SUNY Westchester Community College CNA Program

SUNY Westchester Community College offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program in Valhalla, New York, designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in healthcare. This program, formally known as the Certified Nurse Aide/Home Health Aide (CNA/HHA) program, equips students with the essential skills needed to provide compassionate care to patients in various healthcare settings. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate looking to enter the healthcare field or a career changer seeking a stable profession with growth potential, the CNA training at SUNY Westchester Community College gives you the foundation to begin a fulfilling career path in nursing and patient care.

The program prepares students to take and pass the New York State certification examination, enabling graduates to work in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and home care settings throughout Valhalla and the greater Westchester County area.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 14 weeks
• Cost of Program: Resident tuition: $2,615.00 (full-time) or $218.00 per credit (part-time) plus mandatory fees; Non-resident tuition: $5,885.00 (full-time) or $490.00 per credit (part-time) plus mandatory fees
• Accreditation: SUNY Westchester Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for current pass rate information
• CNA Program Schedule: Both daytime and evening classes are available

CNA Training Structure

The Certified Nurse Aide/Home Health Aide program at SUNY Westchester Community College offers dual training, preparing students to work both as Home Health Aides and Certified Nurse Aides. The program includes comprehensive classroom learning, supervised clinical experiences, and preparation for the state certification exam.

Classroom Learning

Students in the CNA/HHA program learn essential skills in patient care, with coursework covering:

• Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the functions of body systems
• Fundamentals of Patient Care: Basic skills in personal care for the elderly and homebound
• Medical Terminology: Learning important medical terms and abbreviations
• Nutrition: Proper feeding and dietary considerations for patients
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Emergency life-saving techniques
• Human Relations: Developing professional and interpersonal skills

Clinical Experience

The program includes two supervised clinical work experiences:

• Supervised Clinical Experience: Hands-on practice of skills in a healthcare setting
• Long-Term Care Clinical Rotation: Practical training in a nursing home or long-term care facility

During these clinical experiences, students practice essential skills such as:

• Making beds appropriately for patients
• Feeding patients
• Monitoring vital signs
• Providing personal care assistance

Exam Preparation

The program includes Occupational Exam Preparation specifically designed to help students prepare for the New York State certification examination. Successful completion of the program qualifies students to take the state certification exam and become registered on the New York State Home Care Registry.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for enrollment in the CNA/HHA program at SUNY Westchester Community College, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• High school diploma or High School Equivalency (HSE)
• Successful completion of the TABE test (Test of Adult Basic Education)
• Ability to pass a physical examination, including a drug test
• Interest in the healthcare field
• Purchase of a designated uniform (scrubs must be worn on the first day of class)

Additionally, students must submit:

• Results from completed physical exam and drug test prior to the first day of class

It’s important to note that New York State clearance and fingerprinting will be required for employment after completing the program.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

SUNY Westchester Community College’s CNA/HHA program offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate different student needs:

• Both daytime and evening classes are available
• The program runs for 14 weeks
• Students can choose to attend as full-time or part-time students, with different tuition rates for each option

For specific class times, start dates, and availability, please contact the program directly.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Program Tuition Fees

For the CNA/HHA program at SUNY Westchester Community College, tuition varies based on residency status and enrollment type:

New York State Residents (Westchester County):

• Full-time (12 credit hours or more): $2,615.00 per semester
• Part-time (fewer than 12 credit hours): $218.00 per credit

Non-Residents and NY State Residents Outside Westchester County:

• Full-time: $5,885.00 per semester
• Part-time: $490.00 per credit

Note: New York State residents living outside Westchester County must submit a completed Certificate of Residence from their home county’s Chief Fiscal Officer to qualify for the resident rate.

