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Home » Becoming a CNA in New York

5 Steps to Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide in New York State

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(found 134 schools)

To become a Certified Nurse Aide in New York State in 2017, you must meet all of the requirements established by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Training must be completed at a state-approved facility. The examination is administered by Prometric. Upon passing the CNA state exam, your name is entered into the NYS Nurse Aide Registry as active and approved, and you are on your way to a great healthcare career.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

  • Step 1: Select One of the Six Paths to Becoming a CNA in New York
    • 6 Paths
    • Additional Requirements to Get Certified in NYS
    • Criminal Convictions
  • Step 2: Complete Required CNA Training
    • 134 State-Approved Certified Nurse Aide Classes
    • State Mandated Curriculum
    • Types of Training Programs
    • Clinical Skills Training
    • Requirements to Enroll in a Nurse Aide Program
    • Cost of the CNA Program
    • Financial Aid
  • Step 3: Pass the State Exam
    • Application Process
    • Fees and Payment
    • Testing Locations
    • After Your Application
    • What to Bring to the Exam
    • What to Test
    • Getting Results and Retesting
  • Step 4: CNA Registry and Certification Renewal
    • New York CNA Registry
    • CNA Renewal
    • Certification by Reciprocity
    • Certification Verification
  • Step 5: Pursue a CNA Career in New York
    • Where to Work
    • Job Duties of the CNA
    • Job Outlook for CNAs in New York State
    • Healthcare Salaries Comparison
    • Top Paying Regions for CNAs in New York

Step 1: Choose One of the Six Paths to Becoming a CNA in New York


Learning how to become a CNA in New York State requires first understanding the different paths that can be taken to achieving certification. There are six paths in New York State (NYS) for an applicant.

Path 1: Not a CNA

This path is for anyone who is not a nurse aide:

  • Complete a nursing home nurse aide training program that is NYS approved. To take the exam, the CNA training program must have been completed within 24 months of the application for examination
  • Complete the New York Nurse Aide Application which is available online here
  • Submit the application and fee to the training program coordinator or your employer
  • Pass the exam within two years of completing nurse aide training

Path 2: A CNA From Another State

This path is for anyone who is already a nurse aide and listed on another state’s Nurse Aide Registry and wants to work in New York:

  • Complete the New York Nurse Aide Application
  • Attach a copy of your current nurse aide certificate from another state
  • If the other state does not have expiration dates in its registry, you will need to submit proof that you worked at least seven hours as a nurse aide in the past 24 months. The letter has to be on facility letterhead and signed by your supervisor
  • Pay the fees

Path 3: A Graduate Nurse and a Foreign-Trained Nurse

This path is for anyone who is a graduate nurse who was trained in the U.S. and anyone who is a foreign-trained nurse. It is necessary to pass the CNA exam in New York State with the following steps:

  • Complete the New York Nurse Aide Application
  • If a graduate was trained in the U.S., attach a copy of her or his nursing program diploma. If the applicant is a foreign-trained nurse, also attach a copy of your Social Security card, documentation of the courses you took in nursing school and a copy of an admission letter or some type of report of scores, if you have taken or plan on taking the New York State LPN or RN examination.
  • Get application approval first from the NYSDOH NATP/NAR Program
  • Once approved by the NYS NAR, submit the approved application with fees
  • Pass the exam within 24 months of application submission.

Path 4: RN or LPN

This path is for anyone who is already a licensed, active RN or LPN. There are two steps for an LPN or a RN to become a Certified Nurse Aide in NYS:

  • Complete the New York Nurse Aide Application
  • Attach a copy of your current RN or LPN license

Path 5: A NYS-Trained CNA with Lapsed Certification

This path is for anyone who has lapsed certification but has completed a nursing home nurse aide training program at a NYS-approved facility on or after July 1, 1989. A certification lapses if you do not been paid as a nurse aide in the last 24 months at a NYS nursing home or approved facility. The applicant must take the following 3 steps:

  • Complete the New York Nurse Aide Application, entering the NYS certification number
  • Submit the application with fees
  • Pass the exam within 24 months of application submission

Path 6: Other CNAs with Lapsed Certification

This path is for anyone who has lapsed certification, and the certification was obtained through Deeming, Reciprocity, Waiving or before July 1, 1989. The certified nursing assistant must take the following 3 steps:

  • Take retraining
  • Complete the New York Nurse Aide Application, entering the NYS number, and submit with fees
  • Take and pass the exam

Additional Requirements to Get Certified in NYS

There are some additional requirements to earn CNA certification in New York State. To work in a nursing home or for a home care agency, you must pass a fingerprint-based criminal history record checks (CHRC), if you are a new unlicensed employee or an existing employee who begins providing direct care to residents. Since resident or client care is the primary duty of the CNA or facility-paid nurse aide trainee, all nurse aides must submit fingerprints to the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and the FBI. The process for CNA certification is as follows:

  • Employer submits fingerprints and fees to the NYSDOH
  • NYSDOH submits fingerprints to the DCJS and FBI
  • NYSDOH gets the results and sends letter to your employer and you indicating if you are eligible for continued employment

Criminal Convictions

There are certain criminal convictions that may disqualify you from getting certified, like a Class A felony and a Class B or C felony that occurred within the preceding 10 years. A full list is available in the Department of Health Regulations Title 10, NYCRR Part 402.

