Key Points
- CNAs in Yonkers average $49,100 annually, above the national mean.
- The New York metro area employs over 77,000 nursing assistants.
- New York requires hands-on clinical training, not online-only coursework.
Your Guide to CNA Training and Certification in Yonkers, New York
Learn about CNA training in Yonkers: program options, certification requirements, and local job prospects.
Nursing assistants in the Yonkers area earn an average of $49,100 per year, well above the national mean. Demand for CNAs remains strong across Westchester County hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies serving the New York metro area. Yonkers offers access to local training programs and nearby Bronx and Manhattan schools reachable by Metro-North and MTA bus.
Training takes 75 classroom and clinical hours under New York regulations, typically completed in 4 to 12 weeks depending on schedule format. Total program costs range from free (with work commitments) to roughly $2,000 for private programs. New York requires state-approved programs, a competency exam, and Department of Health registration before you can work.
The CNA Job Market in Yonkers: Top Employers and Demand
Yonkers sits in the heart of Westchester County, just north of the Bronx. The city's proximity to New York City means steady demand for healthcare workers across hospitals, nursing homes, and home care agencies. The region's aging population and dense urban setting keep CNAs in high demand, with projections pointing to strong job growth through 2026.8
Major Employers Hiring CNAs in Yonkers
The city is home to several large institutions that regularly hire certified nursing assistants. St. John's Riverside Hospital and Saint Joseph's Medical Center are two major hospital employers with CNA openings. Long-term care facilities like Yonkers Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation operate around the clock, offering multiple shifts including overnight positions.3 Elizabeth Seton Children's provides specialized care and has hired CNAs with pay ranging from $24.31 to $26.06 per hour.4 Nearby, in New Rochelle, facilities such as Bayberry Care Center and Sutton Park Center for Nursing & Rehab actively recruit new graduates, with advertised wages around $19 to $21 per hour.5 Home care agencies like Right at Home Westchester also employ CNAs, offering flexible schedules and one-on-one patient care.6
What Employers Look For in New Graduates
Facilities in Westchester County value CNAs who bring a mix of technical skill and soft skills. Employers emphasize reliability, strong communication, and the ability to work in a team. Many hiring managers look for candidates who have completed CNA classes in New York and passed the New York certification exam. Some employers, like IntelyCare, offer immediate hiring for per-diem and full-time roles, which can be a quick path into the workforce for fresh graduates.7 Having flexible availability, especially for overnight or weekend shifts, can give new CNAs an edge.
Local Partnerships and Training-to-Hiring Pipelines
Westchester County runs a Healthcare Talent Pipeline Program that targets 100 job seekers and identifies CNAs as a high-demand occupation.8 This initiative connects training providers with local employers to create direct pathways into jobs. For example, United Hebrew of New Rochelle partners with training programs to recruit newly certified aides.8 Some facilities, like RegionCare in Mount Kisco, even offer free training to attract and hire staff.9 These partnerships mean that completing CNA training in the area can lead directly to job interviews and offers.
Online and Hybrid CNA Classes for Yonkers Students
Can you complete CNA training entirely online if you live in Yonkers? No. While online coursework can cover theory and classroom instruction, New York State requires all CNA candidates to complete supervised clinical hours in a healthcare facility before sitting for the state certification exam. Fully online CNA programs do not satisfy this requirement. However, hybrid programs that combine online lectures with scheduled in-person clinical rotations are available to Yonkers students and offer flexibility for working adults or those with transportation constraints.
Hybrid CNA Programs Near Yonkers
Several accredited institutions in the New York City metro area offer hybrid CNA training that accepts Westchester County residents:
- City College of New York (CCNY) , Continuing & Professional Studies: This hybrid program costs $1,500 and runs 9 to 24 weeks, depending on your schedule. Students complete 30 clinical hours at an approved facility. The program is approved by the New York State Education Department.
- Lehman College , Hybrid CNA (Bronx): Tuition is $1,148, with scholarships covering 50 to 90 percent of costs for eligible students. The program is state-approved and includes in-person clinical training in the Bronx, accessible from Yonkers via public transit.
- Hostos Community College , Hybrid CNA (Bronx): This 12- to 13-week program costs $1,299 and requires 30 clinical hours. Hostos offers convenient scheduling for students commuting from Yonkers.
