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Becoming a CNA in New York

Steps to Become a CNA in New York

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in New York is an excellent path if you are looking to enter the healthcare field. CNAs provide essential care to patients, helping with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and feeding. The process to become a CNA in New York involves several key steps, from meeting basic eligibility requirements to passing the state exam and maintaining certification. Below is a detailed guide that outlines each step of the process.

  1. Meet Basic Requirements: Understand the basic eligibility criteria for CNA training and certification in New York.

  2. Attend a School: Find and attend a state-approved CNA training program.

  3. Pass the CNA Exam: Prepare for and pass the state certification exam, which includes both a written and a clinical skills test.

  4. Certification Registration and Upkeep: Learn how to register as a CNA and the requirements for keeping your certification active.

 



1. Meet Basic Requirements

Before enrolling in a CNA program, it’s essential to make sure you meet the state’s basic requirements. These requirements ensure that candidates are qualified to undergo the necessary training and work safely as a nursing assistant.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Age: You must be at least 16 years old to start training, but you must be 17 years old to take the certification exam.

  • Education: While there is no minimum education requirement, having a high school diploma or GED is beneficial and may be required by some training programs.

  • Health Requirements: You must be in good physical health, able to lift and move patients, and provide hands-on care.

  • Immunizations: Your immunization records must be up to date, including vaccines for TB, Hepatitis B, and any other required vaccinations.

  • Criminal Background Check: You must pass a criminal background check before you can enroll in a program or take the state certification exam.

Once you meet these basic requirements, you can proceed to the next step: finding and attending a CNA training program.

2. Attend a School

In New York, all CNAs must complete a state-approved training program. These programs are designed to teach both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills essential for providing patient care.

Training Overview:

  • Training Hours: New York has one of the highest training requirements in the U.S., with 160 hours of instruction. This includes:

  • 60 hours of classroom instruction, covering basic nursing principles, patient care, and infection control.

  • 100 hours of supervised clinical training, where you practice skills under the supervision of a licensed nurse in a healthcare facility.

  • Curriculum: The curriculum for CNA training in New York covers a wide range of topics, including:

  • Basic Nursing Skills: Learning how to take vital signs, measure height and weight, and assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.

  • Personal Care Skills: Understanding how to properly care for patients, including hygiene and grooming.

  • Infection Control: Learning the best practices for preventing the spread of infections, including proper hand hygiene and the use of protective equipment.

  • Residents’ Rights: Ensuring that patients are treated with respect and dignity, and understanding their legal rights in a healthcare setting.

  • Emergency Procedures: Learning how to respond to medical emergencies, such as administering CPR or the Heimlich maneuver.

Finding a program:

CNA programs in New York are offered at various institutions, including:

  • Community colleges

  • Vocational schools

  • Private healthcare institutions

  • The American Red Cross

To find a program, you can use resources like the New York State Department of Health or search online for accredited CNA programs near you. Make sure the program is approved by the state to ensure eligibility for the certification exam.

Program Duration and Cost:

  • Duration: CNA training programs in New York typically last between 6 to 15 weeks, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. Accelerated programs can be completed in as little as 4 weeks.

  • Cost: The cost of a CNA program in New York ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on the school. This usually includes tuition, but additional costs may include textbooks, uniforms, and testing fees. Some programs may offer financial aid or payment plans. Additionally, if you are employed within 12 months of completing your training, your employer may be required to reimburse your training costs.

Featured CNA Programs in New York

Online

Queensborough Community College

Queensborough Community College’s program offers a hybrid format with flexible payments, scholarships, and hands-on externship experience, providing students with real-world skills and accredited certification prep. Read more…
$1,315
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TIA School of Allied Health

TIA School of Allied Health offers flexible payment plans, a free exam retake guarantee, and a 99% job placement rate, making it an accessible and reliable choice for future healthcare professionals. Read more…
$1,699
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New Age Training

New Age Training offers a hands-on externship at a residential health care facility and provides job placement assistance, preparing students for the workforce with practical experience and career support. Read more…
$1,750
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New York Medical Career Training Center

The program offers flexible scheduling with morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend options, plus hands-on clinical experience supervised by a Registered Nurse for real-world patient care training. Read more…
$1,339
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Online

Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)

This program stands out with its no-cost tuition for qualifying students, flexible online and in-person class options, and comprehensive preparation for both CPR certification and the New York State Nurse Aide exam. Read more…
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Online

