Essential Information
There are over 50 CNA programs in New York. These programs are generally available at community colleges and adult education centers. Programs take two or three months to complete, and some are available in the evenings or on weekends. Aside from full training programs, refresher programs may also be offered. Students gain hands-on knowledge through clinicals and externships. All of the programs profiled below prepare students for state certification.
CUNY Hostos Community College
Part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, Hostos Community College is located in the Bronx and offers a CNA program that is approved by the New York State Department of Health. Course topics cover anatomy, physiology, residential health care and patient care fundamentals. Students may also enhance their CNA skills by taking a 30-hour course in elderly care fundamentals. This course explores a variety of issues related to the care of older people, such as conflict management, dementia, Alzheimer treatment and grief.
CUNY Medgar Evers College
CUNY Medgar Evers College, located in Brooklyn, offers a 120-hour CNA program that consists of classroom and clinical instruction. Students will learn a variety of professional skills, such as grooming, patient call signals and patient dressing. Students may take this program on Saturdays, during the evening or during the day as part of an accelerated program. Students seeking to enhance their CNA skills may consider enrolling in CUNY Medgar Evers's patient care technician, phlebotomy or CPR certificate programs.
Dutchess BOCES
One of the schools that make up the Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) of New York State, Dutchess BOCES is located in Poughkeepsie and offers a state-approved practical nursing program that takes about two years to complete. Students can start in September and January. Students explore a variety of topics related to nursing assistance, such as basic nutrition, patient needs, patient care skills and goal-setting for professional advancement.
Eastern Suffolk BOCES
Eastern Suffolk BOCES offers a CNA evening program in Islip and a day program in Bellport. Students explore topics such as basic nursing theory, patient care, vital signs, nutrition and aseptic techniques. The program offers loans and payment plans for students with financial needs. In addition to the CNA program, Eastern Suffolk's adult education department also offers EKG technician, phlebotomist, dental assistant and clinical medical assistant training programs.
Genesee Valley BOCES
Located in Batavia, Genesee Valley offers a nursing assistant program through its adult education department. Students in the program learn how to bathe, move and feed patients; they also learn to administer oral care. The program is comprised of 150 hours of instruction and is approved by the state's Department of Education. Courses are designed to give students the flexibility to work in either hospital or long-term care facility settings.
Southern Westchester BOCES
Located in Elmsford, Southern Westchester BOCES offers a CNA training program through its adult education center. The program is offered during the day and evening. The curriculum is comprised of both classroom-based instruction and clinical experience. There is also a CNA return to practice program for individuals who hold CNA certification but need to refresh their training in order to renew their credentials.
SUNY Westchester Community College
Part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, Westchester Community College offers a state-approved 12-week CNA program at its Ossining location. This program is comprised of both classroom-based instruction and practical instruction that takes place in a clinical setting. Students explore subjects such as subacute care, medical terminology, infection control, physiology, anatomy and postoperative care. The curriculum is divided into three modules, the last of which includes a clinical externship. This program may be taken in either the day or the evening.
Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES
Newark's Wayne Finger Lakes offers a 1.5-month CNA training program during weekdays. The program is comprised of classroom instruction and clinical instruction, which are administered on different days. The time requirement for this program exceeds that required by New York State. There are a variety of funding opportunities available to students with financial needs, including workforce development funding, employer-paid tuition and entitlement funds for veterans.
Western Suffolk BOCES
Western Suffolk BOCES, located in Northport, administers a nurse assisting program through Wilson Technological Center, a vocational training center for high school and adult learners. The program covers topics such as bedside nursing care, medical ethics, clinical supervision and nursing theory. Students may complete the program in about two months. All courses are taken on weekdays.
Career Requirements
To become CNAs in New York, students must complete a minimum number of training hours and successfully pass state-approved examinations. Training programs typically allow students to take the certification exams once they complete their studies. The examination process is comprised of the state-approved clinical performance test and the nurse aide competency exam.
School Comparison: At a Glance
| School Name | School Type and Setting | CNA Certification Programs Offered | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Hostos Community College | 2-year, public; large city | CNA Program | $5,208 In-state; $8,088 Out-of-state* |
| CUNY Medgar Evers College | 4-year, public; large city | CNA Program | $7,152 In-state; $14,822 Out-of-state* |
| Dutchess BOCES | 2-year, public; large suburb | Adult Practical Nursing Program | $10,475* |
| Eastern Suffolk BOCES | 2-year, public; large suburb | Nurse Assistant Program | $15,587* |
| Genesee Valley BOCES | 2-year, public; rural | Nursing Assistant Program | $13,793* |
| Southern Westchester BOCES | 2-year, public; large suburb | CNA Training Program | $14,200* |
| SUNY Westchester Community College | 2-year, public; large suburb | CNA Program | $4,836 In-state; $12,226 Out-of-state* |
| Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES | 2-year, public; distant town | CNA Training Program | $17,350* |
| Western Suffolk BOCES | 2-year, public; large suburb | Nurse Assisting Program | $43,050* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