In the next step, you will complete required training at a facility you choose. However, it is critical that you only choose a state-approved program for training or retraining in order to qualify for CNA certification in New York State.

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Step 2: Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program


Most people will have to complete CNA training at one of the nurse aide programs officially authorized by the state of New York. There are several government agencies approving nurse aid training programs:

  • The Office of Professions at the New York State Education Department approves programs at community colleges, university nursing schools, Educational Opportunity Centers (EOD) and development centers.
  • The Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision and Workforce Preparation at the New York State Education Department approves programs at vocational training centers, career centers, institutes, and technical schools.
  • The New York State Department of Health also approves Nurse Aide Training Programs (NATP) at nursing homes.

134 State-Approved Certified Nurse Aide Classes in New York State

The following interactive table lists 134 state-approved CNA schools in New York State in 2017.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

RegionCityTraining ProviderPhone
Capital DistrictAlbanyAbrookin Career and Technical Center
www.albanyschools.org
(518) 475-6401
Capital DistrictAlbanyHealth Careers Center
www.capregboces.org
(518) 862-4709
Western New YorkAlbionComprehensive at Orleans, LLC(716) 731-6800
Western New YorkAshvilleHewes Educational Center
www.e2ccb.org
(716) 549-4454
Mid-StateAuburnCayuga-Onondaga BOCES
www.cayboces.org
(315) 253-4899
Mid-StateAuburnCenter for Learning(315) 253-4899
Mid-WestBataviaGenesee Valley
www.gvboces.org
(585) 344-7753
Mid-SouthBathGST Bath Centers(607) 739-7905
Long IslandBellportGary D. Bixhorn Technical Center
www.esboces.org
(631) 233-4450
Western New YorkBelmontBOCES Center
www.caboces.org
(716) 376-8217
Mid-SouthBinghamtonBroome-Tioga BOCES
www.btboces.org
(607) 763-3661
Central RegionBinghamtonSUNY Broome Community College
www1.sunybroome.edu
(607) 778-5060
Long IslandBrentwoodAdult Education Center
www.esboces.org
(631) 233-4450
Long Island RegionBrentwoodLong Island EOC Farmingdale State College
www.lieoc.org
(631) 434-3740
Metropolitan RegionBronxHostos Community College
www.hostos.cuny.edu
(718) 518-6744
Metropolitan RegionBronxLehman College
www.lehman.cuny.edu
(914) 231-5064
New York CityBronxSchool of Cooperative and Technical Education(718) 589-2531
Metropolitan RegionBrooklynASA College
www.asa.edu
(877) 470-9638
Metropolitan RegionBrooklynNYC College of Technology
www.citytech.cuny.edu
(718) 552-1180
New York CityBrooklynClara Barton High School for Health Professions
www.clarabartonhighschool.org
(718) 636-4900
Metropolitan RegionBrooklynKingsborough Community College
www.kbcc.cuny.edu
(718) 368-5052
Metropolitan RegionBrooklynMedgar Evers College - Adult & Continuing Education
www.mec.cuny.edu
(718) 804-8846
New York CityBrooklynBrooklyn Adult Learning Center(718) 638-2635
New York CityBrooklynThomas Jefferson High School(718) 922-0650
Western RegionBuffaloBuffalo's Educational Opportunity Center
eoc.buffalo.edu
(716) 849-6737
Western New YorkBuffaloEast High School
www.buffaloschools.org
(716) 816-4520
Western New YorkBuffaloBuffalo Public Schools Adult Education Division
www.upskill.org
(716) 887-3912
Western New YorkBuffaloHarvest House
www.harvesthouse.ws
(716) 549-4454
Western New YorkBuffaloNew Hope Education Center
www.harvesthouse.ws
(716) 549-4454
Genesee Valley RegionCanandaiguaFinger Lakes Community College
www.suny.edu
Western New YorkCheektowagaWorkforce Development Center
www.e1b.org
(716) 821-7470
Western New YorkCheektowagaHarkness Career & Technical Center
www.e1b.org
(716) 821-7470
North Country/MohawkClintonKatherine Lutheran Care
www.lutherancare.org
(315) 361-5802
Genesee Valley RegionCorningCorning Community College
www.corning-cc.edu
(607) 962-9241
Genesee Valley RegionCorningCorning Community College - Small Business Development Center
www.corning-cc.edu
(607) 962-9241
Mid-StateCortlandOCM BOCES McEvoy Campus
