Get CNA Certified in New York
Want to become a CNA in New York?
Job Growth:
CNA jobs are projected to grow 11% by 2026, and New York has a high level of employment with 95,000 registered nurse aids.
Salary:
New York is ranked top 5% for CNA wages, which average at $17/hour, but the top 10% of the nation’s nurse aids earn $50,000.
Requirements:
To become a registered CNA, you must graduate from an accredited course, some as short as 4 weeks, and pass the state exam.
What are the CNA requirements in New York? Here’s how to prepare for your CNA state exam and how to become a Certified Nurse Assistant in New York.
What is a Certified Nurse Aide?
CNAs are Certified Nurse Aids, or Certified Nursing Assistants. They work in hospitals, private nursing care facilities, and assisted living homes. They are responsible for the everyday care of a patient such as recording health concerns, helping a patient bathe, and measuring blood pressure. The job is rewarding; as their role enhances a patient’s quality of life during healthcare treatment.
CNA Requirements in New York
Be at least 18 years old
Be in good physical health
Up-to-date immunization records
Have a high-school diploma or GED
Pass a criminal background check
Graduate from a Certified Nursing Assistant School in New York
Pass the State Exam
Become a Certified CNA
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How to Become a CNA in New York
To start a CNA training program, you need to be at least 16 years old with a high school diploma, or the equivalent. Next, you will need to find accredited CNA classes in New York, these programs must include a minimum of 60 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised training. There are some training programs that are offered within the regular employment context, if it meets state code. The New York Department of Public Health partners with Prometric to offer a comprehensive training and certification experience. Prometric offers a list of nurse aide training programs, however, the majority of these can be found at local community colleges, trade schools, or even the American Red Cross. You can find local CNA classes near you as well as CNA classes online.
New York requires 160 hours of training for CNAs, the highest hours of CNA training required in the nation. The program can be completed in 6-15 weeks and requires 60 hours of classroom training and 100 hours of clinical training, that will be under the direct supervision of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). Some accelerated programs offer 4-week CNA classes as well.
Once the training is complete, you are eligible to apply for CNA certification, which allows you to sign up to take the official CNA examination. It’s recommended you take a free CNA practice exam to prepare. You must take the exam at a certified testing center such as the American Red Cross or the National Nurse Assistant Training and Assessment Program (NNAAP).
Below you can also find city-specific information within New York on how to become a CNA:
A Closer Look at CNA Training
A typical CNA program in New York will include 60 hours of instruction that covers technical medical knowledge. You can expect to take CNA classes that cover topics such as:
Science
Anatomy
Physiology
Basic Nutrition
Health Education
Emergency Procedures
Personal Care & Hygiene
Infection Control
Basic Patient Care
Human Body Mechanics
Patients’ Rights
The clinical instruction will then be followed up with 100 hours of clinical practice at nursing homes, living care facilities, or hospitals. Students will care for patients under the supervision of a LPN and RN. During your training, you can even join the Nursing Student’s Association of New York Stats (NSANYS).
The CNA Training Program can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000, depending on the program. However, these fees do not include classroom materials, uniforms, or textbooks. Some facilities, such as adult education centers, and nursing homes, offer free CNA classes, while others accept financial aid and payment plans. In New York, if you are employed within 12 months of completing the training, you can apply for your employer to reimburse your training.
The CNA Test in New York
The CNA test in New York is administered at regional test sites partnered with Prometric. The exam comprises of 2 portions: a written (or oral) exam, and a clinical skills evaluation. Both are administered on the same day. The written exam has 70 multiple choice questions in English. If English is your second language, you are able to opt out and take the written exam orally. You can take CNA classes en español as well. The oral exam offer 60 multiple choice questions and 10 multiple choice comprehensive reading questions. The skills examination requires the nurse aide evaluator to supervise you performing 5 skills randomly selected in 25 minutes or less. New York requires that within 24 months of completing your CNA training, you must apply and pass both exams.
