CNA Certification in New York

How to Become a CNA in New York

Federal law prohibits any state from hiring a nurse aide without the aide first being listed on that state’s Nurse Aide Registry. Each state must have its own registry and consistently maintain their records to make those records up-to-date and available for employers who need to certify or confirm a nurse aide’s status. You must first be certified before you can be on this registry.

You must complete the following three things to become a nurse aide in the state of New York:
• 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 Completing CNA Classes

Step 1

Find an approved program in your state. 

Find a CNA Training Program.

 
Step 2

Enroll in a CNA training program.

You must pass a criminal background check before enrolling in a training program. You must also be in good health, submit to a full physical examination and a two-part tuberculosis screening, and have your blood drawn for a drug test.

The above is standard procedure before you can work in healthcare as ensuring patient safety is essential. You must also be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.

Step 3

Complete your CNA training.

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

Classroom hours will be spent learning medical terminology, how to handle the emotional facets of the job, and numerous other procedures including 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 like a retirement community. This will help you apply your CNA training. During this time, you will learn how to provide full care for disabled and incapacitated patients.

CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification

Step 1

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

The registration process requires you to send proof of your completed training program as well as your criminal check and health tests.

Step 2

Study for the exam, and take some of our CNA practice tests to assess yourself.

Step 3

Take the CNA certification exam. This exam is issued in two sections that require you to show in writing as well as hands-on that you are proficient in the CNA skills you learned.

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

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

Step 4

Once you are listed on the New York Nurse Aide Registry, you can then start 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. Also, the CNA salary in New York is competitive at $31,100 a year on average.

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 higher salaries.

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