CNA Classes & Programs in Syracuse, New York
2 state-approved CNA programs in Syracuse, including free, online and 4-week options.
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CNA training in Syracuse
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $37,530
- $18.04 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 2,950
- in the Syracuse region
- Healthcare facilities
- 13
- 7 nursing homes, 5 hospitals and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 146,134
- 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.
Syracuse is home to 2 CNA programs, offering aspiring nursing assistants a pathway to enter the healthcare workforce in this central New York city. These state-approved CNA classes include a variety of learning options designed to accommodate different schedules and learning preferences. For those seeking affordable pathways, free CNA classes are available for eligible students, helping to reduce barriers to certification.
Local CNA training programs in Syracuse prepare students for state certification, practical skill development, and job readiness. Graduates can find employment in settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies. The city features a mix of facility types, providing a range of clinical experiences that support new CNAs as they transition into the workplace.
In the Syracuse area, CNAs earn around $37,530 annually. With online and accelerated programs also offered, prospective students have flexible options to begin their CNA careers quickly in this region.
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Browse CNA Classes in Syracuse
Syracuse provides 2 CNA training programs that prepare students for New York state certification and entry into local healthcare careers. Options include free CNA training and accelerated classes for those seeking a quicker route to certification. Each program builds practical skills and prepares graduates for state registry placement, supporting career opportunities in healthcare facilities where CNAs are needed.
Program Types in Syracuse
| Type | In Syracuse | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Center ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Onondaga Community College ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Syracuse | See other New York cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Syracuse
Lowest published cost first.
Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Center
CostFreeHours–Weeks5
- Address
- 700 East Brighton Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13205
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (315) 413-3200
Loretto offers a paid, free CNA training program with classroom instruction and hands-on clinicals; trainees begin earning during the clinical portion and exam fees are covered. Training is hosted at Loretto Health & Rehabilitation in Syracuse with guaranteed job placement upon completion.
Visit websiteOnondaga Community College
Cost$1,990Hours–Weeks5
- Address
- 4585 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY 13215
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (315) 498-2000
OCC’s Certified Nursing Assistant program is a hybrid course with online lecture and in-person lab and clinicals held at the Liverpool campus. Tuition is 1990 and the program is eligible for NYS part-time TAP.
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 Syracuse
| Median annual pay | $37,530 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.04 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 2,950 |
| Salary region | Syracuse |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the Syracuse region, approximately 2,950 CNAs are employed across various healthcare settings. The demand for certified nursing assistants remains steady as local hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies require trained staff to support patient care throughout the metropolitan area.
The CNA salary in Syracuse reflects regional data: In the Syracuse area, CNAs earn around $37,530 per year or $18.04 per hour according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This median wage is below the statewide median of $45,890 for New York CNAs but aligns with local cost-of-living factors and employment opportunities.
Healthcare employers in Syracuse span multiple facility types. Notable examples include Bishop Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (440 beds), Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Center (583 beds), Crouse Hospital (a voluntary nonprofit acute care hospital), St Joseph's Hospital Health Center, University Hospital SUNY Health Science Center, Hutchings Psychiatric Center, and Nascentia Health at Home—a CMS-certified home health agency with high-quality ratings. These organizations represent some of the major local employers hiring CNAs in the area.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Syracuse (7 facilities)
7 nursing homes in Syracuse 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bishop Rehabilitation And Nursing Center918 James Street(315) 474-1561Map | 440 | 2.8 |
| Loretto Health And Rehabilitation Center700 East Brighton Avenue(315) 413-3200Map | 583 | 2.2 |
| Central Park Rehabilitation And Nursing Center116 East Castle Street(315) 475-1641Map | 160 | 2.0 |
| St Camillus Residential Health Care Facility813 Fay Road(315) 488-2951Map | 284 | 2.0 |
| Jewish Home Of Central New York4101 E Genesee St(315) 446-9111Map | 132 | 1.9 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Syracuse (5 facilities)
5 hospitals in Syracuse offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Crouse HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 736 Irving Avenue(315) 470-7111Map | 2/5 |
| St Joseph'S Hospital Health CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 301 Prospect Avenue(315) 448-5111Map | 2/5 |
| Syracuse Va Medical CenterAcute Care - Veterans Administration · 800 Irving Ave.(315) 425-4400Map | 2/5 |
| University Hospital S U N Y Health Science CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 750 East Adams Street(315) 464-5540Map | 2/5 |
| Hutchings Psychiatric CtrPsychiatric · 620 Madison Street(315) 426-3600Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Syracuse (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Syracuse providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Nascentia Health At Home1050 West Genesee Street(888) 477-4663Map | 4.0/5 |
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 Syracuse? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Cicero, Baldwinsville, Utica, Rome, and Auburn, 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 Syracuse, NY
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Syracuse, 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 Syracuse 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 Syracuse.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Syracuse
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Syracuse?
Most CNA programs in Syracuse can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 5 weeks, at Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Center.
How much does CNA training cost in Syracuse?
Onondaga Community College lists a price of $1,990. One program is free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Syracuse?
Yes. Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Center offers free or employer-paid CNA training. 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 Syracuse?
Yes. Onondaga Community College offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Syracuse?
Yes. 2 programs in Syracuse are accelerated. 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 Syracuse there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Cicero, Baldwinsville, Utica, Rome and Auburn. 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 Syracuse?
CNAs in Syracuse are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 7 nursing homes, 5 hospitals and 1 home health agency in Syracuse. 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.