CNA Programs & Career Opportunities in New York
New York is home to 347 CNA training programs and over 890 healthcare facilities. Our guide currently highlights 43 cities, where we cover all local CNA programs and a selection of healthcare facilities. Explore CNA classes, salary information, and career opportunities to learn more about becoming a CNA in New York.
Get Information from CNA Programs in New York
- Major Cities for CNA Careers in New York
- Training & Certification Requirements in New York
- Explore CNA Classes by City in New York
- Free CNA Classes in New York
- Online CNA Classes in New York
- 4-Week CNA Classes in New York
- Evening Classes in New York
- Weekend Classes in New York
- Salary & Job Outlook as a CNA in New York
- Salary Overview by Area
- Frequently Asked Questions
Starting your CNA Career in New York
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Training Programs347State-approved Programs
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Cities43Cities Currently Covered
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Healthcare Facilities890+Total Facilities
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Median Annual Salary$45,890Median Yearly Pay
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Median Hourly Salary$22.06Median Per Hour
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Total CNAs Employed84,550CNAs Working Statewide
With around 350 state-approved CNA training programs, New York maintains one of the largest nurse aide training networks in the Northeast. Programs are widely available across major population centers including New York, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, and Albany, as well as throughout suburban and upstate regions. Currently, approximately 84,550 Certified Nursing Assistants are employed throughout New York, reflecting sustained demand for qualified healthcare professionals. CNAs in New York earn a median annual wage of $45,890, or about $22.06 per hour, placing the state among the higher-paying markets for nurse aides nationally.
With a population of over 19.8 million residents, New York maintains consistent demand for skilled healthcare workers at every level. From major health systems such as Northwell Health, NYC Health + Hospitals, NewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai Health System, Albany Medical Center, and Rochester Regional Health to hundreds of hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies statewide, Certified Nursing Assistants play an essential role in supporting patient care across acute, post-acute, and community-based healthcare settings.
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Major Cities for CNA Careers in New York
Explore CNA opportunities in New York's largest cities and metropolitan areas.
Training & Certification Requirements in New York
Before you enroll in a training program, it helps to understand exactly what New York requires to become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), officially referred to as a Nurse Aide in New York. Meeting these standards ensures you're eligible to test, be placed on the state registry, and work in approved healthcare settings.
Eligibility
- Age requirement: Candidates must meet New York's minimum age requirements for employment as a nurse aide. Most employers require individuals to be at least 18 years old at the time of hire in licensed long-term care facilities.
- Program enrollment (NATCEP): You must complete a New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)–approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). Programs are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, high schools, and licensed nursing homes.
- Background check: Nurse aide candidates must meet New York background screening requirements prior to employment. Individuals with substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property are not eligible for placement on the Nurse Aide Registry.
- Good standing: Employers are required to verify Nurse Aide Registry status prior to employment in licensed facilities.
Training Hours & Clinicals
New York requires completion of a minimum of 100 total hours of nurse aide training. This includes at least 70 hours of classroom instruction and skills laboratory practice, plus at least 30 hours of supervised clinical training in a licensed nursing home (residential health care facility). The curriculum must cover all federally required OBRA topics, including communication, infection control, residents' rights, safety and emergency procedures, basic nursing skills, and personal care.
Before providing any direct resident care, trainees must complete at least 16 hours of instruction in core safety and care topics. In accordance with federal regulations, Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facilities may employ nurse aide trainees for up to 120 days while training and testing requirements are completed; beyond this period, individuals must be fully certified and listed on the New York Nurse Aide Registry.
Competency Exam (Knowledge & Skills)
After completing training, candidates must pass the New York Nurse Aide Competency Examination, administered by Prometric under contract with the New York State Department of Health. The exam includes:
- Skills evaluation: Demonstration of five randomly selected nurse aide skills performed in 31-40 minutes (depending on skills assigned), including mandatory hand hygiene and required critical steps. All critical elements must be performed correctly to pass. Candidates must pass the skills evaluation before being eligible to take the knowledge test.
- Knowledge test: A 60 multiple-choice question written exam (including 10 unscored pilot questions) covering nurse aide fundamentals such as infection control, safety, residents' rights, communication, and personal care. Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the exam and must score at least 70% to pass. An oral version is available for eligible candidates.
New York uses a sequential testing structure: candidates have up to three attempts to pass the skills evaluation, and after successfully passing the skills test, they have up to three attempts to pass the knowledge test. All testing must be completed within two years of completing training. Candidates who do not pass within the allowed attempts must complete a new NYSDOH-approved training program before retesting.
Placement on the Registry & Working as a CNA
Once both exam components are successfully passed, your name is added to the New York Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the New York State Department of Health. Prometric transmits exam results electronically to the state. You may then work as a CNA in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and other licensed healthcare settings throughout New York.
