Online CNA Classes in New York: Review & Compare Schools

Online CNA Programs in New York: A Comparison

As one of the largest states by population, it’s no surprise that New York is home to a great many schools offering nursing assistant training programs with opportunities for advancement through online CNA to LPN bridge programs as well. Although most programs are entirely campus-based, there are a good number of CNA classes available in the state that feature online components. In most cases, online means didactic nursing coursework that is presented fully or partially online. The online delivery format may be either synchronous (requiring students to log on and take part in live-streamed classes at specific times), asynchronous (where students can log on and attend to their coursework at any time), or a combination of both.

Regardless of how didactic coursework is delivered, students taking online CNA classes in New York will have to attend hands-on skills instruction sessions. These are usually carried in person typically on their school’s campus, and clinical rotation hours for online healthcare students are also required at program-approved practice sites such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and nursing homes.

To give you a more detailed understanding of how online nursing assistant training works, here are three examples of current New York CNA programs with online components:

Frequently Asked Questions from New York CNA Students

While the above information will help you get started in your review of online CNA programs in New York, you’ll likely still have a number of questions about CNA training and about pursuing your state certification. Here are the answers to five of the most frequently asked questions by prospective New York nursing aide students.

How long will it take to complete my CNA class in NY?

The time to completion for online CNA classes in New York varies from program to program due to factors such as the specific type of program you’re pursuing (basic certification prep, non-credit or for-credit certificate, etc.) and study pace (full-time, part-time, or self-paced). And while some online training programs in other states have CNA program lengths as little as four weeks, prospective nursing assistant students will find during their search of New York online CNA classes completion times of between six weeks and six months, with most falling in the nine- to 16-week range.

How much do online CNA programs in NY cost?

As with program lengths, the costs of online CNA programs in NY also vary from program to program, with one of the biggest factors affecting cost being the specific program type. Program length itself is another primary factor. Nevertheless, the cost figures quoted in the spotlights above provide a good idea of what you can expect to find during your program search in terms of program costs, which range from around $1,250 to just under $2,000.

An important matter to bear in mind are that the prices quoted may or may not include such necessaries as books and other study materials, uniforms and equipment, and the fee for taking the state CNA certification exam. So, be sure you understand what’s included in the quoted price and factor in any additional costs you’ll have to incur. Another factor to remember is that you may be eligible for one or more financial assistance resources for your CNA course that may include scholarships and grants for CNA students, tuition discounts and payment plans, and more. It’s important to speak with a program rep about the availability of funding assistance before enrolling in any class you’re considering.

What are the job duties and responsibilities of a nursing assistant in New York?

Certified nursing assistants are responsible for carrying out a wide variety of basic nursing tasks for their patients. Examples of required competencies include:

• Bed pan positioning
• Catheter care
• Changing the linens on an occupied bed
• Patient ambulation
• Patient dressing and feeding
• Positioning patient in bed
• Providing personal maintenance care
• Taking and monitoring vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration, etc.)
• Transferring patient from bed to wheelchair

Your CNA training program will prepare you to perform all of the tasks and more to assure that you can demonstrate your competency as a certified nursing assistant for both the state CNA certification exam and subsequent professional nursing practice.

How can I tell if a CNA program I’m considering is a quality one?

There are few things you can take a look at to determine if a New York CNA class is worth your time and money, first being the program’s approval by the New York State Education Department. In most cases, you’ll find information on state approval on a program’s website. You can check this list of current state-approved CNA programs as well. Another thing to look for is institutional accreditation, which concerns the overall academic quality of the school offering your CNA training program. Institutional accreditation is overseen by several national and regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. You can confirm a school’s current institutional accreditation status by using this DOE search engine. Another sign of program quality is its certification exam pass rate. Contact the program directly for its latest pass rate figures. A combination of all these features will ensure that the program you’re deciding on is the right fit for your career goals.

What are the steps taken to become a CNA in New York?

The basic steps to becoming a working certified nursing assistant in New York are:

• Meet some basic background requirements including earning a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • In order to work in a clinical environment (which you’ll be doing during your CNA training) you’ll also need to pass a criminal background check and drug screening, and show proof of having gotten a number of important immunizations.
• Complete a state-approved training program like any of the online CNA classes in New York mentioned in this guide.
• Take and pass the New York State (NYS) Nursing Home Nurse Aide Competency Examination. A detailed outline of Nurse Aide exam content is available for students.
  • Once you pass the exam, you will receive your CNA certificate in around five business days and be listed on the NYS Nurse Aid Registry.

New York’s CNA Salary & Career Trends

We've explored the ins and outs of CNA training in New York. Now, let’s dive into the job market that awaits upon completion of your education. With a projected job growth rate of 23.70%, significantly outpacing the national average of 4.2%, New York offers a wealth of opportunities for aspiring CNAs. This translates to a staggering 114,280 projected job openings and an average of 2,190 annual openings, ensuring a steady stream of employment possibilities.

It's important to note that salaries can vary considerably across different locations within the state. While New York City offers the highest median salary of $45,890, reflecting the demands of a booming healthcare industry, areas like Watertown-Fort Drum may present lower earning potential. By carefully considering your financial goals and desired lifestyle, you can select a location that aligns with your aspirations. Explore the data below to gain greater insight into New York’s CNA job market.