CNA Exam Cost Broken Down:
$115 - Written & Clinical Skills Evaluation
$135 - Oral & Clinical Skills Evaluation
$57 - Written Exam re-tests
$67- Oral Exam re-tests
$68 - Clinical Skills Evaluation re-tests
$50 - CNA from another state and RNs and LPNs
$15 - Duplicate Certificate
$40 - Recertification (paid by employer)
To reschedule your test date and to avoid fees, you must call Prometric 5 full business days before your scheduled exam.
On the Day of the Exam, Plan to Bring:
Two forms of identification, one with a photo I.D.
Original Social Security Card
Non-skid, closed-toe shoes for the clinical evaluation
Two No. 2 pencils and eraser
A watch with a second hand
Admission Letter (If you are taking your exam at a regional exam site)
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CNA Jobs in New York
New York has the one of the highest CNA employment, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are over 95,000 CNAs currently employed. New York is also ranked top 5% in the nation for CNA wages, which average at $17/hour, and can start at $40,000 a year.
The top 10% of CNAs can make $50,000 annually, and nursing assistant jobs are relatively easy to find. Due to the ability for increased training opportunities and further career advancements, there is a high turn-around rate for CNAs, as many use their work experience to start the accreditation process needed to become Registered Nurses. Working as a CNA is not only rewarding, but also offers job stability and immense growth opportunities.
More than 50% of CNAs work in Nursing Care Facilities, and there are 2,500 registered nursing facilities in the state of New York that offer employment.
Other CNA employment opportunities can be found at hospitals, medical offices, facilities for elderly, mental health clinics, outpatient care centers, and even film and television housing facilities. CNAs play a such vital role in patient care, that the growth of CNA jobs is projected to grow 11% by 2026. An aging population will significantly increase nurse aide jobs. You may also work at a nursing facility for a maximum of four months while you are enrolled in your training program.
CNA Job Advancement
An entry-level position in the medical field, CNAs are given many opportunities to reach that next level. CNAs work with a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and directly under a Registered Nurse (RN), so they are rewarded by seeing firsthand what it looks like to reach that next level. To become a LPN, a CNA can apply for a bridge course that can be found at community college or a vocational training school that can either be offered online or on-campus. Typically this training includes a 6-24 week class with 75 hours of training, however many current CNAs are able to use their work hours to apply to training, making it very easy to promote. California has such a turnaround in CNA jobs advancement, that it is averaged 5,000 CNA jobs will open annually because of it. You may also attend an annual NYNSA Convention to help advance you career, with network opportunities.
And for current news, CNA tips, and job information, become a regular reader of our CNA Blog.
Renewal of a CNA License in New York
How to Renew Your CNA License in New York:
The state of New York requires you to renew a CNA license every 24 months. Nursing homes are required by state regulations to submit the nurse aide’s Recertification Application and fee. However, if you have not worked for pay for a minimum of 7 hours during the previous 24 consecutive months, or your healthcare employer is not approved by the NYSDOH, your certificate cannot be renewed. You will be required to retest or retrain and retest using one of the certification routes. To become re-certified in the state of New York, fill out the application on page 44 of the New York State Nurse Aide Bulletin or download the New York Nursing Assistant Registry Renewal Form.
Completed forms must be mailed to:
Prometric
ATTN: NY Nurse Aide Program
7941 Corporate Drive
Nottingham, MD 21236
For additional information about state licensing, renewal, and certification contact:
New York Nurse Aide Program
CNA Certification Unit
(Licensing and Certification Program)
1260 Energy Lane
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: (800) 805-9128
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State-Approved Nursing Assistant Programs in New York
ASA College
81 Willoughby Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Coordinator: Victoriya Kandatyan, R.N.
(877) 470-9638
Broome Community College
P.O. Box 1017
Binghamton, NY 13902
Coordinator: Susan M. Seibold-Simpson
(607) 778-5060
Buffalo EOC
465 Washington Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
Coordinator: Rose Williams, R.N.