www.ocmboces.org
(315) 453-4423
Long IslandDix HillsWilson Tech
www.wilsontech.org
(516) 261-3721
Western New YorkEast AuroraW.D. Ormsby Educational Center
www.e2ccb.org
(716) 549-4454
Mid-SouthElmiraBush Education Center
www.gstboces.org
(607) 739-7905
Mid-WestFairportEastern Monroe Career Center
www.monroe.edu
(585) 377-4660
Long Island RegionFarmingdaleLong Island EOC Farmingdale State College
www.lieoc.org
(631) 420-2280
Long IslandFarmingdaleWilson Tech Aviation Facility
www.wilsontech.org
(516) 261-3721
Western New YorkFredoniaLoGuidice Educational Center
www.e2ccb.org
(716) 549-4454
Genesee Valley RegionGeneva"Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing (RN Students Only)"
flhcon.com
(315) 787-4039
Genesee Valley RegionGenevaMarion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing
www.flhealth.org
(315) 787-4003
North Country/MohawkGlenfieldHoward G. Sackett Technical Center
www.boces.com
(315) 779-7230
Hudson ValleyGoshenRegional Education Center at Arden Hill
www.ouboces.org
(845) 781-6715
North Country/MohawkGouverneurSouthwest Career & Technical Education Center
www.sllboces.org
(315) 393-4570
Hudson ValleyHarrisonSouthern Westchester BOCES
www.swboces.org
(914) 592-0849
Long Island RegionHempsteadLong Island EOC Farmingdale State College
www.lieoc.org
(516) 489-8705
North Country/MohawkHerkimerHerkimer BOCES
www.herkimer-boces.org
(315) 867-2000
Long IslandHicksvilleVEEB School of Practical Nursing
www.veeb.org
(516) 572-1704
Mid-SouthHornellWildwood Education Center
Capital DistrictHudsonHudson High School
www.hudsoncityschooldistrict.com
(518) 697-8790
Capital DistrictHudson FallsSouthern Adirondack Educational Center
www.wswheboces.org
(518) 746-3400
North Country/MohawkIlionHerkimer BOCES Remington Educational Center
www.herkimer-boces.org
(315) 894-3222
Mid-StateIthacaTompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES
tstboces.org
(607) 257-1551
Mid-SouthIthacaCayuga Ridge Extended Care
www.cayugaridge.org
(607) 739-7905
Metropolitan RegionJamaicaYork College
www.york.cuny.edu
(718) 262-2790
Western New YorkJamestownJones Hill Memorial Health Center
www.wcahospital.org
(716) 549-4454
Northeastern RegionJohnstownFulton-Montgomery Community College
www.fmcc.edu
(518) 736-3622
Capital DistrictJohnstownHamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES
www.hfmboces.org
(518) 736-4681
Hudson ValleyLake KatrineUlster County BOCES
www.ulsterboces.org
(845) 331-0902
Mid-StateLiverpoolLee G. Peters Career Training Center
www.ocmboces.org
(315) 453-4423
North Country/MohawkMaloneNorth Franklin Educational Center
www.fehb.org
(518) 483-5230
Western New YorkMedinaOrleans County Career & Technical Education Center
www.onboces.org
(716) 731-6800
Mid-StateMexicoCenter for Instruction Technology and Innovation
www.citiboces.org
(315) 963-4478
Mid-SouthMilfordOtsego Area Occupational Center
www.oncboces.org
(607) 286-7715
North Country/MohawkMinevilleClinton-Essex-Warren-Washington BOCES(518) 581-0100
Hudson ValleyMonticelloSaint John Street Education Center
www.scboces.org
(845) 295-4172
Hudson ValleyMount VernonMount Vernon High School
www.mtvernoncsd.org
(914) 263-8149
Mid-WestMt. MorrisCharles G. May Career & Technical Center
www.gvboces.org
(585) 658-7811
North Country/MohawkNew HartfordOneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES
www.oneida-boces.org
(315) 361-5802
Metropolitan RegionNew YorkManhattan EOC
www.bmcc.cuny.edu
(212) 961-4320
Metropolitan RegionNew YorkCity College of New York Continuing & Professional Studies
www.ccny.cuny.edu
(914) 843-7983
New York CityNew YorkMid-Manhattan Adult Learning Center(212) 666-1919
Mid-WestNewarkWayne-Finger Lakes BOCES
www.wflboces.org
(315) 332-7222
Hudson ValleyNewburghNFA North Campus
nfa.newburghschools.org
(845) 563-8400
Hudson ValleyNewburghNewburgh Adult Learning Center
www.ouboces.org
(845) 781-6715
Western New YorkNiagara FallsNiagara Falls Community Education Center
www.nfschools.net
(716) 731-6800
Long IslandNorthportL.A. Wilson Tech Center
www.wilsontech.org
(516) 261-3721
Mid-SouthNorwichDCMO BOCES - Chenango Campus
www.dcmoboces.com
(607) 335-1433
North Country/MohawkNorwoodSeaway Area Technical Center
www.sllboces.org
(315) 393-4570
Hudson ValleyNyackRockland County BOCES