- Queensborough Community College , Hybrid CNA (Queens): At $1,650, this program combines online theory with hands-on clinical practice in Queens.
- Dutchess Community College , Hybrid CNA (Poughkeepsie): Located north of Yonkers, this 120-hour hybrid program serves students willing to travel to Dutchess County for clinical training.
Pros and Cons of Hybrid CNA Training
Hybrid learning offers real advantages. You can complete lectures and study modules on your own schedule, which is ideal if you work or have family obligations. Commuting is reduced because only clinical sessions require in-person attendance. However, hybrid programs demand strong self-discipline. Without regular classroom attendance, it is easy to fall behind on readings or assignments. Additionally, clinical hours are non-negotiable and must be scheduled at specific times, often during weekday mornings or afternoons when healthcare facilities have supervisory staff available.
If you thrive with structure and prefer face-to-face instruction, a traditional in-person program may be a better fit. If you need flexibility and can stay organized independently, hybrid training is a practical path to certification.
While online coursework offers flexibility, New York requires all CNA students to complete hands-on clinical training in a real healthcare setting. This in-person internship is not negotiable. You will practice vital signs, patient care, and safety procedures under supervision, building the confidence and competence employers expect on day one.
CNA Programs Within Commuting Distance of Yonkers
A commutable CNA program is one you can realistically reach from Yonkers in under an hour by car, Metro-North, or MTA bus. Yonkers sits at the northern edge of the Bronx and shares transit corridors with upper Manhattan, which means several campus-based CNA training programs in New York are within daily reach for local students. Below are three programs that Yonkers residents commonly consider. A fully ranked list appears later in the article.
CUNY City College (Manhattan)
City College runs a campus-based Certified Nursing Assistant program in Harlem, roughly 30 to 45 minutes from downtown Yonkers via Metro-North to Harlem-125th Street or the Bx7 and 1 train. In-state tuition at CCNY sits around $7,340 per year at the institution level, though CNA-specific continuing-education fees are typically much lower and paid per course. The program is offered in a hybrid format with in-person clinical sessions in NYC, which suits commuters who want to cut down on days spent traveling.
CUNY Hostos Community College (Bronx)
Hostos is the closest option on this list geographically. Its South Bronx campus is a short ride from Yonkers on Metro-North (Melrose or Tremont stations) or the 2/4/5 trains. Hostos offers a campus-based Nursing Assistant certificate through its Continuing Education department. In-state tuition at the college level is about $5,254 per year, with the CNA course itself priced separately as a short-term certificate.
Mildred Elley School, Albany Campus
Mildred Elley offers a CNA training program in Albany NY, but its campus is not a daily commute from Yonkers. We include it here because some students relocate or take the six-week intensive program. Tuition runs approximately $15,865. For most Yonkers-area students, the CUNY options above are far more practical.
If transit access matters to you, prioritize schools along the Metro-North Hudson and Harlem lines, or near the 1, 2, and 4 subway routes that connect to Yonkers by bus.
CNA Salary and Job Outlook in Yonkers, NY
Nursing assistants in the Yonkers area earn an average of $49,100 per year, well above the national mean of $42,700. The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro region employs over 77,000 CNAs, making it one of the largest job markets in the state. While national job growth is projected at 2% from 2024 to 2034, high demand from hospitals and long-term care facilities translates to steady employment opportunities locally. In fact, more than 211,800 annual openings for nursing assistants are expected nationwide due to turnover and retirements.
| Metro Area | Employment | Mean Annual Wage | Median Annual Wage | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 77,360 | $49,100 | $47,810 | $45,570 | $52,980 |
| Rochester, NY | 5,240 | $42,260 | $39,800 | $38,370 | $46,420 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | 4,680 | $40,610 | $38,940 | $37,340 | $43,680 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | 4,060 | $40,670 | $39,860 | $36,260 | $43,680 |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Are you physically and emotionally prepared for hands-on patient care?
CNAs lift patients, assist with mobility, and spend long hours on their feet. The role also involves supporting patients through illness, discomfort, and end-of-life care, requiring genuine compassion and emotional resilience.
Can you commit to a training schedule that includes mandatory clinical hours?
New York requires at least 30 hours of supervised clinical practice in a healthcare setting. This means scheduling time beyond classroom instruction, often during weekday daytime hours at a local facility.
