Certified Nursing Aide

Earn your NYS Nurse Assistant Certification and join one of the fastest-growing healthcare careers. Gain clinical training in patient care while studying anatomy and physiology.

150 Hours

5-6 Weeks

In-Person

$2,400

Funding Available

Gain Healthcare Skills and Credentials

Prepare for the New York State Nursing Aide Certification. Move quickly from training to employment with this short, accelerated program. You may also earn up to 6 credits toward completing our Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate or Nursing: Registered Nurse (RN) AAS program.

Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) Career Information

Demand for Certified Nurse Aides remains strong because healthcare teams rely on their support across many settings. Help patients with daily living activities in nursing care facilities, hospitals, or retirement communities. Our network of regional healthcare partners helps us maintain a strong employment rate.

CNAs earned a median annual wage of $39,430 (or $19/hour) as of May 2024 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

After completing the Certified Nurse Aide program and earning NYS certification, you may qualify for roles such as:
- Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- Nursing Assistant / Nurse Aide
- Resident Care Aide
- Patient Care Assistant (PCA)
- Long-Term Care Aide
- Home Health Aide (HHA)
What You'll Learn
- Provide safe and respectful personal care and support with activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Implement patient safety and infection control practices in healthcare settings.
- Practice proper techniques for moving, transferring, and positioning patients.
- Learn the fundamentals of nutrition, hydration, and elimination care.
- Ensure effective communication with patients and the healthcare team.
- Study the foundations of anatomy and physiology relevant to basic patient care.
Program Costs

The Certified Nursing Aide program costs $2,400. This includes all programming, books, supplies, and certification exam fees. Many participants can reduce the out-of-pocket cost of this program by applying for county funding.

Workforce program costs are subject to change. Prices reflect 2026 rates. Confirm your eligibility for funding to determine your final cost.

Funding Opportunities

Funding may be available through your local county workforce office. Our Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) program qualifies for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which provides up to $3,000 to job seekers participating in training for in-demand industries.

WIOA funding is administered through Finger Lakes Works. Residents of Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates Counties can find information about their Finger Lakes Works center online. Residents of other counties may contact their local county workforce office for further assistance.

Finger Lakes Works

Apply Now

Submit a workforce application to get started. Once we receive your information, we'll contact you with more details about the program and available funding options.

Workforce Application

Up to 100%

covered with eligible funding

150

hours of training

94%

program completion rate

$19/hr

national average wage

Program Schedule and Learning Format

Complete 150 hours of training over 5-6 weeks following a full-time, Monday-Friday schedule. Participate in a structured program that includes in-person classes and supervised clinical experience.

Attend three weeks of classes with a small group of learners.
Complete one week of clinical experience at Thompson CCC or Canandaigua VA Medical Center.
Review for and take your NYS certification test.

Upcoming Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) Courses

Program sessions may change based on interest and enrollment. Our workforce team will work with you to review your options.

Dates (2026)	Location	Weekly Schedule	Meeting Time
May 26 - July 3	Geneva Campus Center	Monday - Friday	8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 17 - Sept. 23	Geneva Campus Center	Monday - Friday	8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Certified Nursing Aide (CNA)

Gain Healthcare Skills and Credentials