CNA Classes & Programs in Watertown, New York

1 state-approved CNA program in Watertown, including free and 4-week options. Online programs are offered in other New York cities.

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CNA training in Watertown

Programs
1
state-approved
Median CNA pay
$36,960
$17.77 an hour
CNA jobs
240
in the Watertown-Fort Drum region
Healthcare facilities
5
2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 2 home health agencies
Population
24,859
residents

Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).

On this page
  1. Get info from schools
  2. CNA classes in Watertown
  3. Jobs and pay
  4. Working nearby
  5. Requirements
  6. Career growth
  7. FAQ

What brings you here?

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Watertown offers 1 CNA program for those interested in entering the healthcare field as certified nursing assistants. Located near Fort Drum in upstate New York, this city provides accessible training designed to prepare students for patient care careers within both local facilities and the broader region.

The available CNA class prepares candidates through coursework focused on practical skills and direct-care experience needed for New York state certification. Prospective students benefit from options such as free CNA classes or accelerated learning; currently, Watertown features both a free program and an accelerated pathway to help learners begin working more quickly.

In the Watertown-Fort Drum region, CNAs earn around $36,960 per year—somewhat below the statewide figure—while local hospitals and nursing homes offer essential job prospects following completion of CNA courses.

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Browse CNA Classes in Watertown

Watertown provides 1 free CNA training program that enables students to pursue New York CNA certification through focused instruction and hands-on skill-building. This accelerated CNA class prepares graduates efficiently for entry into healthcare roles where certified nursing assistants are actively recruited throughout Watertown’s hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Program Types in Watertown

TypeIn WatertownWhere to look
Free or employer-paid1 programSamaritan Summit Village ↓
4-week (accelerated)1 programSamaritan Summit Village ↓
Online or hybridNot in WatertownSee other New York cities →
Evening or weekendNot in WatertownSee other New York cities →

A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.

The CNA program in Watertown

Samaritan Summit Village

Nursing Facility · Watertown, NY 13601FreeEmployer-sponsored4-weekCostFreeHours–Weeks4
Address
22691 Campus Drive, Watertown, NY 13601
Open in Google Maps

Paid CNA training with three weeks of classes and one week of unit training at Samaritan long‑term care facilities, about 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

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Cost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.

CNA Programs Near Watertown

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CNA Employment Opportunities in Watertown

CNA pay and jobs in Watertown
Median annual pay$36,960
Median hourly pay$17.77
CNA jobs in the region240
Salary regionWatertown-Fort Drum

Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.

CNA jobs in Watertown are supported by a workforce of approximately 240 certified nursing assistants employed across local hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies in the Watertown-Fort Drum region. This steady workforce reflects ongoing demand for trained professionals who can deliver direct patient care within both acute and long-term settings throughout Jefferson County.

The CNA salary in Watertown is reported at a median of $36,960 annually (about $17.77 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). While this figure falls below the statewide median of $45,890 in New York, it accurately reflects compensation trends within the region’s healthcare sector, where most positions are filled locally following certification.

CNA employment opportunities arise at several notable CMS-certified facilities such as Samaritan Keep Nursing Home (272 beds), Samaritan Senior Village (168 beds), Samaritan Medical Center (a voluntary nonprofit hospital), and home health agencies including Samaritan Home Health (quality rating: 4) and Jefferson County Public Health Services CHHA (government-operated). These organizations form an important part of Watertown’s healthcare landscape where newly certified aides can find job openings suited to their credentials.

Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Watertown (2 facilities)

2 nursing homes in Watertown providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)

Nursing homeBedsCNA hrs/day
Samaritan Keep Nursing Home Inc133 Pratt St(315) 785-4400Map2722.3
Samaritan Senior Village, Inc22691 Campus Drive(315) 782-6800Map168–

Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Watertown (1 facility)

1 hospital in Watertown offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)

HospitalRating
Samaritan Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 830 Washington Street(315) 785-4000Map3/5

Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Watertown (2 facilities)

2 home health agencies in Watertown providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)

AgencyQuality
Samaritan Home Health, Inc104 Paddock Street(315) 782-0415Map4.0/5
Jefferson Co Pub Hlth Svs Chha531 Meade Street(315) 786-3700Map2.5/5

Sources

Working in Nearby Cities and Other States

Working in Nearby Cities

Looking beyond Watertown? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Carthage, Ogdensburg, Canton, Boonville, and Syracuse, 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 Watertown, NY

To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Watertown, 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 Watertown 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.

See how to become a CNA in New York

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 Watertown.

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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Watertown

How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Watertown?

Most CNA programs in Watertown 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 Samaritan Summit Village.

How much does CNA training cost in Watertown?

The CNA program in Watertown is free or employer-paid.

Are there free CNA classes in Watertown?

Yes. Samaritan Summit Village 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 Watertown?

No program in Watertown 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 Watertown?

Yes. Samaritan Summit Village 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 Watertown there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Carthage, Ogdensburg, Canton, Boonville and Syracuse. 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 Watertown?

CNAs in Watertown are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 2 home health agencies in Watertown. 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.