Do you meet the background check and health screening requirements for NY certification?
New York State mandates a criminal background check and proof of immunizations before you can work as a CNA. Certain convictions may disqualify candidates, so review state guidelines before enrolling.
Does starting in healthcare with a shorter training timeline match your career goals?
CNA programs typically take four to twelve weeks, offering a faster path into healthcare than nursing or other clinical roles. If you want to start working quickly while exploring advancement options, this could be a strong fit.
How to Become a CNA in New York: Step-By-Step
What does it take to earn your CNA certification in New York and start working? The path is straightforward: complete an approved training program, pass a competency exam, and register with the state. These requirements are consistent statewide, whether you're taking CNA classes in Yonkers, Manhattan, or CNA classes in Buffalo.
Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in a training program, you must be at least 16 years old. While there is no formal education prerequisite mandated by the New York State Department of Health, most programs require applicants to hold a high school diploma or GED. You must also pass a fingerprint-based background check before you can sit for the state exam or work in a healthcare facility.
Complete a State-Approved Training Program
New York requires 100 hours of training divided into 70 hours of classroom instruction, 30 hours of supervised clinical practice, and 16 hours of pre-contact preparation. Programs cover anatomy, infection control, patient rights, communication, and daily living activities. Starting in 2026, all approved programs must include training in affirming care for older LGBTQIA+ individuals, reflecting updated state standards.2
The New York State Education Department maintains a list of approved Nurse Aide Training Programs on its website. Only graduates of state-approved programs are eligible to take the certification exam. Before enrolling, confirm your program appears on the official list to avoid wasting time or money on a non-qualifying course.
Pass the New York CNA Competency Exam
Upon completing your training, you must pass the Prometric competency exam within two years. The exam has two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on skills demonstration. The written exam costs $115; the oral version costs $135. You need a score of 70 percent or higher to pass. If you fail either portion, you have up to three attempts for each section before you must retrain.
You must be at least 17 years old to take the exam. Once you pass, your name is added to the New York State Nurse Aide Registry, which confirms your certification to employers.
Maintain Your Certification
New York CNA certification renews every 24 months for a $40 fee, and to remain in good standing you must work at least 7 hours as a paid nursing assistant and complete 12 hours of in-service education during each renewal period.5 Keep copies of your training certificates and pay stubs to document your eligibility when renewal time arrives.
Free and Low-Cost CNA Training in Westchester County
Free or nearly free CNA training can dramatically lower your entry cost, but it often comes with strings attached: such as work commitments or strict income limits. The right path depends on whether you prioritize upfront savings or the flexibility to choose your employer after certification.
Free CNA Training Programs in the Yonkers Area
- SUNY Westchester EOC (Yonkers, NY): Offers a Certified Nurse Aide / Home Health Care program at no cost to qualifying New York State residents who meet income and educational criteria.
- Family Service Society of Yonkers: Provides free Personal Care Aide / Home Health Aide training, which can be a stepping stone if you plan to pursue a CNA credential later.
- Westchester Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing (Mount Vernon, NY): Runs a free CNA training program, often hiring graduates directly. Reach out early: slots fill fast.2
- SUNY Manhattan EOC (Harlem, NY): A no-cost CNA program for eligible students; commuting from Yonkers is feasible via public transit.
- Westchester Family Care (Mamaroneck, NY): Delivers free Home Health Aide training, ideal if you are exploring home care roles before committing to a nursing facility.
How to Apply for Free or Low-Cost Training
Most free programs require proof of New York residency, a high school diploma or GED, and income below a certain threshold, often tied to federal poverty guidelines. Contact each provider directly to confirm current eligibility and start dates, as waitlists are common. Be prepared for an application interview, background check, and drug screening. Some programs ask for a work commitment in exchange for tuition, typically lasting 6 to 12 months.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Paid Programs
If you do not qualify for free training or prefer a broader choice of schools, explore these options:
- FAFSA and Pell Grants: Not all CNA programs accept federal aid, but accredited institutions like Cochran School of Nursing (Yonkers, $1,300) may enable you to use grants.
- Local Scholarships: Community organizations and healthcare employers sometimes sponsor students; inquire at nursing homes and hospitals about tuition reimbursement.