www.rocklandboces.org
(845) 627-4771
Long IslandOakdaleEdward J. Milliken Technical Center
www.esboces.org
(631) 233-4450
North Country/MohawkOgdensburgNorthwest Technical Center(315) 393-4570
Western New YorkOleanBOCES Center
www.caboces.org
(716) 376-8217
Mid-SouthOneontaBOCES Adult CNA Program
www.oncboces.org
(607) 431-2304
Mid-Hudson RegionOssiningWestchester Community College
www.sunywcc.edu
(914) 606-7400
Mid-SouthPainted PostCoopers Education Center
www.gstboces.org
(607) 739-7905
North Country/MohawkPlattsburghClinton-Essex-Warren-Washington BOCES
www.cves.org
(518) 581-0100
Hudson ValleyPort EwenUlster County BOCES
www.ulsterboces.org
(845) 331-0902
Hudson ValleyPoughkeepsieAdult Learning Institute
www.dcboces.org
(845) 486-8045
Hudson ValleyPoughkeepsieCareer and Technical Institute
www.dcboces.org
(845) 486-8045
New York CityQueensHillcrest High School
www.hillcrestweb.com
(718) 658-5407
Long IslandRiverheadHarry B. Ward Technical Center
www.esboces.org
(631) 233-4450
Mid-WestRochesterOACES/Family Learning Center
oaces.net
(585) 739-1352
Genesee Valley RegionRochesterRochester Educational Opportunity Center
www.reoc.brockport.edu
(585) 232-2730
Mid-WestRochesterMonroe Community Hospital
www.monroehosp.org
(315) 332-7222
Mid-WestRochesterSt. John’s Home
www.stjohnsliving.org
(315) 332-7222
North Country/MohawkRomeRome ACCESS Site
www.moboces.org
(315) 361-5802
Long IslandRooseveltRoosevelt High School
rooseveltufsd.org
(516) 622-6800
Western New YorkSanbornNiagara Career & Technical Education Center
www.onboces.org
(716) 731-6800
North Country/MohawkSaranac LakeAdirondack Educational Center
www.fehb.org
(518) 891-1330
Capital DistrictSaratoga SpringsF. Donald Myers Educational Center(518) 581-3600
Northeastern RegionSchenectadySchenectady County Community College
sunysccc.edu
(518) 621-4007
Mid-SouthSidney CenterR.W. Harrold Campus
www.dcmoboces.com
(607) 335-1433
Mid-WestSpencerportWEMOCO Career and Technical Center
www.monroe2boces.org
(585) 352-2471
Mid-Hudson RegionSpring ValleyWestchester EOC
www.sunywcc.edu
(914) 606-7646
Mid-WestStanleyFinger Lakes Technical and Career Center
www.fingerlakestechcenter.org
(315) 332-7222
Metropolitan RegionStaten IslandCUNY College of Staten Island
www.csi.cuny.edu
(718) 313-0843
New York CityStaten IslandCurtis High School
sites.google.com
(718) 390-1863
Long Island RegionStony BrookUniversity Hospital at SUNY Stony Brook
www.stonybrook.edu
(631) 444-4319
Mid-StateSyracuseHenry Campus
ocmboces.org
(315) 453-4423
Mid-StateSyracuseJohnson Vocational Center
www.syracusecityschools.com
(315) 435-4150
Central RegionSyracuseSUNY Syracuse EOC
www.syracuseeoc.com
(315) 472-0130
Western New YorkTonawandaKenton Career & Technical Center
www.e1b.org
(716) 821-7470
Northeastern RegionTroyCapital District Educational Opportunity Center
www.hvcc.edueoc
(518) 273-1900
Capital DistrictTroyRensselaer Educational Center
www.questar.org
(518) 697-8790
Long IslandUniondaleUniondale Union Free School District
district.uniondaleschools.org
(516) 918-1275
Central RegionUticaMohawk Valley Community College
www.mvcc.edu
(315) 792-5375
North Country/MohawkUticaSt. Luke Residential Home and Health Care Facility(315) 361-5802
North Country/MohawkUticaUtica ACCESS Site(315) 361-5802
Hudson ValleyValhallaCenter for Career Services
careers.swboces.org
(914) 592-0849
North Country/MohawkVeronaBOCES Consortium of Continuing Education
www.moboces.org
(315) 361-5802
North Country/MohawkVeronaRosetti Education Center(315) 361-5702
Mid-WestWaterlooSeneca Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
www.hurlbutcare.com
(315) 332-7222
North Country/MohawkWatertownBohlen Technical Center
www.boces.com
(315) 779-7230
Hudson ValleyWest NyackRockland County BOCES
www.rocklandboces.org
(845) 627-4771
Western New YorkWest SenecaPotter Career & Technical Center
www.e1b.org
(716) 821-7470
Long IslandWestburyBarry Tech
www.nassauboces.org
(516) 622-6800
Mid-Hudson RegionYonkersCochran School of Nursing - St. John's Riverside Hospital
www.cochranschoolofnursing.us
(914) 964-4283
Mid-Hudson RegionYonkersWestchester EOC
www.sunywcc.edu
(914) 606-7646
Hudson ValleyYorktown HeightsPutnam-Northern Westchester BOCES
www.pnwboces.org
(914) 248-2445

