CNA Classes & Programs in Schenectady, New York
3 state-approved CNA programs in Schenectady, including free options. 4-week and online programs are offered in other New York cities.
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CNA training in Schenectady
- Programs
- 3
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $38,710
- $18.61 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 3,810
- in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy region
- Healthcare facilities
- 5
- 3 nursing homes and 2 hospitals
- Population
- 68,476
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Schenectady is home to 3 CNA programs designed for individuals interested in beginning a healthcare career. These state-approved CNA classes provide the foundation necessary for entry into the nursing field, helping students develop critical patient care skills. As part of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy metro area, Schenectady offers access to education and job opportunities for those pursuing nursing assistant roles.
Training in Schenectady prepares future CNAs for certification and employment in a range of local healthcare settings. The city features multiple CMS-certified nursing homes and hospitals, offering practical experience and insight into everyday patient care. Free CNA classes are available at select providers, making it possible for some students to start their education with reduced financial barriers.
In the Albany-Schenectady-Troy region, CNAs earn around $38,710 annually. This figure reflects local wage conditions and helps prospective students understand potential earnings after completing CNA training programs in Schenectady.
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Browse CNA Classes in Schenectady
Students in Schenectady can choose from 3 CNA programs that prepare them for New York state certification and success on the nurse aide registry. These CNA training programs equip students with essential clinical skills and knowledge, enabling them to qualify for jobs where CNAs are needed. With free CNA training options available locally, graduates are positioned for employment across a variety of healthcare environments.
Program Types in Schenectady
| Type | In Schenectady | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Schenectady | See other New York cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Schenectady | See other New York cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Schenectady | See other New York cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 3 CNA programs in Schenectady
Lowest published cost first.
Kingsway Arms Nursing Center
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 323 Kings Road, Schenectady, NY 12304
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (518) 393-4117
Kingsway offers paid Certified Nursing Aide training as part of its career pathway, supporting new caregivers to begin working at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center.
Visit websiteSchenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 526 Altamont Ave, Schenectady, NY 12303
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (518) 346-6121
Schenectady Center offers a free on‑site CNA training course for eligible candidates; graduates are offered a position at the facility and receive weekly bonuses during training.
Visit websiteSchenectady County Community College
Cost$1,900Hours120Weeks8
- Address
- 433 State Street 2R, Schenectady, NY 12305
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (518) 381-1200
The CNA course runs approximately eight weeks at SUNY Schenectady’s Center City location with at least 90 classroom hours and 30 clinical hours and includes additional PCA training. The fee is 1900.
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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All New York cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Schenectady
| 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 CNAs are employed according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This regional workforce reflects steady demand for certified nursing assistants across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers serving residents throughout the area. CNA jobs in Schenectady are available as local employers recruit CNAs to support patient care teams in diverse settings.
The CNA salary in Schenectady is represented by data from the Albany-Schenectady-Troy metro area. In this region, CNAs earn around $38,710 per year (median), or approximately $18.61 per hour, based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) figures. This median annual wage is somewhat below the New York statewide median of $45,890, providing a useful benchmark for those considering local employment after program completion.
Schenectady is home to a range of healthcare employers recognized by CMS. Notable facilities include Kingsway Arms Nursing Center, a 160-bed nursing home; Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing with 240 beds; and Ellis Residential & Rehabilitation Center offering additional skilled nursing care. Acute care options like Ellis Hospital and Sunnyview Hospital and Rehabilitation Center expand job prospects for new CNAs seeking varied clinical environments within the city.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Schenectady (3 facilities)
3 nursing homes in Schenectady providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kingsway Arms Nursing Center Inc323 Kings Road(518) 393-4117Map | 160 | 2.4 |
| Schenectady Center For Rehabilitation And Nursing526 Altamont Ave(518) 346-6121Map | 240 | 2.1 |
| Ellis Residential & Rehabilitation Center600 Mcclellan Street(518) 382-2000Map | 82 | – |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Schenectady (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Schenectady offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ellis HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 1101 Nott Street(518) 243-4000Map | 3/5 |
| Sunnyview Hospital And Rehabilitation CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 1270 Belmont Avenue(518) 382-4500Map | – |
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 Schenectady? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Albany, Saratoga Springs, Amsterdam, Scotia, and Queensbury, 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 Schenectady, NY
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Schenectady, 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 Schenectady 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
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Schenectady
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Schenectady?
Most CNA programs in Schenectady can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 8 weeks, at Schenectady County Community College.
How much does CNA training cost in Schenectady?
Schenectady County Community College lists a price of $1,900. 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 Schenectady?
Yes. 2 programs in Schenectady are free or employer-paid: Kingsway Arms Nursing Center and Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. 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 Schenectady?
No program in Schenectady 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 Schenectady?
No 4-week program is listed in Schenectady. 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 Schenectady there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Albany, Saratoga Springs, Amsterdam, Scotia and Queensbury. 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 Schenectady?
CNAs in Schenectady are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 3 nursing homes and 2 hospitals in Schenectady. 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.