CNA Classes & Programs in Albany, New York
7 state-approved CNA programs in Albany, including free, 4-week and evening options. Online programs are offered in other New York cities.
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CNA training in Albany
- Programs
- 7
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $38,710
- $18.61 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 3,810
- in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy region
- Healthcare facilities
- 12
- 6 nursing homes, 4 hospitals and 2 home health agencies
- Population
- 99,692
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
In Albany, 8 state-approved CNA classes are available to help students start their careers as Certified Nursing Assistants in New York’s capital city. Whether you’re new to healthcare or looking to advance your skills quickly, Albany offers options including free CNA classes and accelerated programs designed for efficient training.
CNA programs in Albany focus on preparing students for New York certification through classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice. Graduates can expect to gain practical experience that supports job readiness across multiple care settings. The city’s diverse facilities—including nursing homes and hospitals—give new CNAs access to a variety of employment environments after completing their training.
In the Albany-Schenectady-Troy metro area, CNAs earn around $38,710 annually—slightly below New York’s statewide figure. Program options such as free training make it easier for prospective CNAs to begin a rewarding healthcare career here.
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Browse CNA Classes in Albany
Albany offers 8 CNA training programs that prepare students for New York certification and local employment where CNAs are needed. With options including free training programs and an accelerated class for those wanting a faster path to certification, these programs build essential skills required for state registry placement while supporting career growth in healthcare settings throughout Albany.
Program Types in Albany
| Type | In Albany | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Albany | See other New York cities → |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Teresian House Nursing Home Co ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 7 CNA programs in Albany
Lowest published cost first.
Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
CostFreeHours–Weeks3
- Address
- 100 Heritage Lane, Albany, NY 12211
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (518) 869-2231
Shaker Place offers a paid, three-week, full-time CNA training taught in classroom and clinical settings, with trainees employed as CNA students during the program. Graduates are prepared for the NYS exam and a pathway to employment at Shaker Place.
Visit websiteTeresian House Nursing Home Co
CostFreeHours–Weeks6
- Address
- 200 Washington Ave Ext, Albany, NY 12203
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (518) 456-2000
- Schedule
- Evening classes
Teresian House runs paid on-site CNA trainee classes lasting about 6 weeks, with cohorts typically held on weekdays and some evening options. Graduates continue into CNA roles at the facility.
Visit websiteDaughters of Sarah Nursing Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 180 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY 12203
Open in Google Maps
Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteHudson Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 325 Northern Boulevard, Albany, NY 12204
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (518) 449-1100
Hudson Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center offers in-house CNA training for prospective staff, with cohorts of CNA graduates highlighted on its official channels. Contact the facility for current training opportunities and details.
Visit websiteMildred Elley School
Cost–Hours–Weeks5
- Address
- 855 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (518) 807-0911
Albany campus offers a non-credit Nurse Aide Training Certificate with classroom instruction, skills training, and offsite clinical experience, and flexible class schedules. The program is listed as a 5-week course on the Albany campus page.
Visit websitePractice 2 Perfect Training Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 255 Orange St Suite 206, Albany, NY 12210
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (518) 448-8077
Practice 2 Perfect Training Center is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteSt. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 301 Hackett Blvd, Albany, NY 12208
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (518) 525-7600
St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major New York cities
All New York cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Albany
| Median annual pay | $38,710 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.61 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 3,810 |
| Salary region | Albany-Schenectady-Troy |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the Albany-Schenectady-Troy region, approximately 3,810 certified nursing assistants are employed across various healthcare environments. Demand remains steady as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies seek qualified professionals throughout this metropolitan area.
The CNA salary in Albany reflects regional trends: In the Albany-Schenectady-Troy metro area, CNAs earn around $38,710 per year or $18.61 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This is somewhat lower than the statewide median of $45,890 but represents standard compensation levels for entry-level nursing roles locally.
Major local employers include St Margarets Center (92 beds), St Peters Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (160 beds), Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center (210 beds), Teresian House Nursing Home Co (302 beds), Hudson Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (169 beds), Albany Medical Center Hospital—a voluntary nonprofit acute care hospital—and St Peter's Hospital. VNA Home Health also provides home-based care services as a CMS-certified agency serving the region's needs.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Albany (6 facilities)
6 nursing homes in Albany providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| St Margarets Center27 Hackett Blvd(518) 591-3300Map | 92 | 4.5 |
| St Peters Nursing And Rehabilitation Center301 Hackett Blvd(518) 525-7600Map | 160 | 2.3 |
| Daughters Of Sarah Nursing Center180 Washington Ave ExtMap | 210 | 2.3 |
| Teresian House Nursing Home Co Inc200 Washington Ave Ext(518) 456-2000Map | 302 | 2.3 |
| Hudson Park Rehabilitation And Nursing Center325 Northern Boulevard(518) 449-1100Map | 169 | 1.8 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Albany (4 facilities)
4 hospitals in Albany offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 4 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Albany Va Medical CenterAcute Care - Veterans Administration · 113 Holland Avenue(518) 626-5000Map | 3/5 |
| St Peter'S HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 315 South Manning Boulevard(518) 525-1550Map | 3/5 |
| Albany Medical Center HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 43 New Scotland Avenue, Mail Code 34(518) 262-3125Map | 2/5 |
| Capital District Psych CenterPsychiatric · 75 New Scotland Ave(518) 549-6000Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Albany (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Albany providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Marquis Certified Home Care, Llc1762 Central Avenue(518) 216-0100Map | 3.5/5 |
| Vna Home Health35 Colvin Avenue(518) 489-2681Map | 3.0/5 |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Albany? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Schenectady, Troy, Guilderland, Clifton Park, and Rensselaer, or browse the New York CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Albany, NY
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Albany, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by New York. These include completing a New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)–approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), passing the New York Nurse Aide Competency Examination administered by Prometric, and being listed on the New York Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 100 total hours of training (70 classroom and skills lab hours, 30 supervised clinical hours in a licensed nursing home)
- Completion of 16 hours of required instruction before any direct resident contact
- Background screening per New York requirements
- Sequential testing structure: Must first pass the skills evaluation (five randomly selected skills, 31-40 minutes), then pass the knowledge test (60 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes, 70% minimum score)
- Up to three attempts to pass skills, then three attempts to pass knowledge after passing skills; all testing within two years of completing training
- Placement on the New York Nurse Aide Registry maintained by NYSDOH
Once certified, you can work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and other licensed healthcare settings throughout Albany and across New York. CNAs must complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing work within 24 months and pay a $40 renewal fee to maintain active certification.
Already certified in another state? New York offers registry-based reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs who hold active certification in good standing and meet federal OBRA training standards. Additional documentation may be required. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in New York guide.
For complete details on training programs, testing procedures, renewal requirements, and maintaining active registry status, see our comprehensive CNA License & Registration in New York guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Albany.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Albany
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Albany?
Most CNA programs in Albany can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 3 weeks, at Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
How much does CNA training cost in Albany?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Albany directly for their current costs. 2 programs are free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Albany?
Yes. 2 programs in Albany are free or employer-paid: Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and Teresian House Nursing Home Co. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may also offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Albany?
No program in Albany is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other New York cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Albany?
Yes. Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is an accelerated program. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Albany there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Schenectady, Troy, Guilderland, Clifton Park and Rensselaer. You can also look at the New York state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the New York CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in New York, you must be added to the official state registry. See our New York CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Albany?
CNAs in Albany are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 6 nursing homes, 4 hospitals and 2 home health agencies in Albany. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.