Renewal
To remain active on the New York Nurse Aide Registry, CNAs must complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services under the supervision of a licensed nurse within the past 24 months. The renewal fee is $40. Individuals who do not meet the work requirement must retake both the knowledge and skills exams to return to active status.
Reciprocity
New York permits registry-based reciprocity for nurse aides certified in other U.S. states. Applicants must hold an active certification in good standing and provide verification that their training and competency evaluation met federal OBRA requirements. Additional documentation may be required before placement on the New York Nurse Aide Registry.
Costs
New York CNA exam fees are set by Prometric and are paid at the time of scheduling. Under federal law, Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facilities must pay for or reimburse nurse aide training and testing costs for individuals they employ or have offered employment to, provided the individual is hired within 12 months of completing training.
Sources: New York State Department of Health — Nurse Aide Registry, NYSDOH — Nursing Home Nurse Aide Training Program and Certification (PDF), Prometric — Nurse Aide Testing, Prometric — Nurse Aide Handbook, 42 CFR 483.152 — Federal Nurse Aide Training Requirements
Explore CNA Classes by City in New York
Explore CNA classes in New York by city. We currently feature 43 cities, each with a full list of CNA training courses, salary details, and selected healthcare facilities.
Free CNA Classes in New York
Looking for free CNA classes and training programs in New York? These 28 options are available at no cost through employer sponsorship, state support, or other
financial assistance.
For a complete guide to finding free CNA training, see our Free CNA Classes guide.
The Pines at Utica Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation
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Seneca Health Care Center
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Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing
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Our Lady of Mercy Life Center
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MVHS Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
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Long Island Education Opportunity Center
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Kingsway Arms Nursing Center
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Elderwood at Wheatfield
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Capital District Educational Opportunity Center
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Westchester Educational Opportunity Center
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Online CNA Classes in New York
These 12 programs offer CNA classes online in New York, giving you the flexibility to complete the classroom portion remotely. However, all CNA programs also require in-person clinical training, which must be completed at an approved healthcare facility before certification.
Seneca Health Care Center
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Queensborough Community College
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Penfield Place
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Bridgewater Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing
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Woodside Manor Nursing Home
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The Highlands at Brighton
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Onondaga Community College
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Menorah Home & Hospital for Aged and Infirm
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Lehman College
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Kingsborough Community College
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4-Week CNA Classes in New York
These 34 programs offer accelerated CNA training in New York, typically ranging from 3-5 weeks, with 4-week programs being the most common. Accelerated CNA classes are one of the fastest ways to become a CNA in New York, making them ideal if you want to start your healthcare career quickly.
The Pines at Utica Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation
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Successful Medical and Training
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Seneca Health Care Center
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Penfield Place
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Our Lady of Mercy Life Center
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New York Institute of Medical Careers
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HHCA Training Institute
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Fordham Institute
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Elmont Career Center
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Elderwood at Wheatfield
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Evening Classes in New York
These 46 programs offer evening CNA classes in New York, designed for working professionals and those with daytime commitments. Evening classes typically run after 5 PM on weekdays, allowing you to maintain your current schedule while pursuing CNA certification.
Successful Medical and Training
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Queensborough Community College
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HHCA Training Institute
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Global School of Health
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Fordham Institute
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Elmont Career Center
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Arista Careers
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Arlette's School for Healthcare Paraprofessional & Associates
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Be Kind Training Center
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Amazing Grace CNA Training & Staffing
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Weekend Classes in New York
These 40 programs offer weekend CNA classes in New York, perfect for those who work Monday through Friday. Weekend programs typically meet on Saturdays and/or Sundays, allowing you to complete your CNA training without disrupting your weekday work schedule.
Successful Medical and Training
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Queensborough Community College
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HHCA Training Institute
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Global School of Health
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Elmont Career Center
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Cambridge Business Institute
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Arista Careers
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Arlette's School for Healthcare Paraprofessional & Associates
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Be Kind Training Center
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Amazing Grace CNA Training & Staffing
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Salary & Job Outlook as a CNA in New York
New York is one of the largest healthcare employment markets in the country for Certified Nursing Assistants, offering broad job availability across long-term care, hospital, and community-based settings. With more than 84,550 CNAs working statewide and approximately 899 healthcare facilities, New York provides extensive employment opportunities across both densely populated metropolitan regions and upstate communities. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the state includes about 601 nursing homes, 189 hospitals, and 109 home health agencies that regularly employ CNAs. While CMS counts may not capture every licensed provider, they demonstrate the scale and diversity of CNA employment opportunities throughout the state.