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State Mandated Curriculum

The “Guidelines for Approval of a Nurse Aide Training Program” clearly define the New York State Department of Health curriculum requirements. Approved curriculum meet state mandates and federal requirements for training nurse aides in residential health care facilities. The federal requirements per the Nursing Home Reform Law of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA, PL 100-203) requires a two-part competency test – written and skills evaluation. The state mandated curriculum trains students in all the knowledge and skills they need to learn in order to deliver high quality patient care.

Types of Training Programs

There are two types of state-approved CNA training programs:

  1. Secondary nurse aide training program – This training requires students to complete theory courses for a total of 324 hours. Of the 324 hours, 216 hours are for the core curriculum for a health occupations program, and 108 hours are courses in nurse assisting. The 108 hours of includes 30 hours of supervised clinical experience. This is an option for nursing students who also get CNA certification.
  2. Adult nurse aide training program – This training requires 90 hours of classroom instruction plus 30 hours of supervised clinical training.

Nursing Students

Some nursing programs require students to also earn nurse aide certification. The nurse aide training is embedded in the program. After completing 90 hours of nursing theory courses and 30 hours of supervised clinical experience, the student is eligible to take the nurse aide exam.

Minimum Curriculum Requirements

The New York State Department of Health has established minimum curriculum requirements. Your training will include courses that cover:

  • Normal aging – anatomical and physiological changes, psychological aspects, and concepts of wellness and rehabilitation
  • Psychological needs of the resident or patient – adjusting to institutional living, working with patients and residents and their families, patient rights, sexual adjustments in relation to physical disabilities, institutional living and illness
  • Communication in a health care facility – overcoming cultural and language differences; relating to residents, staff and visitors; communicating with residents who have experienced cognitive or perceptual impairment; sensory loss; and/or memory loss
  • Personal care – care of the mouth, skin, ears, hair, and nails; dressing and grooming
  • Take care of patient or resident’s unit and equipment – bed making; care of personal belongings like dentures and prostheses
  • Nutritional needs – provide basic food and fluid nutritional requirements; serve special diets and meal services; assist with adaptive equipment and feeding patients/residents who need assistance; measure and record fluid and food intake
  • Assist with elimination needs – learn the physiology of bladder and bowel continence; provide nursing care when patient or resident has urinary and/or bowel incontinence; measure urinary output; assist with bowel and bladder training programs; provide care of ostomies, including ileostomy and colostomy
  • Mobility needs – assist with ambulation and transfer of patients and residents using assistive devices, mechanical lifters and wheelchairs
  • Sleep and rest needs – assist patients and residents with exercise, activity and rest; monitor sleep patterns and disturbances
  • Nursing care to prevent contractures and decubitus ulcers (pressure sores) – assist with patient turning, body alignment and positioning; use special aids; assist with individualized exercise programs and maintaining range of motion
  • Observing and reporting indications of illness or disability – physical signs and symptoms; behavioral changes; abnormal signs and symptoms of common conditions and diseases
  • Infection control – hand washing, medical asepsis, and care of patients and residents in isolation
  • Patient or resident safety – environmental hazards; oxygen safety; smoking; use of restraints
  • Nursing care of patients or residents with special needs – caring for patients with medical conditions like stroke, cardiovascular disorders, respiratory problems, pain, mental impairment, and sensory deficits or loss
  • Mental health and social service needs – self card, modifying behavior in response to behaviors of others, development tasks associated with aging, utilizing family for emotional support
  • Patient and resident rights
  • Care of the dying – caring for the body and personal effects
  • Care of the cognitively impaired – communicating and caring for persons with dementia or other cognitive impairments

Clinical Skills Training

Clinical skills training instructs students in a variety of nursing skills used on a daily basis for patient care. You will have to demonstrate minimum skills that include:

  • Clear an obstructed airway
  • Use a fire extinguisher
  • Hand-washing
  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Follow isolation procedures when disposing soiled linen
  • Make an occupied and unoccupied bed
  • Provide mouth care when patient has natural teeth, no teeth, and dentures
  • Give a complete bed-bath
  • Give a back rub
  • Perineal care for a female and male, and incontinent patient
  • Assist with tub bath, whirlpool and emollient bath, or with shower
  • Hair care
  • Dressing
  • Shaving
  • Foot and hand nail care
  • Range of motion for upper and lower extremities
  • Provide AM and PM care
  • Provide skin care
  • Assist with feeding
  • Measure and record food and fluid intake
  • Provide ostomy care
  • Urinary catheter care
  • Care for and empty urinary drainage bag
  • Assist with bedpan, urinal, or commode
  • Collect urine and stool specimens
  • Measure and record urinary output
  • Transfer resident from bed to wheelchair and back using equipment like a mechanical lift and transfer belt
  • Assist with use of walkers, canes and crutches
  • Ambulate the resident
  • Apply waist restraint
  • Lift, move or transport patient using adaptive equipment, with or without positioning devices in bed or chair, or prosthetic/orthotic devices
  • Measure and record height or weight
  • Measure and record vital signs
  • Postmortem care

There are additional clinical skills that students will learn and demonstrate, like applying elastic stockings and assisting with the admitting of the resident. New York students will also learn about Indirect Care Behaviors which are concerned with the total quality of care a client receives. For example, an Indirect Behavior Is asking a resident about comfort while delivering care or asking about preferences before beginning care. In general, Indirect Care Behaviors are concerned with using standard precautions for infection control, and patient rights, comfort and safety.

Requirements to Enroll in a Nurse Aide Program

The minimum requirements to enroll in a nurse aide program are:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • TABE (or equivalent test) minimum scores in reading and math
  • Have an up-to-date immunization test
  • Show a negative TB skin test
  • Pass a physical exam

Some CNA schools may also require drug testing. If interested, there are schools that will allow you to take some CNA classes online, but all programs require completing clinical hours at a state-approved facility. On the average, CNA programs in New York last anywhere from five weeks to two months in New York.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

Cost of the CNA Program

The cost of the nurse aide program can vary significantly, depending on the school chosen. In fact, the cost of nurse aide training in NYC alone can vary from school to school. For example, the Certified Nursing Assistant program in New York City is free to qualifying New York State residents who attend the Borough of Manhattan Community College. The City College of New York charges $1,199 for the Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate Program which is 33 sessions or two months long. Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica is a 120 hour course that is approximately five weeks long and costs $1,250. You can expect to pay $1,000 to $1,500 at most schools.

At many facilities, the uniform, textbooks, medical exam and competency evaluation exam fee are not included in the tuition. At Mohawk Valley Community College, the tuition does include the textbooks and the exam fee. When looking for a nurse aide program, it is important to research the total cost of the program and determine what the tuition does and does not include, especially if looking for a low cost option.