Additional Expenses

Students should budget for the following mandatory fees:

Full-Time Student Fees:

• Student Services Fee: $78.00
• Cultural Arts Fee: $10.00
• Equipment Utilization/Replacement Fee: $12.00 per credit (up to 12 credits)
• Registration Fee (Non-Refundable): $30.00
• Activity Fee: $126.00 (for Fall 2024) or $138.00 (for Fall 2025)

Part-Time Student Fees:

• Student Services Fee: $6.50 per credit (not to exceed $78.00)
• Cultural Arts Fee: $10.00
• Equipment Utilization/Replacement Fee: $12.00 per credit (up to 12 credits)
• Registration Fee (Non-Refundable): $15.00
• Activity Fee: $10.50 per credit (not to exceed $126.00 for 2024) or $11.50 per credit (not to exceed $138.00 for 2025)

Other Potential Fees:

• Application Fee (new students): $50.00 (one-time, non-refundable)
• Late Registration Fee: $25.00 (non-refundable)
• Scrubs/Uniform: Cost varies (required purchase)

Financial Assistance Options

SUNY Westchester Community College offers various financial aid opportunities that may be available to eligible CNA/HHA program students:

• Federal grants and loans (students must complete the FAFSA)
• New York State grants
• Foundation scholarships through the Westchester Community College Foundation
• Emergency aid program for unexpected financial emergencies

The Westchester Community College Foundation awards nearly $3 million in student support annually. Scholarship awards are based on financial need and academic merit, covering tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with college attendance.

For full-time students, the average annual scholarship award amount is $1,250. To be considered for Foundation scholarships, students must:

1. Complete a FAFSA (US Citizens and Permanent Residents) or Alternative Financial Need form (International, DREAMers, DACA, or Undocumented students)
2. Have a high school GPA of 77 or higher (incoming students) or a college GPA of 2.5 or higher (continuing students)

How to Apply

To apply for the CNA/HHA program at SUNY Westchester Community College, follow these steps:

1. Complete an application to SUNY Westchester Community College
   • New students: Pay the $50 application fee
   • Transfer students: Pay the $70 application fee
2. Take the required TABE test for program eligibility
3. Submit required documentation, including:
   • High school diploma or HSE verification
   • Results from physical examination and drug test (required before first day of class)
4. For information about specific application deadlines and enrollment periods, contact the Admissions Office at 914-606-6600 or email [email protected].

For more detailed information about the application process, you can also call the Westchester EOC Admissions Office at 914-606-7621, which provides information about program offerings including the CNA/HHA program.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: SUNY Westchester Community College
• Address: 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla, NY 10595
• Phone Number: 914-606-6600 (Main); 914-606-7621 (Admissions Office for program information)
• Email: Contact the admissions office at [email protected]
• Website: https://www.sunywcc.edu

The CNA/HHA program may be offered at various locations, including the main campus in Valhalla and possibly at the Westchester Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) location in Yonkers. Contact the program directly to confirm the specific location for your classes.

Additional Resources

SUNY Westchester Community College offers several additional resources that may be helpful for prospective and current CNA/HHA students:

• Financial Aid Resources: Visit the Financial Aid Office website for information about grants, scholarships, and other funding opportunities: https://www.sunywcc.edu/apply-enroll/financial-aid/
• Certificate of Residence Information: For students who are New York State residents living outside of Westchester County, information about obtaining a Certificate of Residence is available on the Bursar’s Office website.
• Scholarship Information: Details about available scholarships can be found at: https://www.sunywcc.edu/apply-enroll/financial-aid/scholarships/

Summary and Next Steps

Taking the first step toward becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant opens the door to a rewarding career in healthcare, and SUNY Westchester Community College’s CNA/HHA program provides the training you need to succeed. This 14-week program prepares you for certification as both a Certified Nurse Aide and a Home Health Aide, allowing you to work in diverse settings including nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and private homes.

The skills you’ll gain at SUNY Westchester Community College in Valhalla, New York will prepare you to provide compassionate, skilled care to those who need it most. With flexible daytime and evening class options, supportive instructors, and hands-on clinical experiences, you’ll be ready to pass the New York State certification examination and begin your healthcare career.

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