clinical placement procedures.
• Plan for testing: Call Prometric ahead of time to gauge current wait times in your area.
• Reach out to graduates: Connect with recent program alumni on LinkedIn or nursing forums for unfiltered feedback on how long the full process really took.

Aligning Training with Hiring Cycles

Once certified, landing a job can happen quickly. Many healthcare employers in New York post CNA openings year-round, and some will hire new graduates before the state certificate arrives, provided you can show exam-pass confirmation. Check local hospital and nursing home career pages to see typical post-to-hire windows. This can help you map a realistic end-to-end timeline: training + exam wait + job offer. In high-demand regions like New York City, the gap between certification and first day on the job may be just a week or two.

New York CNA Certification Requirements and Exam Guide

The path to CNA certification in New York begins with a state-approved 120-hour training program, followed by a two-part exam administered by Prometric. The exam includes a 60-question written/oral test and a clinical skills assessment where three of five assigned skills are evaluated. Candidates have up to three attempts to pass each component, and successful test-takers are placed on the NYS Nurse Aide Registry.

CNA Salary and Job Outlook in New York by Region

Nursing assistants in New York face a classic urban trade-off: higher paychecks in the New York City metro area often get swallowed by some of the nation's steepest living costs. To decide where you can build the most financial security, you need to look at regional wage data alongside local expenses.

2025 Salary Estimates for Key New York Metros

• New York–Newark–Jersey City: 80,540 jobs; median $47,450; 10th percentile $33,280; 90th percentile $59,770.
• Nassau County–Suffolk County: 7,940 jobs; median $46,530; 10th percentile $33,880; 90th percentile $57,980.
• Albany–Schenectady–Troy: 4,280 jobs; median $38,710; 10th percentile $34,520; 90th percentile $45,620.
• Rochester: 4,920 jobs; median $38,480; 10th percentile $33,410; 90th percentile $45,890.
• Buffalo–Cheektowaga–Niagara Falls: 5,890 jobs; median $38,130; 10th percentile $33,540; 90th percentile $45,430.
• Syracuse: 3,270 jobs; median $37,760; 10th percentile $32,560; 90th percentile $44,740.

All figures are 2025 BLS Occupational Employment Statistics estimates. The New York City metro wage premium is clear, with medians roughly $9,000 higher than upstate hubs. Even entry-level wages in the region land above the national median for nursing assistants.

The Cost-of-Living Factor

A $47,450 salary in the NYC metro area must cover housing, transportation, and day-to-day expenses that can be two to three times higher than in upstate cities. While a CNA in Buffalo or Syracuse earns a lower median, the relative purchasing power may be stronger once you adjust for rent, groceries, and taxes. Net-to-net, many nurses find that upstate and western New York markets offer a more comfortable middle-income lifestyle on a single CNA paycheck. The Long Island metro sits somewhere in between: wages rival NYC but the cost of living is nearly as high.

Where the Jobs Are

Employment numbers tell a parallel story. The New York City metro alone employs over 80,000 nursing assistants, dwarfing all other regions combined. That scale means abundant openings but also heavy competition. Mid-sized metros like Buffalo (5,890 jobs) and Rochester (4,920 jobs) still offer hundreds of job listings at any given time, often in settings ranging from hospitals to nursing homes. The smaller markets of Albany, Syracuse, and Long Island each maintain steady demand, giving CNAs flexibility to choose a community that fits both their career and financial goals.

CNA Career Advancement Pathways in New York

Can a New York CNA bridge to an LPN or RN, and does that initial nursing assistant experience actually accelerate the process? The short answer is yes: many CNAs in New York use their foundational training and clinical hours as a springboard into practical nursing or registered nursing, often with the help of bridge programs designed to avoid redundant coursework.

The CNA-to-RN Career Ladder

CNA work is direct patient care under supervision. That hands-on experience builds clinical judgment, comfort with medical terminology, and familiarity with care routines. When you apply to an LPN or RN program, admissions committees see this as real-world readiness, and many nursing schools award preference or even advanced standing to applicants with verified CNA hours.

• CNA → LPN: Most LPN programs in New York take 12–18 months. After certification, CNAs often find the transition smoother because they already understand vital signs, infection control, and patient transfer.
• LPN → RN (ADN or BSN): LPN-to-RN bridge programs typically run 1–2 years and build on the LPN license. Some CNAs skip LPN entirely and go directly into an associate or bachelor’s program, using their CNA credential to strengthen the application.

Bridge Programs at New York Community Colleges

Numerous community colleges and technical schools across the state offer CNA-to-LPN and LPN-to-RN pathways approved by the New York State Education Department. These programs evaluate prior learning and clinical experience, which can reduce the total time spent in school. For example, a CNA with 500 hours of recent work may test out of basic skills modules. While every institution sets its own policy, the trend is toward recognizing CNA competency as a legitimate accelerator.

Tuition Assistance from Employers

Yardeny a major financial incentive: many New York hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies will pay for CNAs to advance. Employers such as large health systems often offer tuition reimbursement or full scholarships for employees who commit to working as LPNs or RNs after graduation. This arrangement can cover everything from prerequisite courses to full ADN programs, making the career ladder far more affordable. If you are currently employed, ask your HR department about educational benefits, some are underpublicized but substantial.

Lateral Specialty Roles

If a vertical climb isn’t your immediate goal, CNAs can also move laterally into specialized roles that expand skills and may come with higher pay. In New York, home health aide and hospice aide positions are common and typically require additional on-the-job training. While medication aide certification exists in some other states, New York does not currently have a state-recognized medication aide role; however, advanced CNA positions in settings like memory care or acute rehabilitation can offer variety and deeper clinical exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Programs in New York

Choosing the right CNA program in New York can feel overwhelming. Here are answers to the most common questions prospective nursing assistants ask, based on the detailed program reviews and data shared throughout this guide.