Financial Aid

There is financial aid assistance available. Some of the schools offer program discounts or financial aid to keep the program costs affordable. You can also apply for a New York State Workforce 1 Individual Training Grant that will fund tuition, testing fees, textbooks, and registration fees. It does have education and minimum work experience requirements.

One other option is to work as a CNA trainee at a long-term care facility, like The Wesley Community, and get the training class free. The classroom and clinical training are held in Hudson Falls and once the class is completed, you are offered full or part-time employment. You pay for uniforms and shoes, but the facility pays for the training class in full.

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Step 3: Pass the Exam


To get certified after completing a nurse aid program, you must take and pass the New York State Competency Examination for the Nursing Home Nurse Aide. After passing the CNA exam, your name is entered into the New York State’s Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry.

Application Process

The Competency Exam is scheduled through Prometric. There are two parts. One part is the Written/Oral exam and the second part is the Clinical Skills exam.

The application process is as follows:

  • Submit the application form to the NYS Nursing Home Nurse Aide Registry (NYS NAR). The application can also be obtained at your school or nursing home training program.
  • Submit the application with fees to the appropriate facility or agency

Fees and Payment

The 2017 fees are currently set as follows but can be changes:

  • Written and Clinical Skills Exams when taking test for first time: $115
  • Clinical Skills and Oral exams: $135
  • Retest for Clinical Skills: $68
  • Retest the Written Exam: $57
  • Retest the Oral Exam: $67
  • Application processing for Reciprocity/CNA: $50
  • Recertification: $40

You pay fees to the NYS Commissioner of Health, NYNA. Only certified checks, money orders and 3rd party/facility checks are acceptable payment forms to Prometric.

Employment in a Nursing Home

If you are already working in a nursing home, the exam fee must be paid by the employer per federal law. This may be paid up front by the employer, or you are entitled to a refund if you personally pay the fees.

If you get a CNA job in a nursing home within 12 months of completing your training or passing the exam, New York State will pay a portion of the training costs and/or the exam fee. Be sure to keep your receipts. Give them to the nursing home, and the facility will submit the reimbursement paperwork.

Testing Locations

There are many CNA testing sites around the state of New York. The exam can be taken at the training program facility, a long-term care facility or a Prometric regional exam site.

In-Facility

If you plan on taking the test in-facility, someone from the training program or long-term care facility will schedule the time and date of the CNA exam. If you are already working at the nursing home, the facility will send the fees in. If you are taking the CNA test at your school or institute, you will have to pay the fees when your school is ready to send the application to Prometric.

Regional Exam Site

Sometimes, it is more feasible or convenient to take the CNA test in New York at a regional exam site. Maybe you moved or got a job after completing training. You send the application form and fees to Prometric with the correct city name on the form. Prometric then schedules the state exam.

After Your Application

After the application is approved, you will receive a confirmation letter via email that indicates the date, time and location of the CNA state exam. If the application is incomplete, you will be informed. If you are testing at a regional exam site, you must bring the confirmation letter with you. The regional exam sites are listed here.

Applicants are allowed to reschedule for up to five business days before the exam date. After five days, the fees are forfeited, so you will have to pay the fees again in order to reschedule. If you took an in-facility exam, you should contact the facility to reschedule your CNA exam. If you took a re-exam at a regional test site, you should contact Prometric.

What to Bring to the CNA Certification Exam

The items you are allowed to bring to the certification exam are very limited:

  • Two pieces of ID – The first ID must be an office government, employment or school ID that has a current photo and your signature. The second ID can be a signature ID like a Social Security card or credit card.
  • Admission Letter –This is the Prometric approval letter you receive if taking the exam at a regional exam site.
  • Watch – The watch must have a second hand.

You can bring lunch and nonalcoholic beverages to eat outside the exam room while waiting for an exam to start. If you need any assistive devices, it is important to ask for approval when applying for the state exam and not wait until exam day.

What to Test

The Written/Oral exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. The Clinical Skills exam is a hands-on demonstration of five skills selected from the list provided in the Step 2. You must pass both parts within three tries, or you will be required to retake the entire exam. You also have two years after successfully completing your nursing aide training program to pass both parts of the exam in New York State.

Written Exam

You get 90 minutes to answer 60 multiple-choice questions. Prometric offers a content outline on its website. However, the questions that are asked on the test come from the courses you take during certified nursing assistant training. The subjects of the questions are the same ones that are listed in the Step 2, i.e. safety, resident rights, health maintenance, resident care, etc. A Nurse Aide Practice Exam is available at www.prometric.com/nurseaide which gives immediate feedback on your answers. There is a $10 fee for a CNA practice exam, and a $25 fee for three practice exams. These are excellent for testing your knowledge and highlighting areas where you may be weak.

Oral Version of the Written Exam

Many schools require a reading and comprehension English skill level for admittance. If you have a reading disability or your reading skills are marginal, an Oral exam is more suitable to you. You request the Oral exam on the application form. The Oral Exam is longer than the Written Exam because there are CNA skills questions asked by playing a CD that are similar to the Written Exam and another set of 16 questions to test Reading Comprehension. You get an extra 30 minutes to complete the Reading Comprehension test and must pass it to pass the Oral Exam.

