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SUNY Schenectady Certified Nurse Aide Program

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SUNY Schenectady offers a comprehensive Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program in Schenectady, New York, designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in healthcare. This program equips students with the essential skills needed to provide compassionate care to residents in long-term care skilled nursing facilities. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate looking to enter the healthcare field or someone seeking a career change with purpose, the CNA training at SUNY Schenectady provides a solid foundation for your professional journey.

The program is specifically structured to prepare students to take and pass both the written and practical skill exams required to obtain New York State Nurse Aide Certification. As a CNA, you’ll perform important personal care tasks for residents, primarily working with elderly patients, though CNAs are also in demand to work with children and developmentally disabled residents throughout the Schenectady area and beyond.

CNA Program Quick Facts

  • Program Length: 8 weeks (with a minimum of 90 classroom hours and 30 hours of field experience)
  • Cost of Program: $1,800 (includes textbooks, scrubs, test fees, and CDTA bus transportation)
  • Accreditation: SUNY Schenectady 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: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Summer 2025: July 7-August 8)

CNA Training Structure

The Certified Nurse Aide program at SUNY Schenectady provides comprehensive training that combines classroom learning with practical, hands-on experience in clinical settings.

Classroom Learning

The CNA course is taught in English and includes more than the required number of classroom and lab hours to ensure student success. The program typically prepares students to perform delegated tasks involving personal care of residents at long-term care skilled nursing facilities. Students learn the essential skills needed to work with elderly patients, children, and developmentally disabled residents.

Clinical Experience

The program includes a minimum of 30 hours of field experience in clinical sites. This hands-on training allows students to apply the skills they’ve learned in classroom settings to real-world healthcare environments. This practical component is a critical part of the CNA training process, giving students confidence in their abilities before they enter the workforce.

Exam Preparation

The program is specifically designed to prepare students to take and pass the written and practical skill exams required to obtain the New York State Nurse Aide Certification. The comprehensive classroom training and field experience are structured to cover all the necessary knowledge and skills needed for successful certification.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for enrollment in the Certified Nurse Aide program at SUNY Schenectady, applicants should be aware of the following requirements:

  • High School Diploma or equivalency is PREFERRED (though not explicitly required)
  • Medical and immunization information must be provided
  • Students with pet allergies need to contact the CNA Instructor in advance of the class to determine if a pet resides in the clinical facility

If you have a criminal record, it may affect your ability to work in a nursing home, home care agency, or hospital. For details, refer to the NYDOH Nursing Home Nurse Aide Certification Handbook (page 3) or NYDOH Codes, Rules, and Regulations, Title 10.

Potential participants are advised to contact the program office well in advance of the class start date to obtain additional information and the necessary forms.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

SUNY Schenectady’s CNA program offers a structured schedule designed to provide comprehensive training within an 8-week timeframe:

  • Classes are held Monday through Friday
  • Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • The upcoming Summer 2025 session runs from July 7 to August 8
  • Classes are held at SUNY Schenectady at Center City, 433A State Street, 2nd floor, Schenectady, NY

The program is full-time and designed to be completed in approximately eight weeks. The schedule allows students to complete their training efficiently while still having evenings free for work or personal responsibilities.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Program Tuition Fees

The total cost of the CNA program at SUNY Schenectady is $1,800. This comprehensive fee includes:

  • Tuition for the 8-week program
  • Textbooks
  • Scrubs (required uniform)
  • Test fees for the New York State certification exam
  • CDTA bus transportation

Additional Expenses

All major expenses are included in the program fee of $1,800. The program provides a comprehensive package that covers textbooks, scrubs, test fees, and transportation, minimizing unexpected costs for students.

Financial Assistance

SUNY Schenectady has a dedicated financial aid office that assists students with federal and state grants, scholarships, and student loans.

Students interested in financial assistance should contact the Financial Aid Office, located in Elston Hall, Welcome Center, Window III, or call 518-381-1468 for information about potential aid options. Students can also email [email protected] for assistance.

The Financial Aid Office is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (with summer Friday hours ending at 1:00 p.m. from late June through mid-August).

How to Apply

To apply for the Certified Nurse Aide program at SUNY Schenectady, follow these steps:

  1. Register for the CNA Course: Use the online registration form available at https://na3.documents.adobe.com/public/esignWidget?wid=CBFCIBAA3AAABLblqZhDo9jAudiXxUokbY1yJDBNXYrTO9sbLO8ixEE_fuFdZx8aF76QslV0sKjFr6YC_RmA*
  2. Gather Required Documentation: Prepare your medical and immunization information. A high school diploma or equivalency is preferred but not explicitly required.
  3. Contact the Program Office: Reach out to Jamie Hungerschafer at 518-595-1101 ext. 3 or email [email protected] for additional information and necessary forms well in advance of the class start date.
  4. Review Functional Abilities: Ensure you can meet the physical and emotional requirements of the program as outlined in the Functional Abilities section of the program information.
  5. Complete Registration Process: Finalize your registration and payment arrangements before the start of the class.

The program has specific start dates, with the next session beginning July 7, 2025. Early application is recommended as class sizes may be limited.

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CNA Program Location & Contact Information

The main campus of SUNY Schenectady is located at 78 Washington Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12305, with the Workforce Development and Community Education office in the Kindl Building at 201 State Street, Schenectady, NY.

Additional Resources

SUNY Schenectady provides several resources that may be helpful for prospective and current CNA students:

Summary and Next Steps

The Certified Nurse Aide program at SUNY Schenectady offers an excellent opportunity to begin a rewarding career in healthcare in just eight weeks. As a CNA, you’ll play a vital role in providing compassionate care to residents in long-term care facilities, primarily working with elderly patients but also potentially working with children and developmentally disabled individuals.

With comprehensive training that includes a minimum of 90 classroom hours and 30 hours of field experience, you’ll be well-prepared to pass the New York State certification exams and enter the workforce with confidence. The program’s all-inclusive fee of $1,800 covers everything you need, including textbooks, scrubs, test fees, and even transportation.

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