Steps to Take to Become a CNA in Rochester, New York (NY)

Rochester, New York, has a lot going for it. It’s growing quickly (the population has topped 200,000), and there are many different industries with a presence in town. One of the most promising industries for those interested in a rewarding career is the medical field. Becoming a CNA in Rochester can give you a good starting point for a rich, challenging career with plenty of options for moving up. Of course, the first step is to enroll in CNA classes in Rochester.

Salary Information for Rochester CNAs

Knowing what to expect in terms of your annual salary as a CNA is important. According to Salary.com as of August 18, 2020, the median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Rochester, NY is $31,820, as of August 18, 2020, with a range usually between $26,433-$38,144.

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CNA Classes and Licensing Requirements in Rochester

Before you can get started in your chosen career, you’ll need the proper CNA training and education. Not only is this a good idea, but it’s required by the state. If you want to earn your license, you need the training required. New York requires that CNAs undergo a minimum of 130 hours of training comprised of both in-person clinical training and specific CNA classes.

After completing your training through one of the state-approved CNA programs, you’ll become eligible to take the licensing exam. New York follows the rest of the country in requiring a two-part test that includes both a multiple-choice test and a physical skills demonstration. If you fail the exam, you can retake it up to three times before the state requires you to go through CNA classes and training again.

With your license, you’ll need to also submit to a background check and provide fingerprint cards. Conviction for violent crimes can be grounds for immediate barring from this position.

Where to Find CNA Training Programs in Rochester

Before you can get your license, you’ll have to go through one of the state-approved CNA programs in the area. Rochester residents will find that there are many different options located right in town, giving them easy access to accredited CNA classes and training. Some of the more preferential options for CNA classes in Rochester include:

Vital Skills Learned in Rochester CNA Training Programs

During your CNA training, you’ll learn a variety of different skills that will be essential in your daily responsibilities as a CNA. These skills include:

  • Transporting patients with a variety of different equipment
  • Caring for stomas
  • Applying medically necessary garments
  • Assisting patients to bathe and groom themselves (or bathing and grooming those with no mobility)
  • Applying non-medicated ointments and balms
  • Dressing and undressing patients with limited or no mobility

CNA Employers Worth Your Time in Rochester

It’s important to ensure that you have a good understanding of what’s available to you in terms of employment as a certified nursing assistant after graduating and passing your licensing exam. Rochester has a number of medical centers, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and other facilities that regularly require CNAs. These include:

What You Should Know about CNA Jobs in Rochester

Long before you start looking for training or preparing for the state’s licensing exam, you need to actually make sure that this is the right career path for you. In order to do that, you’ll need access to some specific information. You will need to know what employers in the area regularly hire CNAs and other entry-level medical professionals, as well as what each employer requires in terms of preexisting skills and knowledge. To get that information, you can pay a visit to the Rochester Craigslist page – the job listings here are ideal sources of accurate, timely information (that timeliness is one of the most important benefits).

However, you should also understand that there are other sources of information (as well as help with job placement down the road). Rochester is home to a number of medical staffing agencies, and these companies can be invaluable assets in your search for the right career. These agencies include:

  • CNA Training Centers
  • Street Address
  • Phone Number
Finger Lakes Community College Rural Metro Site 704 East Main St 585- 394-3500 x7664
Finger Lakes Community College The Shore Winds 425 Beach Avenue 585- 394-3500 x7664
Rochester Educational Opportunity Center 305 Andrews Street 585- 546-8660 x223