Becoming a CNA in New York

What is Involved in Completing CNA Training in New York?

Nursing Programs in New York Currently Offering Enrollment

Federal law prohibits any state from hiring a nurse aide without the aide first being listed on the Nurse Aide Registry of that state. Each state is required to have its own registry and maintain the records constantly, so that they are available for employers to investigate a nurse aides status. Anyone listed on these registries, must be certified first.

When a person wishes to work as a nurse aide in the state of New York, they must become certified by doing 3 things:
• completing an approved nurse aide training course,

• efficiently passing a state issued exam, and

• being listed on the New York Nurse Aide Registry.

Enrollment and Completion of CNA Classes in New York

Step 1:

Find an approved program in your state:
Find a CNA Training Program

Step 2:

Enroll in a CNA training program.

In order to enroll in a training program, however, you must first pass a criminal background check. You will also need to be in good health and submit to a complete physical examination. A two part tuberculosis screening is performed in addition to a blood draw to test for illicit substances at this time.

These are common practices before anyone is permitted to work within a medical field, as it is essential to ensure patient health and safety, first and foremost. Other prerequisites include you being of the age of 18 or older and in possession of a GED or high school diploma.

Step 3:

Complete your CNA training.

A CNA certification training program consists of 100 hours of structured learning. You will be learning 75 hours in the classroom and 30 hours of active practice.

Classroom hours will be spent learning medical terminology, how to handle the emotional aspects of the job, and numerous other procedures concerning documentation and laws that you must follow in a medical setting.

During the hands on courses, you will be working with actual patients in a medical environment, such as a retirement community. This will help you learn the practical applications of your CNA classes in New York. Expect to learn the daily regimen of providing full care for disabled and incapacitated patients during this time.

CNA Testing Procedures and Applying for CNA Certification in New York

Step 1:

Register to take the state issued exam, which is administered by Prometric.

The registration process requires you to send information pertaining to your completed training program as well as the criminal and health check proof.

Step 2:

Study for the exam, and take practice tests to assess which areas you might need to review.

Step 3:

Take the CNA certification exam in New York, which is issued in two sections that require you to show on paper and physically that you are proficient in the teachings of your training program.

The paper test consists of several multiple choice questions. You may also choose to receive an oral exam for this portion if it is easier for you. The skills part consists of five tests that will require you to perform hands-on nurse aide skills chosen by the test instructor.

After passing the exam, you will be considered certified and listed on the registry in New York.

Step 4:

Once you are listed on the New York Nurse Aide Registry, you can then start preparing for the next step in your career. This includes creating a resume and finding a job.

The number of CNA positions in New York is expected to increase by 11.6%,according to the New York Department of Labor. Furthermore, CNA salary in New York is competitive at $31,100 on average a year.

You might also want to consider furthering your education by taking RN or LPN classes. Completing RN and LPN training programs will qualify you for more job opportunities and a higher salary.

For more information on becoming a CNA in New York, contact the New York Nurse Aide Registry.

New York Nurse Aide Registry
NY State Department of Health – Bureau of Professional Credentialing
161 Delaware Ave., Delmar, NY 12054-1393
Phone: (518) 408-1297
The online Nurse Aide Registry is managed by Prometric.
License Verification: (800) 918-8818