CNA Program

Approved by New York State Education Department (NYSED)

This 130-hour program is approved by New York State and provides both classroom instruction and a 30-hour clinical internship. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, basic life support, and fundamentals of patient care. During the final six weeks of class, students are assigned to a clinical externship in a nursing home.

CNAs work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), physician assistant (PA), nurse practitioner (NP), or medical doctor or other supervisory staff in a health care facility. Students will learn how to assist patients with daily living tasks, provide basic care services such as bed making, grooming, and taking vital signs.

• Medical clearance must include a recent drug screen (within 2 weeks)
• Your future employer will request fingerprinting and a criminal history background check
• You will be required to wear (PPE) - Personal Protective Equipment at the clinical site
• Suggest you access this site www.prometric.com/nurseaide/ny
• This program is offered on Zoom and Brightspace - You will need a computer
• You must be on camera at each zoom class except for breaks any minor children will need supervision away from camera.                                                                                                                                                                                                   

This class is hybrid.

Classes are held online and clinicals are held In-Person, located in New York City. More information will be provided when the class has begun.

*If clinical rotation is not completed in the class for which you registered, you will be required to pay a fee for a newly scheduled clinical rotation.

Tuition: $1,235

Registration Fee: $25

Total: 1,260

*Textbooks, Medical exam, Uniform, CPR certification, and certification exam fee are not included in the tuition.

Mosby's Textbook for Nursing Assistants, 11th Edition

• Students must have a High School Diploma, GED® or HSE Diploma
• At least 18 years of age
• Able to work legally in the U.S

Certified Nursing Assistants play a critical role in today’s healthcare system—and the demand for skilled CNAs continues to rise nationwide. As hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies expand patient services, employers are seeking qualified professionals who can deliver compassionate, hands-on support.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for nursing assistants is projected to grow steadily over the next decade, driven by an aging population and increased need for long-term and home-based care. Each year, tens of thousands of new CNA positions open across the country, offering stable employment and opportunities to make a meaningful impact in patients’ lives.

CNAs work in diverse settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Nursing homes and rehabilitation centers
• Assisted living facilities
• Home healthcare agencies
• Hospice and palliative care organizations

A CNA certification also provides a strong foundation for career advancement. Many professionals continue into roles such as:

• Patient Care Technician (PCT)
• Home Health Aide (HHA)
• Medical Assistant (MA)
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Specialized roles in pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, or rehabilitation

With competitive salaries, flexible schedules, and clear pathways for growth, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is an excellent entry point into the healthcare field—and a meaningful way to make a difference every day.

A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, is one of the most important roles on a health care team. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 11% from 2016 to 2026; which is faster than the average for all occupations.*

But what exactly is a Certified Nursing Assistant?

How do you become one?

Let us answer these questions for you.

Under the supervision of a Registered Nursed (RN) or Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN), a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides direct care to patients. Nursing assistants give personal, hands-on care to patients by providing assistance with essential daily tasks. These tasks include bathing, dressing, eating, as well as observing & reporting to the LPN/RN, ambulating & repositioning patients, taking & recording vital signs, and communicating with other team members about patients.

With a basic understanding of what a CNA's responsibilities entail, you can decide on whether becoming a CNA is for you. Generally speaking, there are plenty of good reasons to consider it. To start, it's the fastest route to becoming a professional member of a healthcare team - without having attended college. Once you're actively working in the healthcare industry as a CNA, you can then specialize in an area of medicine (hospice, senior living, or home health). It is also easier for CNA's to train and transition into becoming an LPN or RN.

On a personal level, the best reason for becoming a CNA is the satisfaction one receives by making a difference in other people’s lives. A CNA spends the most time with patients, and in doing so, they become most familiar with them; forming a trusting relationship that can greatly impact their lives. What's more satisfying than that? For those looking to become a CNA, getting certified isn't as difficult, or time consuming as you may assume.

Consider the steps outlined below:

1) Enroll in a CNA certification course.

Many public colleges in your city, offer quality, affordable classes that are certified by the State. At City College of New York's, Continuing And Professional Studies, our CNA program is not only New York State approved but it provides 100 hours of classroom instruction, in addition to 30 hours of internship experience. After successfully completing a course, you will be better prepared to take (and pass) your CNA certification exam!

Note: You must pass both the written and the clinical parts of your exam.

2) Register for your CNA certification exam.

Each state has its own specific requirements to become certified as a CNA. In the state of New York, you must take and pass the New York State Competency Examination. This exam is scheduled through Prometric. You must submit this application, along with the application fee, to the appropriate facility or agency.  Once your application is processed, and approved, you will receive a confirmation letter that outlines your testing details (date, time, location).

3) Prepare for your exam!

With the knowledge and experience you gained from your CNA certification course, and internship, you are now better prepared to take the exam. While studying the reading material and notes for the written portion of the exam, do not forget to practice your skills! The Clinical Skills portion of your exam will test you on 3-5 skills, oftentimes, selected at random. It is always best to practice ALL of the skills, such as bed making, patient transfers, feeding, bathing, etc. And not just the ones you assume you'll get tested on.

A couple of items to remember is that you will only have 90 minutes to complete the 60-multiple choice exam, and the skills portion of your exam is typically timed. Administered by a Registered Nurse, you are given between 30-45 minutes to perform a specified number of CNA skills. You are graded based on your knowledge, ability to follow procedures, and overall demeanor.