CNA Classes & Programs in Rochester, New York
9 state-approved CNA programs in Rochester, including free, online and 4-week options.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
CNA training in Rochester
- Programs
- 9
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $38,900
- $18.70 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 4,730
- in the Rochester region
- Healthcare facilities
- 32
- 23 nursing homes, 6 hospitals and 3 home health agencies
- Population
- 210,992
- 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.
Aspiring CNAs in Rochester can choose from nine approved training programs tailored to help them launch careers in patient care roles across Monroe County’s medical community. Rochester’s reputation as a center of education supports those seeking both skill-building and certification through local offerings.
The city features free CNA classes, online study options, and even one accelerated program—allowing students flexibility based on their schedules or need to enter the workforce quickly. Program formats combine classroom instruction with practical experiences designed to meet requirements for state licensure as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
In the Rochester area, CNAs earn around $38,900 annually according to regional data—slightly below statewide levels but aligned with other upstate regions. Completion of Rochester’s CNA courses opens doors across local healthcare facilities seeking qualified staff.
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Browse CNA Classes in Rochester
Rochester’s 9 CNA programs prepare students for state registry placement through practical skills development and coursework tailored toward passing exams required by New York State certification standards. Program choices include online CNA classes and free training options, making it easier to begin a career as a CNA in Rochester’s healthcare settings.
Program Types in Rochester
| Type | In Rochester | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 5 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Monroe Community Hospital ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Rochester | See other New York cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 9 CNA programs in Rochester
Lowest published cost first.
Edna Tina Wilson Living Center
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 700 Island Cottage Road, Rochester, NY 14612
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (585) 368-6100
Rochester Regional Health hires C.N.A. Trainees for a paid training program in Monroe County with classes held Monday–Friday 8:00am–4:30pm; trainees transition into CNA roles after successful completion. This is an earn-while-you-learn pathway at Edna Tina Wilson Living Center.
Visit websiteJewish Home of Rochester
CostFreeHours–Weeks6
- Address
- 2021 South Winton Road, Rochester, NY 14618
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (585) 427-7760
Jewish Home offers an onsite, 6-week Nurse Aide Training Program to achieve NYS CNA certification, with trainees hired and trained by the facility. Graduates transition to CNA roles upon certification.
Visit websiteMonroe Community Hospital
CostFreeHours–Weeks4
- Address
- 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (585) 760-6500
Monroe Community Hospital offers a paid, free four-week CNA training program held entirely at the hospital with classroom, lab, hands-on resident care, and exams covered. Trainees are hired as Monroe County employees during the program.
Visit websiteRochester Education Opportunity Center
CostFreeHours–Weeks9
- Address
- 161 Chestnut Street, Rochester, NY 14604
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (585) 232-2730
Tuition-free Nursing Assistant training with instructor-led theory, lab, and clinical practice; includes career placement support.
Visit websiteUnity Living Center
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 89 Genesee Street, Rochester, NY 14611
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (585) 481-3507
Rochester Regional Health offers a FREE CNA training program with educational stipend and direct employment pipeline to its long‑term care sites, including Unity Living Center. A one‑year employment commitment is required after completion.
Visit websiteBold Vision Career of Rochester
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 919 Culver Rd., Rochester, NY 14609
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (585) 638-9000
Bold Vision Career offers CNA training taught by experienced nurses with home care and hospital backgrounds and provides job assistance. The school partners with healthcare facilities and agencies and lists CNA among its programs.
Visit websiteIsabella Graham Hart School of Practical Nursing
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 470 Skyview Centre Parkway, Rochester, NY 14622
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (585) 922-1400
Isabella Graham Hart School of Practical Nursing is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteThe Highlands at Brighton
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 5901 Lac De Ville Blvd, Rochester, NY 14618
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (585) 442-7960
The Highlands at Brighton is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteWoodside Manor Nursing Home
Cost–Hours–Weeks4
- Address
- 2425 Clinton Avenue South, Rochester, NY 14618
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (585) 461-0370
Hurlbut Care Communities offers a 4-week hybrid CNA training for candidates seeking CNA roles at its facilities, with online coursework and in-person clinicals; Woodside Manor is one of the placement locations.
