CNA Classes & Programs in Buffalo, New York
4 state-approved CNA programs in Buffalo, including free options. 4-week and online programs are offered in other New York cities.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
CNA training in Buffalo
- Programs
- 4
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $37,910
- $18.23 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 4,760
- in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls region
- Healthcare facilities
- 18
- 8 nursing homes, 7 hospitals and 3 home health agencies
- Population
- 276,688
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
On this page
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 Buffalo, four state-approved CNA classes are available to help individuals take their first steps toward a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. As one of Western New York's largest cities, Buffalo offers accessible training opportunities for students seeking to enter the healthcare field.
The city’s CNA programs include free CNA classes, giving prospective students flexible pathways to certification while minimizing financial barriers. Instructional options focus on skill development required by New York State regulations. Graduates can prepare for local employment through both classroom and clinical experiences offered by these programs.
In the Buffalo–Cheektowaga–Niagara Falls metro area, CNAs earn around $37,910 annually. Completing a Buffalo-based CNA course can open doors to job opportunities across hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies throughout the region.
Get Info from CNA Schools in Buffalo
Fill in the short form to get information from CNA schools that serve Buffalo, such as cost, schedules and start dates.
CNA program search
✓ Free Service✓ No Obligations✓ Compare Multiple Programs
We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Browse CNA Classes in Buffalo
Buffalo offers 4 CNA classes that prepare students for New York state certification through hands-on learning and classroom instruction. Several free training options exist locally, making it easier to qualify as a certified nursing assistant while preparing for immediate employment in Buffalo’s healthcare sector.
Program Types in Buffalo
| Type | In Buffalo | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Buffalo | See other New York cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Buffalo | See other New York cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Buffalo | See other New York cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 4 CNA programs in Buffalo
Lowest published cost first.
D'Youville University
CostFreeHours–Weeks7
- Address
- 320 Porter Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14201
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (716) 829-8000
D’Youville offers a no-cost seven-week CNA program in partnership with The McGuire Group, meeting three days per week. Trainees are embedded with the employer partner during training and receive priority hiring consideration.
Visit websiteSt. Catherine Laboure Health Care Center
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 2157 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (716) 862-1450
Catholic Health offers free CNA training with minimal qualifications. After classroom hours and NYS certification, associates are transitioned to CNA positions at Catholic Health long-term care facilities such as St. Catherine Labouré.
Visit websiteDelaware Oaks Center For Rehabilitation and Nursing
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1205 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (716) 885-3838
Delaware Oaks Center For Rehabilitation and Nursing is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteSafire Rehabilitation of Southtowns
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 300 Dorrance Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14220
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (716) 825-4984
Safire Rehabilitation of Southtowns 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.
Not sure which of the 4 programs fits you?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
- Cheektowaga2 programs
- Niagara Falls2 programs
- West Seneca1 program
- North Tonawanda2 programs
- Grand Island1 program
Major New York cities
All New York cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Buffalo
| Median annual pay | $37,910 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.23 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 4,760 |
| Salary region | Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the Buffalo–Cheektowaga–Niagara Falls region, approximately 4,760 CNAs are currently employed according to recent data sources. This highlights sustained need for certified nursing assistants within regional hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations serving Western New York residents.
The CNA salary in Buffalo reflects local wage trends within this metro area. In the Buffalo–Cheektowaga–Niagara Falls region, CNAs earn around $37,910 per year or about $18.23 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) figures. This median wage is below the statewide median of $45,890 but aligns with other upstate urban areas.
CNA job opportunities in Buffalo span numerous CMS-certified employers. Major facilities include Highpointe On Michigan Health Care Facility, Terrace View Long Term Care Facility, Kaleida Health, Erie County Medical Center, Sisters Of Charity Hospital, and home health agencies like Mcauley Seton Home Care Corp CHHA. These organizations provide varied work environments for new and experienced CNAs alike.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Buffalo (8 facilities)
8 nursing homes in Buffalo 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Highpointe On Michigan Health Care Facility1031 Michigan Ave(716) 748-3100Map | 300 | 3.1 |
| Terrace View Long Term Care Facility462 Grider Street(716) 551-7100Map | 390 | 2.7 |
| St Catherine Laboure Health Care Center2157 Main Street(716) 862-1450Map | 80 | 2.5 |
| Buffalo Center For Rehabilitation And Nursing1014 Delaware Ave(716) 883-6782Map | 200 | 2.5 |
| Delaware Oaks Center For Rehabilitation And Nursi1205 Delaware Avenue(716) 885-3838Map | 95 | 2.1 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Buffalo (7 facilities)
7 hospitals in Buffalo offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Upstate New York Va Healthcare System (Western Ny Va Healthcare System)Acute Care - Veterans Administration · 3495 Bailey Avenue(716) 834-9200Map | 4/5 |
| Kaleida HealthAcute Care Hospitals · 100 High Street(716) 859-5600Map | 3/5 |
| Sisters Of Charity HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 2157 Main Street(716) 862-1000Map | 3/5 |
| Erie County Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 462 Grider Street(716) 898-3000Map | 2/5 |
| Mercy Hospital Of BuffaloAcute Care Hospitals · 565 Abbott Road(716) 826-7000Map | 2/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Buffalo (3 facilities)
3 home health agencies in Buffalo providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Mcauley Seton Home Care Corp Chha144 Genesee Street(716) 685-4870Map | 4.5/5 |
| Willcare Chha (Buffalo)346 Delaware Avenue(716) 856-7500Map | 4.0/5 |
| People Home Health Svs Chha692 Millersport Hwy(716) 303-3300Map | 1.5/5 |
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 Buffalo? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Cheektowaga, Niagara Falls, West Seneca, North Tonawanda, and Grand Island, 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 Buffalo, NY
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Buffalo, 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo.
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 Buffalo
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Buffalo?
Most CNA programs in Buffalo can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 7 weeks, at D'Youville University.
How much does CNA training cost in Buffalo?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Buffalo 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 Buffalo?
Yes. 2 programs in Buffalo are free or employer-paid: D'Youville University and St. Catherine Laboure Health Care Center. 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 Buffalo?
No program in Buffalo 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 Buffalo?
No 4-week program is listed in Buffalo. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other New York cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Buffalo there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Cheektowaga, Niagara Falls, West Seneca, North Tonawanda and Grand Island. 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 Buffalo?
CNAs in Buffalo are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 8 nursing homes, 7 hospitals and 3 home health agencies in Buffalo. 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.