Salary Overview
The median annual income for all workers in New York is approximately $56,840, or $27.33 per hour. Certified Nursing Assistants in New York earn a median annual income of $45,890, or approximately $22.06 per hour. Although CNA wages are below the statewide median for all occupations, New York remains one of the higher-paying states for CNAs nationally, particularly in major metropolitan areas. Many CNAs use this role as an entry point into healthcare, building experience before advancing into higher-paying careers such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), or other specialized healthcare roles.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for CNAs in New York remains stable, supported by a large and aging population, continued demand for skilled nursing services, and a substantial long-term care infrastructure. With 84,550 CNAs currently employed across hundreds of healthcare facilities, ongoing hiring needs are expected across both downstate and upstate regions.
Major healthcare employers in New York—including Northwell Health, NYC Health + Hospitals, NewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai Health System, Albany Medical Center, and Rochester Regional Health—regularly hire CNAs across hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, and home health divisions. In addition, frequent career advancement among CNAs into nursing and allied health roles contributes to steady workforce turnover, creating consistent entry-level opportunities.
If you are considering this career path, explore our directory of CNA training programs in New York or learn more about certification and registry placement in our CNA License & Registration guide.
Why Become a CNA in New York?
Becoming a CNA in New York offers a practical pathway into one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States. With more than 601 nursing homes, a large hospital network, and a significant home health sector, CNAs have access to diverse employment settings. The state's extensive healthcare infrastructure provides exposure to complex patient populations and advanced clinical environments, particularly in the New York City metropolitan area. For many individuals, CNA certification serves as both a meaningful healthcare role and a stepping stone toward advanced nursing education and long-term career growth.
CNA Salaries across New York
CNA wages in New York vary significantly by region. Compensation tends to be higher in the New York City metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs, while upstate regions may offer lower median wages but a lower cost of living. Facility type, union presence, local demand, and metropolitan labor markets all influence pay levels. Below is a breakdown of CNA salaries across different regions of New York.
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS Nursing Homes, CMS Hospitals, CMS Home Health Agencies
CNA Salary by Area in New York
Compare CNA salaries across different metropolitan areas and regions in New York. Salary data includes both annual and hourly wages for nursing assistants.
| Area | Annual salary | Hourly salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York (statewide) | $45,890 | $22.06 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | $38,710 | $18.61 |
| Binghamton | $34,400 | $16.54 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls | $37,910 | $18.23 |
| Elmira | $35,400 | $17.02 |
| Glens Falls | $37,920 | $18.23 |
| Ithaca | $42,300 | $20.34 |
| Kingston | $38,760 | $18.63 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $46,590 | $22.40 |
| Rochester | $38,900 | $18.70 |
| Syracuse | $37,530 | $18.04 |
| Utica-Rome | $36,930 | $17.76 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum | $36,960 | $17.77 |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in New York
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in New York?
In New York, CNA programs require a minimum of 100 hours of training, which includes 30 hours of clinical practice. Most students complete their training in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether they choose a full-time, part-time, or accelerated program schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in New York?
CNA classes in New York generally cost between $800 and $1,500. Some programs may be more expensive at private schools, while community colleges and healthcare providers often offer lower-cost options. Employers may also cover tuition in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there free CNA classes in New York?
Yes. Many nursing homes, hospitals, and state workforce programs in New York offer free CNA training. These are often employer-sponsored programs where you agree to work for the facility after completing training and certification.
Are online CNA programs available in New York?
Several schools in New York offer hybrid CNA programs that combine online coursework with in-person clinical training. While theory can often be completed online, state rules require that clinical skills be performed in a supervised, hands-on healthcare setting.
Are accelerated (4-week) CNA programs available in New York?
Yes, some schools and healthcare providers in New York offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks. These programs are intensive and best for students who can commit to full-time study and clinical practice.
How do I become a CNA in New York?
To become a CNA in New York, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the New York State (NYS) Nursing Home Nurse Aide Competency Examination, and be listed on the New York Nurse Aide Registry. The process is overseen by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) & New York State Education Department (NYSED).
I’m a CNA in another state. Can I transfer my license to New York?
Yes. New York allows CNAs certified in other states to transfer their license through reciprocity. This process places you on the New York Nurse Aide Registry without retaking training. Learn more in our guide to CNA License Reciprocity in New York.
How often do I need to renew my CNA license in New York?
CNAs in New York must renew their certification every 24 months. To remain active on the registry, you must work at least one documented day (8 consecutive hours) of paid employment in an approved healthcare setting during that period. See our CNA License & Registration page for renewal details.
How can I check if my CNA license is active in New York?
You can verify your status on the New York Nurse Aide Registry online. For step-by-step instructions, visit our guide on CNA License & Registration in New York.
How much do CNAs earn in New York?
The median CNA salary in New York is $45,890 per year, or about $22.06 per hour. Pay can vary by region, employer, and years of experience. Many CNAs in New York also use the role as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Where do CNAs work in New York?
Certified Nursing Assistants in New York work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. Opportunities are widely available across both urban and rural areas.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.