- Union-Sponsored Training: Unions such as 1199SEIU offer training funds for members, covering or subsidizing CNA classes.
- Workforce Development Boards: Westchester County workforce agencies may provide vouchers or grants for in-demand careers like nursing assistance.
How to Evaluate CNA Programs: Accreditation, Cost, and Schedule
How do you compare CNA programs in Yonkers and decide which one fits your budget, schedule, and career timeline? Start with three core factors: state approval, total cost transparency, and schedule flexibility.
Verify New York State Education Department Approval
Every CNA program in New York must be approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) or the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to qualify graduates for the state certification exam. Schools like Cochran School of Nursing hold NYSDOH-approved nurse aide training status1, and Westchester EOC offers state-approved programs that make students eligible for the CNA exam2. Before you enroll, visit the NYSED website or call the program directly to confirm current approval. If a program cannot provide proof of state approval, walk away. Without it, you cannot sit for the certification exam, and your training hours will not count toward licensure.
Calculate the True Cost of Training
Published tuition is only part of the picture. Build a complete budget that includes uniforms, textbooks, immunization records, background checks, and the state certification exam fee. Some programs bundle these items into tuition, while others charge separately. For example, Lincoln Trade School requires a high school diploma or GED and offers morning, afternoon, and weekend schedules3, but candidates should confirm whether uniforms and exam fees are included or billed separately. SUNY Westchester Community College lists a 3.5-month CNA and HHA combined program with a TABE reading test requirement (minimum score of 8.0), and students often encounter additional costs for clinical uniforms and state exam registration2. Ask each program for an itemized cost sheet that breaks out tuition, fees, materials, and exam costs so you can compare apples to apples.
Match Schedule Options to Your Life
Yonkers-area programs offer a range of schedules to accommodate working adults and full-time students. Lincoln Trade School provides morning, afternoon, and weekend classes3, making it easier to balance a job or family obligations. SUNY Westchester runs both daytime and evening sessions2 for its 3.5-month program. Lehman College in the Bronx (a short commute from Yonkers) operates a hybrid model with online didactic classes two nights per week and in-person clinicals four days per week during weekdays or weekends4, giving you flexibility to complete theory at home and skills training on a schedule that fits. Accelerated programs condense the same 30 hours of required clinical training into a shorter calendar window, often finishing in four to six weeks. Part-time evening and weekend tracks stretch the program over three to four months but let you keep your current paycheck. List your non-negotiable commitments, then filter programs by delivery mode and session times to find the best match.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for nursing assistants and orderlies is projected to grow 2% from 2024 to 2034. While this rate is slower than the national average for all occupations, thousands of job openings are still expected each year due to workforce turnover and the aging population's ongoing need for hands-on care.
Top CNA Training Programs for Yonkers Students
Below are the top CNA programs for Yonkers students, selected for their commuting distance, state approval, and strong completion outcomes. Each program offers hands-on clinical training and prepares graduates for New York State certification.
Factors considered
- Commuting distance from Yonkers
- New York State program approval
- Program completion rates
- Affordability and financial aid
- Clinical training hours
Data sources
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- Internal program database
SUNY Westchester Community College
#1Valhalla, NY · $6,000 – $12,000/yr
Best for: Yonkers residents seeking free training
SUNY Westchester Community College is the most local option for Yonkers students, offering CNA training both at its Ossining campus and through a tuition-free program at the Yonkers Educational Opportunity Center for eligible residents. This NYS-approved program provides essential hands-on skills and industry certifications, making it an affordable entry point into healthcare.
- In-person training at the Ossining campus
- Also available tuition-free at the Yonkers Educational Opportunity Center for eligible students
- Part of the Health Sciences area of study
- Industry certifications offered
- Combined CNA and Home Health Aide training
- In-person delivery in Ossining
- Prepares for dual certification
- Part of Health Sciences curriculum
CUNY Hostos Community College
#2Bronx, NY · $5,000/yr
Best for: Cost-conscious Bronx commuters
CUNY Hostos Community College in the Bronx provides a state-approved, campus-based CNA program through its Continuing Education and Workforce Development department. The 90-hour training combines classroom instruction with clinical experience in long-term care settings, and tuition assistance is available for qualifying students.
