Maria Delgado, RN
June 23, 2025
The healthcare system of New York depends heavily on Certified Nursing Assistants who serve as vital members of their workforce. Patients receive hands-on assistance from Certified Nursing Assistants who work under the direction of licensed nursing staff. CNAs support their patients by helping them perform bathing routines, eating meals, dressing, and moving around. The role of CNA remains essential for delivering patient care at long-term facilities including nursing homes and hospitals as well as home healthcare settings. Patient comfort and dignity maintenance during treatment or recovery becomes possible through the assistance of these healthcare professionals.
Suffern, NY - Public 2-Year - sunyrockland.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Certified Nurse Aide Training Program provides a fast-track pathway into healthcare, preparing students for critical entry-level nursing assistant roles. This comprehensive program combines rigorous classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience, equipping participants with essential skills in patient care, communication, and professional healthcare practices. With no prerequisites and flexible hybrid learning options, students can complete the program in just a few months, positioning themselves for immediate employment in diverse healthcare settings.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Rockland Community College's Certified Nurse Aide Training Program in NY prepares students for entry-level healthcare roles. This hybrid program combines classroom learning with clinical experience, covering essential skills like patient care and infection control. No prerequisites are required. The cost is $1,600, with options for in-person and hybrid formats. Graduates are eligible to take the state certification exam, opening doors to rewarding healthcare careers.
Bayside, NY - Public 2-Year - qcc.cuny.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kickstart a rewarding healthcare career with this comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant program. Learn critical patient care skills through a hybrid online and in-person format, preparing you for the NYS certification exam. Designed for flexibility, the program covers anatomy, patient care fundamentals, and includes clinical experience. Total cost is $1,650, with multiple scheduling options to fit diverse lifestyles.
Garden City, NY - Public 2-Year - ncc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Discover an exciting pathway into healthcare with Nassau Community College's Certified Nursing Assistant program. This comprehensive 120-hour training equips students with essential patient care skills, preparing them for a rewarding career in various healthcare settings. Ideal for individuals passionate about patient care, the program offers hands-on learning, covering critical techniques in patient assistance, vital sign documentation, and compassionate care for diverse populations.
Middletown, NY - Public 2-Year - sunyorange.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program provides a comprehensive pathway to enter the healthcare field. Designed for individuals seeking a rewarding career in patient care, this intensive course equips students with essential clinical skills and theoretical knowledge. Students learn critical patient care techniques, including personal hygiene, vital sign monitoring, and compassionate elderly care. With a low program cost of $1,999 and no prerequisite requirements, this program offers an accessible entry point into healthcare. The 15-week course combines classroom instruction with practical training, preparing students to provide high-quality care in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies.
Utica, NY - Public 2-Year - mvcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mohawk Valley Community College offers a non-credit Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed for individuals seeking to enter the healthcare field quickly. This practical training prepares students to provide essential patient care in various healthcare settings. The non-credit course provides foundational skills for those wanting to launch a career in nursing or healthcare support. Students can gain valuable hands-on experience and professional credentials without committing to a full degree program.
The clinical training portion of CNA programs in New York State needs to happen in person although some educational institutions provide hybrid learning programs. The online delivery of theory-based instruction allows students to finish some parts but they must complete hands-on learning at healthcare facilities. The New York State Board of Nursing demands that CNA training includes at least 30 hours of clinical practice in person so online certification is not feasible. The hybrid learning format provides students with flexibility through its combination of online and in-person instruction. The schedule of evening and weekend classes at various schools helps nontraditional students to attend classes.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Mohawk Valley Community College |
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| Nassau Community College |
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| Rockland Community College |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | At least 16 to enroll (17 to test), valid photo ID/SSN, cleared criminal background & health screenings, up-to-date immunizations, and CPR certification |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | New York State Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | Complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program of at least 100 hours, including a minimum of 30 supervised clinical hours |
| Exam and Application Fees | No state application fee, Prometric competency exam fees vary by vendor (typically $100–150 for written/oral plus skills) |
| Certification Exam | Pass the Prometric-administered written or oral competency test and the five-skill practical evaluation within your eligibility period |
| Registry Activation Time | Registry is updated within two business days of passing both exam components |
| Renewal Requirements | Complete at least 400 hours of paid nurse-aide work under RN/LPN supervision within the prior 24 months |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs with active, unencumbered certification apply via reciprocity through Prometric, no retesting required |
New York State offers certified nursing assistants both solid employment prospects and well-paying salaries. CNAs in New York state earn salaries above the national average because their average annual compensation reaches $42,000. Metropolitan areas including New York City and Long Island pay certified nursing assistants the highest wages in the state with salaries exceeding $21 per hour. The pay in rural areas falls short of metropolitan salaries yet exceeds typical starting wages for other entry-level positions. The requirement for certified nursing assistants will expand substantially because of a rising senior population along with the growing need for long-term care services.
| Salary & Career Outlook | New York | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $38,900 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $18.71 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$46,500 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $38,900 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$32,200 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~28,000 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Mohawk Valley Community College |
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| Orange County Community College |
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| Rockland Community College |
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The CNA certification serves as an entry point for healthcare professionals to progress toward better positions in their field. The majority of certified nursing assistants move forward to achieve licensure as practical nurses before becoming registered nurses. Working as a CNA provides essential experience in patient care along with clinical procedures that make it easier to advance to higher nursing roles. Some New York healthcare employers provide educational assistance programs which help CNAs pursue further training through their facility-based tuition assistance or bridge programs. Working CNAs can use these opportunities to gain extra credentials as they keep working in their current positions. The healthcare industry offers training programs for medication technicians as well as phlebotomy which allows CNAs to transition into these fields.
Additional Nursing Programs in New York
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