Monroe College CNA Program

Monroe College’s program offers a blend of hands-on clinical experience and classroom learning with flexible payment plans, preparing students for New York State certification in just seven weeks. Read more…
$1,400
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Online

Hostos Community College

Hostos Community College offers a flexible hybrid format, includes CPR/AED certification, and covers the state exam fee, making it a well-rounded program with financial aid and scholarship options available. Read more…
$1,218
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Online

Lehman College

Lehman College’s hybrid program offers flexible scheduling, financial aid options, and includes a clinical rotation, preparing students for New York State certification in as little as four weeks. Read more…
$1,015
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Online

City College of New York

This hybrid program offers the flexibility of online learning combined with hands-on clinical experience in New York City, preparing students for real-world healthcare settings with comprehensive training. Read more…
$1,260
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3. Pass the CNA Exam

After completing your training, the next step is to take and pass the New York CNA certification exam. This exam is administered by Prometric and is designed to assess both your theoretical knowledge and your clinical skills.

Exam Structure:

  • Written (or Oral) Exam: This portion consists of 70 multiple-choice questions that cover the material you learned during your classroom instruction. You will have 2 hours to complete this part of the exam. If English is not your first language, you can opt to take the oral version of the exam, which includes 60 multiple-choice questions and 10 reading comprehension questions.

  • Skills Evaluation: The clinical skills portion of the exam requires you to perform 5 randomly selected nursing skills in a simulated healthcare setting under the supervision of an examiner. You will be given 25 minutes to complete this part of the test. Skills may include:

  • Handwashing

  • Transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair

  • Taking vital signs

  • Assisting with feeding

  • Providing catheter care

Exam Fees:

Type of Exam Cost
Written & Clinical Skills Evaluation $115
Oral & Clinical Skills Evaluation $135
Written Exam (re-test) $57
Oral Exam (re-test) $67
Clinical Skills Evaluation (re-test) $68
CNA from another state $50
Duplicate Certificate $15
Recertification (paid by employer) $40

Preparing for the Exam:

  • Practice Tests: It is highly recommended to take a CNA practice test to help you prepare for the written exam. Free practice tests are available online.

  • Skills Practice: Be sure to review and practice the clinical skills you learned during your training. Practicing with a fellow student or in a simulated setting can help improve your confidence.

What to Bring on Exam Day:

  • Two forms of identification, one of which must be a photo ID.

  • Social Security Card.

  • Non-skid, closed-toe shoes for the clinical evaluation.

  • Two No. 2 pencils and an eraser.

  • A watch with a second hand to assist with time-based skills such as taking pulse or respiration rates.

 

Once you pass both the written and skills portions of the exam, you will receive your certification and be listed in the New York Nurse Aide Registry.

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

Once you pass the certification exam, you are officially a Certified Nursing Assistant and can begin working in healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. However, it’s important to maintain your certification and keep it active.

Certification Renewal:

CNA certification in New York must be renewed every 24 months. To qualify for renewal, you must:

  • Complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work under the supervision of a registered nurse during the 24-month period.

  • Submit a renewal application: Your employer will typically submit your renewal application and fee on your behalf.

If you fail to meet the renewal requirements, your certification will lapse, and you will need to retake the certification exam to regain your active status.

Recertification for Inactive CNAs:

 

If you have not worked as a CNA for more than 24 months, you will need to retake both the written and skills portions of the certification exam. CNAs who are certified in other states may apply for reciprocity in New York, allowing them to transfer their certification without retaking the training or exam.

Additional Resources:

For more information about certification, renewal, and recertification, contact the New York State Department of Health or Prometric.

 

Summary of CNA Certification Process in New York

Requirement Details
Training Hours 160 hours (60 classroom, 100 clinical)
Exam Components Written (or Oral) Exam, Skills Evaluation
Passing Scores 70% on written/oral exam, pass 4 of 5 clinical skills
Renewal Requirements 8 hours of paid work within 24 months
Exam Fees $115 for written & skills evaluation

 

By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in New York, opening the door to a rewarding career in healthcare. With the right training, preparation, and dedication, you’ll be ready to make a difference in the lives of patients and provide essential care.