(716) 849-6737
Capital District EOC
431 River Street
Troy, NY 12180
Coordinator: Carolyn Clark
(518) 273-1900
City College of New York
Continuing & Professional Studies
160 Convent Ave
New York, NY
Coordinator: Alder Davis, MSN RN
(914) 843-7983
Cochran School of Nursing
Andrus Pavillon
St. John's Riverside Hospital
967 North Broadway
Yonkers, NY 10701
Program Administrator: Annemarie McAllister
(914) 964-4283
Corning Community College
132 Denison Parkway East
Corning, NY 14830
Program Administrator: Cathleen Kunkler,
(607) 962-9222
CUNY College of Staten Island Office of Continuing Education & Professional Development
2800 Victory Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10314
Coordinator of Workforce Development: Jasmine Cardona
(718) 313-0843
Finger Lakes Community College
3325 Marvin Sands Drive
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Continuing Education Specialist: Marcia Lynch
Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing
196 North Street
Geneva, NY 14456
Program Coordinator: Victoria Record
(315) 787-4039
Fulton-Montgomery Community College
2805 State Highway 67
Johnstown, NY 12095
Coordinator: Laura LaPorte
736-3622 x8300
Hostos Community College
560 Exterior Street
Bronx, NY 10451
Program Coordinator: Olive Brown
(718) 518-6744
Kingsborough Community College
2001 Oriental Boulevard
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Coordinator: Beatrice Meenaghan
(718) 368-5052
Lehman College
2501 Grand Concourse
Bronx, NY 10468
Program Coordinator: Arlette Paul
(914) 231-5064
Long Island EOC
Farmingdale State College
Brentwood Campus
1090A Suffolk Avenue
Brentwood, NY 11717
Coordinator: Dr. Karen Coutrier
(631) 434-3740
Long Island EOC
Farmingdale State College
Hempstead Campus
269 Fulton Avenue
Hempstead, NY 11550
Coordinator: Dr. Karen Coutrier
(516) 489-8705
Long Island EOC
Farmingdale State College
Hooper Hall
2350 Broadhollow Road
Farmingdale, NY 11731
Coordinator: Dr. Karen Coutrier
(631) 420-2280
Manhattan EOC
163 West 125th Street
New York, NY 10027
Program Coordinator: Grace Y. Ingleton, R.N.
(212) 961-4320
Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing
196 North Street
Geneva, NY 14456
Program Administrator: Victoria Record, M.S., R.N.
(315) 787-4003
Medgar Evers College- Adult & Continuing Education
1650 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn NY, 11225
Program Administrator: DeCarla Anderson
(718) 804-8846
Mohawk Valley Community College
1101 Sherman Drive
Utica, NY 13501
Program Administrator: Carolyn DeJohn
(315) 792-5300
Center for Corporate & Community Education
1101 Sherman Drive
Utica, NY 13501
Program Administrator: Gail Warchol
(315) 792-5305
Nassau Community College
One Education Dr.
Garden City, NY 11530
Director: Dawn Nolan
(516) 572-7489
NYC College of Technology
Division of Continuing Ed
25 Chapel Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Program Coordinator: Alder Davis, MSN, RN
(718) 552-1180
Rochester Educational Opportunity Center
161 Chestnut Street
Rochester, NY 14604
Coordinator: Jacqueline Thomas
(585) 232-2730
Schenectady County Community College
Center City Campus
433 State Street 2R
Schenectady, NY 12305
Coordinator: Tiziana Rota
(518) 621-4007
SUNY Syracuse EOC
100 New Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Coordinator: Dawn Bourgeois
(315) 472-0130
University Hospital at SUNY Stony Brook
Department of Clinical Education
14 Technology Drive
East Setauket, NY 11733
Coordinator: Christine Dougherty, M.S., R.N.
(631) 444-4319
Westchester Community College
Ossining Extension Site
22 Rockledge Avenue
Ossining, NY 10562
Program Administrator: Nicole Joseph
(914) 606-7400
Westchester EOC
16 East Church Street
Spring Valley, NY 10977
Program Administrator: Cynthia Nwizu
(914) 606-7646
26 South Broadway
Yonkers, NY 10701
Program Administrator: Lisa Augustine
(914) 606-7646
York College
94-20 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard
Jamaica NY 11451
(718) 262-2790
Jamaica NY 11451
Program Administrator: Eartha White
(718) 262-2790