- 90 total training hours: 50 classroom, 40 clinical
- Campus-based program in the Bronx
- Part of Continuing Education and Workforce Development
- Tuition assistance available
- Hands-on clinical experience in long-term care facilities
- Prepares for New York State certification
CUNY Lehman College
#3Bronx, NY · $3,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Working adults needing flexible schedules
CUNY Lehman College offers a hybrid CNA program that combines online evening classes with weekend in-person clinical rotations, ideal for working adults. The NYS-approved curriculum includes the certification exam voucher, and scholarships or workforce vouchers can help cover costs.
- Hybrid format with online instruction and in-person clinical rotations
- Evening online classes and weekend clinical options
- NYS certification exam voucher included in tuition
- Clinical rotations at healthcare facilities
- Scholarships and workforce vouchers accepted
- No prior healthcare experience required
Rockland Community College
#4Suffern, NY · ~$11,000/yr (est.)
Rockland Community College in Suffern, just over the Hudson River from Yonkers, provides a fast-track CNA program with no prerequisites. Students can choose between in-person or hybrid learning, and the $1,600 total cost keeps the program accessible.
- 120 hours of comprehensive training
- Hybrid and in-person learning options
- No prerequisites required
- $1,600 total program cost
- Clinical rotations included
- Prepares for state certification exam
- Can be completed in a few months
CUNY City College
#5New York, NY · ~$4,000/yr (est.)
CUNY City College in Manhattan runs a NYSED-approved hybrid CNA program that pairs Zoom lectures with a 30-hour nursing home internship. The 152.5-hour curriculum thoroughly prepares students for the Nurse Aide certification exam, with tuition set at $1,235 plus a small registration fee.
- Hybrid delivery with Zoom classes and in-person clinicals
- 152.5 total program hours
- 30-hour clinical internship in a nursing home
- NYSED-approved curriculum
- Tuition $1,235 plus $25 registration fee
- Prepares for NYS Nurse Aide Certification Exam
CUNY Queensborough Community College
#6Bayside, NY · $4,000/yr (net price)
CUNY Queensborough Community College in Bayside offers a flexible 120-hour CNA program that blends online learning with hands-on clinical experience. With multiple scheduling options and a total cost of $1,650, it accommodates students balancing other commitments.
- 120 total training hours
- Hybrid online/in-person format
- Multiple schedule options available
- Clinical externship included
- Prepares for NYS certification
- Total cost $1,650
CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College
#7New York, NY · ~$5,000/yr (est.)
CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College provides a fully in-person CNA program through its Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center. The curriculum includes CPR certification and supervised clinical preparation, with admission requiring TABE test scores and a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Fully in-person training in Manhattan
- Includes CPR certification for healthcare providers
- Prepares for NYS Certified Nurse Aide exam
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- TABE test scores needed for admission
- Supervised clinical preparation
Nassau Community College
#8Garden City, NY · $7,000/yr
Nassau Community College in Garden City runs a 120-hour CNA program with evening classes and Saturday clinical rotations, making it manageable for students with weekday obligations. The program fee is $1,700, with additional costs for textbooks and the certification exam.
- 120-hour program: 90 classroom/lab, 30 clinical rotation
- Evening on-campus classes
- Saturday clinical rotations
- Prepares for New York State certification exam
- Program fee $1,700
- Textbooks and exam fees are additional
- Must be 18 or older with a high school diploma
Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Classes in Yonkers
Find quick answers to common questions about launching your CNA career in Yonkers. We cover training timelines, costs, online options, and certification steps.
Most programs take 1 to 3 months to complete, depending on schedule and intensity. New York requires 100 total training hours, including 30 hours of supervised clinical practice. Full-time students can often finish in as few as 3-4 weeks.
Yes, some facilities offer free or low-cost training. NYC Health + Hospitals, for example, offers a paid trainee program at Henry J. Carter. You can also find employer-sponsored training or grants through local workforce development organizations.
The average hourly wage for CNAs in Yonkers ranges from $16 to $20, translating to roughly $33,000 to $41,000 annually. Pay can increase with experience, certifications, and the type of healthcare facility.
You must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and pass a criminal background check. Many programs also require a physical exam, immunizations, and a drug screening before clinical rotations.
Complete a state-approved 100-hour training program, then pass the New York State Nurse Aide competency exam (written and skills). The exam fee is $135. After passing, you will be added to the NY State Nurse Aide Registry.
