CNA Classes in New York

Before enrolling in a CNA program in New York, you’ll need to meet several prerequisites:

• Must be at least 16 years old to enroll in a state-approved training program
• Must be at least 17 years old to take the certification exam
• High school diploma, GED, or HSE (High School Equivalency) required by most programs
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must complete required health screenings:
  • Recent drug screen (within 2 weeks)
  • Medical clearance confirming ability to perform essential job functions
  • Up-to-date immunizations

Federal and state regulations prohibit nursing homes from employing individuals with convictions or findings of resident abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or misappropriation of resident property. While specific disqualifying offenses aren’t detailed in state regulations, healthcare facilities typically screen for these types of violations to ensure patient safety.

New York has comprehensive training standards for nursing assistant programs:

• Total of 100 clock hours required (minimum):
  • 70 hours of classroom and laboratory training
  • 30 hours of supervised clinical training in a nursing home
• Programs must be approved by either:
  • New York State Department of Health, OR
  • New York State Education Department
• Special training requirements include:
  • Additional training for facilities with special needs residents (pediatrics, ventilator dependent, AIDS, traumatic brain injury)
  • Program coordination by a registered professional nurse with at least two years of nursing home experience
• Theoretical content may be delivered remotely, but skills lab and clinical training must be completed in-person

Some programs exceed the minimum requirements. For example, the City College of New York (CCNY) offers a 130-hour NYSED-approved program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical internship experience.

Selecting a quality training program is key to your success:

• Programs are available through various approved providers:
  • Community colleges
  • Vocational schools
  • Hospitals and medical centers
  • Long-term care facilities

Program costs in New York City typically range from $800 to $2,500 and include:

• Tuition: $800-$1,235
• Textbooks: $50-$150
• Uniform and supplies: $100-$200
• Certification exam fee: approximately $115
• Background checks and immunizations: $50-$150
• Transportation and miscellaneous expenses

For example, CCNY charges $1,235 tuition plus a $25 registration fee ($1,260 total), not including textbooks, medical exam, uniform, CPR certification, or exam fees.

Financial assistance options include:

• New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
• New York State Part-Time TAP for part-time students
• New York State Excelsior Scholarship (for continued education)
• Healthcare Education Scholarship Program by NYS Department of Health
• Edna A. Lauterbach Scholarship (for RNs/LPNs advancing careers)
• Community-based scholarships from local organizations
• Hospital-based training programs that may offer free training

A unique advantage in New York: Nurse Aide Training Programs (NATPs) approved by the Department of Health are provided free of charge to trainees.

After completing your training, you must pass the competency examination administered by Prometric:

• The exam consists of two parts:
  • Written test: Multiple-choice questions testing theoretical knowledge
  • Skills evaluation: Demonstration of nursing assistant skills
• Training programs must schedule the certification examination within ten business days of program completion
• Upon passing both sections, you are certified by the Department and listed in the state’s nurse aide registry

When preparing for your exam, focus on mastering both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills taught in your program. Many students find the hands-on skills portion more challenging, so practice these techniques thoroughly before your test date.

For exam information and scheduling, contact Prometric (NY Nurse Aide) at 800-805-9128 or email [email protected].

The final step is being listed on the New York Nurse Aide Registry:

• The registry lists all individuals determined competent as nursing home nurse aides
• Available 24/7 at 1-800-918-8818
• Online verification available at https://registry.prometric.com/registry/public

The registry contains important information:

• Competency determination
• Criminal convictions
• Findings of resident abuse or neglect

Employers are required to verify each nurse aide’s certification status prior to employment. The registry is updated daily, ensuring current information is always available.

For questions about the registry, contact 1-877-877-1827 or email [email protected].

The New York State Department of Health manages the state’s Nurse Aide Registry, which is your primary resource for certification matters in New York.

Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/consumer_information/nurse_aide_registry/ 
• Phone: (518) 408-1297
• Email: [email protected]

The registry provides services such as:

• Verifying certification status
• Processing renewal applications
• Handling license transfers
• Investigating complaints
• Maintaining a searchable database of certified nurse aides

To check your certification status, visit the New York State Nurse Aide Registry Search portal: https://www.prometric.com/exams/nurseaide-ny 

Maintaining your CNA certification in New York requires adherence to specific guidelines:

Renewal Requirements:

• Certification validity: 24 months
• Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
• Employment requirement: Must work at least 7.5 hours as a nurse aide within the 24-month certification period
• Continuing education: No formal continuing education requirements for basic renewal
• Renewal process:
  • Your employer must submit verification of employment through the New York Nurse Aide Registry
  • CNAs are responsible for ensuring their employer submits the verification
  • No renewal fee required
• Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you may need to complete a competency evaluation or retake the CNA exam if expired more than 24 months

For renewal information and verification forms, visit: https://www.prometric.com/files/Nurse-Aide/NY-CNA-Registry-Renewal-Form.pdf

If you’re a CNA certified in another state and wish to work in New York, follow these steps for reciprocity:

• Verify current certification in your original state
• Complete the New York Nurse Aide Registry Reciprocity Application
• Submit required documentation:
  • Copy of your current CNA certification
  • Proof of completing a training program that meets federal requirements
  • Verification of employment as a CNA within the last 24 months
  • State-issued ID or driver’s license
  • Social Security card
• Mail your application and documents to the New York Nurse Aide Registry

Allow 2-4 weeks for processing. New York does not require additional skills testing for reciprocity applicants with valid certifications.For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/ems/certification/reciprocity.htm

While New York doesn’t mandate continuing education for CNA renewal, ongoing learning can enhance your skills and career prospects:

Education Providers:

• State University of New York (SUNY) System
  • Website: https://www.suny.edu/
  • Offers healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
• New York State Health Facilities Association
  • Website: https://www.nyshfa.org/education
  • Provides workshops and online courses specifically for CNAs
• New York State Nurses Association
  • Website: https://www.nysna.org/
  • Offers continuing education opportunities for all nursing professionals