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 9 programs fits you?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
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Major New York cities
All New York cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Rochester
| Median annual pay | $38,900 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.70 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 4,730 |
| Salary region | Rochester |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In Rochester and its surrounding region, approximately 4,730 certified nursing assistants are employed according to recent data sets—a reflection of ongoing demand within this midsize city’s diverse healthcare landscape. Employment opportunities exist across acute hospitals as well as extended-care facilities serving Monroe County residents.
The CNA salary in Rochester is defined by regional benchmarks: In the Rochester metro area, CNAs earn around $38,900 per year or about $18.70 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. While this median is below the statewide median of $45,890 for New York State, it remains consistent with other upstate metropolitan markets.
CNA jobs in Rochester are available at numerous CMS-certified facilities, including The Highlands At Brighton, Jewish Home Of Rochester, St Anns Community, Strong Memorial Hospital, Highland Hospital, Unity Hospital, and home health agencies such as Rochester Regional Health Home Care and HCR Home Care CHHA. These employers provide a range of work environments suited to various interests within patient support services.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Rochester (23 facilities)
23 nursing homes in Rochester 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 |
|---|---|---|
| The Highlands At Brighton5901 Lac De Ville Blvd(585) 442-7960Map | 145 | 3.3 |
| Park Ridge Nursing Home1555 Long Pond Road(585) 723-7120Map | 120 | 3.0 |
| Jewish Home Of Rochester2021 Winton Road South(585) 427-7760Map | 362 | 2.8 |
| The Friendly Home3156 East Avenue(585) 381-1600Map | 200 | 2.6 |
| St Anns Community1500 Portland Avenue(585) 697-6000Map | 470 | 2.5 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Rochester (6 facilities)
6 hospitals in Rochester offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Strong Memorial HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 601 Elmwood Ave(585) 275-2100Map | 2/5 |
| Highland HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 1000 South Avenue(585) 473-2200Map | 1/5 |
| Rochester General HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 1425 Portland Avenue(585) 922-4000Map | 1/5 |
| Unity HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 1555 Long Pond Road(585) 723-7000Map | 1/5 |
| Rochester Psychiatric CenterPsychiatric · 1600 South Ave(585) 241-1200Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Rochester (3 facilities)
3 home health agencies in Rochester 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 |
|---|---|
| Rochester Regional Health Home Care330 Monroe Avenue(585) 368-3720Map | 4.5/5 |
| Hcr / Hcr Home Care Chha (Rochester)85 Metro Park(800) 270-4904Map | 2.5/5 |
| Rochester Regional Health System Home Care- Closed89 Genesee Street(585) 368-6342Map | – |
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 Rochester? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Penfield, Batavia, Canandaigua, Pittsford, and Newark, 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 Rochester, NY
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Rochester, 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 Rochester 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 Rochester.
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 Rochester
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Rochester?
Most CNA programs in Rochester can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 4 weeks, at Monroe Community Hospital.
How much does CNA training cost in Rochester?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Rochester directly for their current costs. 5 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 Rochester?
Yes. 5 programs in Rochester are free or employer-paid: Edna Tina Wilson Living Center, Jewish Home of Rochester, Monroe Community Hospital, Rochester Education Opportunity Center and Unity Living 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 Rochester?
Yes. 2 programs in Rochester offer hybrid options, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Rochester?
Yes. Monroe Community Hospital 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 Rochester there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Penfield, Batavia, Canandaigua, Pittsford and Newark. 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 Rochester?
CNAs in Rochester are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 23 nursing homes, 6 hospitals and 3 home health agencies in Rochester. 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.