Clinical Skills Exam

The clinical skills you must demonstrate to a Nurse Aide Evaluator during the timed exam are randomly selected from the skills listing in the Step 2. You complete three skills but five skills are scored. The additional two skills are Indirect Care (described in the Step 2) and Handwashing. The Clinical Skills Exam takes 31 to 40 minutes to complete. An in-depth Clinical Skills Test Checklist is provided here.

Getting Results and Retesting

The CNA certification exam results are sent to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the training program or nursing home. If the Written (or Oral exams) and the Clinical Skills exam are passed, you are sent a New York State Nursing Home Nurse Aide Certificate and a card you can carry in a wallet. Within 10 days after passing the exam, your certificate will arrive and your name will appear in the registry.

If you fail the Written (or Oral exam) and/or the Clinical Skills exam, an official score report is sent by email within five business days after taking the CNA state exams. The report offers feedback so you know the areas where you are weak.

You are allowed to retest each section three times within a two year period from which you completed your CNA training program. This requires re-registering to retest, meaning you go through the application process again. If you do not pass both exams within the allotted timeframe, you will need to complete the CNA training program again.

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Step 4: Getting on the Registry


After passing the Competency Evaluation exams and earning CNA certification, you are listed in the NYS Nurse Aide Registry. Your name and information will usually appear in the registry a few days before you get your certificate via email.

Registry and Verification

Prometric maintains the CNA registry in New York State. It is used by the state, employers and nursing homes to verify that a CNA has met all state requirements to be in good standing. In fact, nursing homes are required by law to verify the CNA’s status. The listings includes name, contact information and any convictions or sustained findings involving abuse, mistreatment or neglect of residents.

CNA Renewal

Your CNA certification in New York is good for two years or 24 months from the date of your last certification. The state will mail a reminder to your home address approximately 45 days before you need to renew your registry listing.

The process and requirements for CNA renewal in New York include:

  • You work as a nurse aide with a New York State Department of Health-approved nurse aide employer or nursing home for a minimum of seven hours within the prior two-year period. Eligible employers include all New York State licensed Residential Health Care Facilities, other facilities as long as the NYSDOH has approved them, and employment or staffing agencies.
  • The employer recertifies you as having met the employment requirement and will pay the CNA recertification fee.
  • If you are working at the time of the renewal, you are certified for two years beginning on the last day of the month in which the current certification expires.
  • If you are not working at the time of the renewal, the recertification beginning date is moved to the last day you worked as a nurse aide.
  • You get a new certificate and wallet card in the mail.
Here is the New York Nursing Assistant Registry renewal form.
A lapsed certificate is one that cannot be renewed. It lapses because you have not worked for pay at least seven hours in the last two years. In Step 1, you can find a path that fits your situation to get your certification renewed.

Certification by Reciprocity

If your original certification was obtained through approved reciprocity (Path 2 in Step 1), you will need to make sure you can prove you have worked at least seven hours in the last two years in a state-approved facility in order to renew your CNA certification in New York.

Certification Verification

The registry is accessible 24-7 for CNA verification in NY. Anyone can call 800-918-8818 and use the interactive voice response registry to get verbal or written verification. However, the caller needs the Nurse Aide certification number to access the information. The registry can also be accessed online by visiting https://registry.prometric.com/public.

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Step 5: Work as a CNA in New York State


The Certified Nurse Aide has a varied job because no two residents or patients have the same needs. However, once the nursing assistant knowledge and skills are mastered, CNAs are transferrable from job-to-job and state-to-state. This is the result of the federally mandated curriculum used by the states. | See Job Openings

Where to Work

CNAs can work in a variety of facilities. However, remember the facility must be approved by the New York State Department of Health in order to get employment credit for recertification. The NYSDOH licenses:

  • Adult care facilities
  • Assisted living facilities
  • Clinics
  • Diagnostic and Treatment Centers
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Hospice
  • Hospitals
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Nursing homes
  • Palliative care facilities

The CNA works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Becoming a certified nurse aide is often a first step for people who want a career in healthcare. For example, a nurse aide can add certification as a home health aide with the proper training provided by a training program or facility. Or the CNA could return to school to pursue one of the other nursing careers as a LPN or RN. | See Job Openings

Job Duties of the CNA

The courses and clinical training you complete, outlined in the Step 2, cover the CNA skills that you need to know in order to provide a variety of patient and resident services. On a work shift, you will perform CNA duties like:

  • Collect specimens from patients for medical analysis
  • Take and record the height, weight, blood pressure, temperature and other patient or resident vitals
  • Report symptoms and signs of disease to medical personnel
  • Assist residents with personal care, like bathing, cleaning teeth or dentures, hair and the body in general
  • Maintain a clean and safe area for patients or residents
  • Assist clients with getting in and out of bed, using the toilet or bedpan, light exercise and other needs
  • Assist clients with dressing
  • Help residents reach other areas like common areas for meals or entertainment rooms for socializing
  • Feed or help feed residents and patients
  • Position or reposition patients in beds
  • Assist with keeping patient safe

Read through the list of course topics and clinical skills in the Step 2, and you will have a good idea of what the CNA job entails. | See Job Openings