Other Local CNA Programs

id Name Image Website Street Address City State Zip Code Map Link plus_code Phone latitude longitude latlong Category Reviews Rating 5star 4star 3star 2star 1star description Monday Hours Tuesday Hours Wednesday Hours Thursday Hours Friday Hours Saturday Hours Sunday Hours Details
1,337 Grand Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center thumbnail?panoid=QuipLkpiIkye5xyVTw84yQ&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=331.96848&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://www.grandmanor.org/ 700 White Plains Rd Bronx NY 10473 R4CV+42 Bronx, New York (718) 518-8892 40.82 -73.86 40.820352-73.857407 Nursing home 50 1.8 5 3 1 8 33 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
1,338 Adirondack Medical Center Ambulatory Surgical Unit AF1QipOeZettjTsx9JmA1oQZEKbzSvnNnP80WMrK7MNn=w408-h544-k-no https://www.adirondackhealth.org/adirondack-medical-center-saranac-lake 2233 NY-86 Saranac Lake NY 12983 8VV4+XM Saranac Lake, New York (518) 891-4141 44.34 -74.14 44.3449138-74.143321 Hospital 8 4.4 6 1 0 0 1 8AM to 4PM 8AM to 4PM 8AM to 4PM 8AM to 4PM 8AM to 4PM Closed Closed More details
1,339 Affinity Skilled Living and Rehabilitation AF1QipPhvl5BNqpjXHtZYQ4WuEKuPvtz5BHvftTk3tJj=w408-h271-k-no https://affinityskilled.com/ 305 Locust Ave Oakdale NY 11769 PVVR+5G Oakdale, New York (631) 218-5900 40.74 -73.11 40.7429769-73.108664 Nursing home 138 3.5 76 11 2 1 48 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
1,340 Apex Rehabilitation and Healthcare AF1QipOcn3CDBblwWFe44OIDqqMV_m_y4dUXShpIBLj-=w624-h240-k-no https://www.apexrehabcare.com/ 78 Birchwood Dr Huntington Station NY 11746 RJG4+H8 Huntington Station, New York (631) 592-6400 40.83 -73.39 40.8264321-73.3941308 Rehabilitation center 115 3.5 64 7 3 2 39 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
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1,342 Mandl School, The College of Allied Health AF1QipPDPhC4dGF6n1QbBpt1baGhBhFfihVXalNDYNEr=w408-h544-k-no https://mandl.edu/ 254 W 54th St New York NY 10019 Q278+QF New York (212) 247-3434 40.76 -73.98 40.7644732-73.9837715 Medical school 94 3.0 41 6 0 5 42 8:30AM to 6:30PM 8:30AM to 6:30PM 8:30AM to 6:30PM 8:30AM to 6:30PM 8:30AM to 6:30PM 8:30AM to 6:30PM Closed More details
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1,344 White Oaks Rehabilitation and Nursing Center AF1QipMpYQ2YLBXCXfmpUF6K2xlSGidLDPDEWUABgvBp=w408-h544-k-no https://whiteoaksrehab.com/ 8565 Jericho Turnpike Woodbury NY 11797 RGCV+62 Woodbury, New York (516) 367-3400 40.82 -73.46 40.8205393-73.4574553 Nursing home 124 4.0 84 8 3 3 26 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM Closed Closed More details
1,345 Oaces AF1QipN1YsXhf8RBKMhF-rmZdy_ap8XrcaSSooMjLMKm=w408-h306-k-no https://oaces.net/ 30 Hart St 2nd floor Rochester NY 14605 59CJ+FP Rochester, New York (585) 467-7683 43.17 -77.62 43.1712301-77.6181929 Adult education school 113 4.4 82 13 6 4 8 7AM to 8PM 7AM to 8PM 7AM to 8PM 7AM to 8PM 7AM to 8PM Closed Closed More details
1,346 SUNY Schenectady County Community College AF1QipMqGYN58OrhKxycJFuvLXwst2MhNEFDgnDTspiG=w408-h291-k-no https://www.sunysccc.edu/ 78 Washington Ave Schenectady NY 12305 R372+V2 Schenectady, New York (518) 381-1200 42.81 -73.95 42.8146945-73.949913 Community college 121 4.3 79 21 7 4 10 8:30AM to 4:30PM 8:30AM to 4:30PM 8:30AM to 4:30PM 8:30AM to 4:30PM 8:30AM to 4:30PM Closed Closed More details