Job Outlook for CNAs in New York State

The State of New York claims the highest number of employed CNAs in the U.S. As of May 2016, approximately 98,040 people were working as nurse aides in the state. The job outlook is very good. There are always hundreds of available CNA jobs in NYC alone. New York-Jersey City-White Plains, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division has the highest employment level for a metropolitan area in the nation with 70,790 nurse aides last May 2016 or almost 73 percent of all the employed nurse aides in the state. The projected growth in employment in New York State for 2012-2022 is 14 percent, compared to 18 percent nationally for the period 2014 to 2014. | See Job Openings

Healthcare Salaries Comparison

The average annual CNA salary in New York was $34,300 as of May 2016 per the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. How does that compare to other healthcare professions? The average annual salary for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) in New York was $47,170 annually as of May 2016. For Medical Assistants, the May 2016 average annual salary in New York was $35,530. Home Health Aides earned $24,150 in New York State for the same time period. Nationally, Certified Nursing Assistants (also called Certified Nurse Aides) earned an average annual wage of $27,650. | See Job Openings

Top Paying Regions for CNAs

It does make a difference to the nurse aide salary where you work in New York State. The average annual nurse aide salaries range from a high of $38,740 to a low of $26,880. The top five paying areas in New York State are:

  • Nassau County-Suffolk County, NY Metropolitan Division: $38,740
  • New York-Jersey City-White Plains, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division: $34,910
  • New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA: $34,550
  • Dutchess County-Putnam County, NY Metropolitan Division: $32,970
  • Elmira, NY: $31,840

CNA Salaries in New York

NY CNA SalariesEmpl.Hourly mean wageAnnual mean wageWage percent relative std. errorHourly 10th % wageHourly median wageHourly 90th % wageAnnual 10th % wageAnnual median wageAnnual 90th % wage
National144315013.29276500.29.6412.7818.22200402659037900
New York9804016.49343000.811.3916.6522.19236803464046160
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY532013.34277601.810.1713.0117.65211502706036720
Binghamton, NY146013.52281104.110.1913.2417.72211902755036850
Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY538014.09293101.610.5513.9418.27219502900037990
Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area207013.47280102.79.9513.3317.78207002772036970
Central New York nonmetropolitan area176013.24275302.99.8712.5118.04205302601037520
Dutchess County-Putnam County, NY Metropolitan Division213015.85329703.712.6514.8521.35263203089044410
East Central New York nonmetropolitan area53013.60282903.110.4013.4517.65216302797036710
Elmira, NY58015.31318406.210.2315.0121.87212803123045490
Glens Falls, NY72014.41299801.710.9314.1918.35227402952038160
Ithaca, NY34014.24296205.010.7014.0418.40222502921038270
Kingston, NY64014.02291503.010.5413.5618.45219302820038380
Nassau County-Suffolk County, NY Metropolitan Division1408018.63387401.215.1318.5323.41314603854048690
New York-Jersey City-White Plains, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division7079016.78349100.712.1516.8922.27252803513046320
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA10264016.61345500.611.7916.7122.23245203475046240
Rochester, NY566013.40278801.310.1513.3717.22211102781035820
Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area233013.25275702.09.7012.8518.00201802673037430
Syracuse, NY305013.37278101.410.1612.9917.69211302703036800
Utica-Rome, NY234012.94269203.49.8712.3317.36205202566036110
Watertown-Fort Drum, NY72012.92268803.310.0612.5716.64209302614034620

Providing quality services to people who are sick, injured, aging or dying is a fulfilling career. CNAs improve the quality of life for a variety of people and can enjoy the respect of other healthcare professions.

Comments

  1. Christine Pelaez says

    July 2, 2018 at 1:38 AM

    Hi! Good day!

    I would like to inquire regarding CNA program. I am presently residing in the Philippines. What are those requirements if ever i want to enroll as CNA please help me thanks.

    Reply
  2. Karen Barrett says

    May 17, 2018 at 8:31 PM

    What exactly is the cost and requirements for an out of state CNA to come to New York. No website gives any numbers or exact process, it just states “file for reciprocity”. When I go to Prometric it does not give me that option nor monetary amounts. So how? Could I possible find out if this is cost effective or a good Idea? Nothing gives an amount or requirement for an employer or worker. From my research, file for reciprocity and see what happens. No information. Should there not be somewhere exact process and cost? There is not even an exact definition on how to filo reciprocity. HELP.

    Reply
    • Tasia B. says

      September 10, 2018 at 9:31 PM

      It is 50 dollars to switch a license from a different state. When you print the application, there is a box to check and it will state 50 dollars. they take money orders, and i believe cashier checks

      Reply
  3. Latonia Barron says

    November 19, 2017 at 12:33 PM

    I work at a hospital for 3 years as a CNA when it was time for me to recertify for CNA, it took almost a year for administrators to respond and when they did, they said they were not able to recertify me. they said since we do continuing education with the staff they fill there is a need to get licenses to recertify. Now I’m still as a CNA with this hospital and not able to get recertified. wanted to know can I just have the hospital just fill out a verification form to say how long I’ve been working and just prove I’ve been working. would that be valid enough for me to get recertified? Right now I work two jobs and wouldn’t be able to go back to school right now.HELP

    Reply
    • Amy says

      November 21, 2017 at 5:38 AM

      Hello Latonia, thank you very much for visiting our website! In order to get your license to recertify, you need to meet requirements. Please check the related topic about CNA renewal and find the renewal form.

      If you have some difficulties in renewing your CNA certificate, please contact NYCNA@prometric.com or NYCNA@prometric.com.

      Good luck with your CNA career and Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply

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