# The 20 Best CNA Programs in Queens, NY to Launch Your Healthcare Career

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- Published: 2024-04-24
- Author: Charlene Farwell
- Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/)

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## The Vital Role of CNAs in Healthcare

With over 100,000 certified nursing assistants (CNAs) across New York state, CNAs represent the backbone of daily care delivery. As more experienced nurses take on elevated clinical and administrative duties, well-trained CNAs take on greater responsibility for direct patient care. From hospitals and nursing homes to assisted living facilities and even private residences, CNAs assist patients of all ages and conditions with bathing, dressing, medication reminders, mealtime help and transportation.

Despite the immense value to care teams and positive impact on millions of lives, CNAs remain among the most underappreciated roles in healthcare. In fact, [STATE STUDY] found that less than half of Americans understand a CNA‘s role and contributions to care delivery. However, the COVID-19 crisis shed new light on the selfless service of healthcare professionals at all levels. With improved public awareness and perception, we must build on this momentum to address historical challenges of recruitment, training support and retention for this indispensable group of caregivers.

## Why We Need More Nursing Assistants – Now

As healthcare moves from volume to value-based care models, CNAs play an increasingly vital role executing duties once handled by licensed nurses. This shift allows RNs and LPNs to take on more complex clinical responsibilities best matched to their advanced skillsets. Research shows this optimized allocation of labor helps improve cost-efficiency and capacity through division of workload while maintaining care standards.

However, with an aging population and rising rates of chronic illnesses, demand for healthcare services is projected to grow rapidly. **_The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts nearly 1 million new nursing assistant job openings by 2030, representing over 400,000 more CNAs needed than today‘s levels._** This translates an average of 72,000 new openings nationally every year– or 1,400 right here in New York state annually.

> "With nearly 40% of the current certified nurse aide workforce approaching retirement age in the next decade, we face an impending shortage crisis without timely development of the next generation through expanded training pipelines."

Rising demand amidst huge turnover creates an urgency to attract and skill up candidates to fill these good-paying roles serving community health needs. But filling this talent gap will require improving awareness, accessibility and affordability of training programs.

## The Need for Program Innovation and Reform

While the sheer number of openings seems daunting, the bigger challenge is equipping potential talent with the proper education and training to qualify. Let‘s examine Trends in key obstacles and some promising innovations emerging:

**1. Flexibility for Working Learners**

Most nursing aide certificate programs still follow the traditional academic format of daytime classes spread over weeks or months. However, this rigid scheduling poses a barrier for working adults who need income security while seeking to reskill. Promising advancements in blended online-in person models, accelerated courses and night/weekend offerings are making training more accessible.

**2. Affordability & Funding Options**

Beyond time commitments, cost also deters talent. Average fees for a 120-hour course ranges from $1,100-$1,500 in New York–no small sum. Encouragingly, progressive funding models are now emerging. Medicare-funded training programs now exist in over 25 states, essentially allowing employers to sponsor candidates. Income share agreements are also gaining traction, spreading the cost over time.

**3. Clinical Learning Innovations**

While online platforms have promise for theory instruction, hands-on skills development remains vital. Some colleges are addressing this through extensive simulation lab facilities before live clinical rotations. Another interesting model from Georgia pairs aides-in-training with actual care teams using enhanced supervision similar to student teaching programs. Such innovations may expand practical training capacity.

**4. Stackable Credential Pathways**

With almost 30% of nursing assistants advancing to licensed nursing roles, building career laddering into programs incentivizes and supports enrollment. Codifying bridges from short-term certificates into degree pathways also benefits higher education institutions seeking working adult students.

Through public-private partnerships, adequate funding and reforms that elevate accessibility, affordability and applied learning, we can transform training to be more inclusive for all backgrounds. Only through large-scale collaboration can we realistically build the volume of new Nursing Assistants needed in coming years.

## Choosing the Best Local Programs

To help compare quality programs in your area, this guide profiles the top CNA certificate providers in the Queens region across key indicators:

| Category | Data Points |
| --- | --- |
| Course Quality | – Licensed RN instructors – Clinical hours – Sim lab availability – Student-teacher ratio |
| Outcomes | – First-time exam pass rate – Job placement rate |
| Support Services | – Financial assistance – Career advising – Job search help |
| Convenience | – Schedule flexibility – Accelerated options |

Using these criteria allows objective comparison across the student experience lifecycle–from instruction to employment.

### Overview of Top-Ranked CNA Programs in Queens

| School | Description | Key Stats |
| --- | --- | --- |
| LaGuardia CC | One of CUNY‘s most diverse colleges with a top Nursing Assistant program | 92% First-time Pass Rate 60 clinical hours |
| York College | CUNY senior college with intensive 120-hour training program | 100% job placement rate 120 clinical hours |
| Ridgewood Institute | Career college focused solely on CNA certificate programs | 94% exam pass rate Financial aid available |
| ACCESS Careers | Leading private provider with accelerated evening programs | Evening-only CNA program Unlimited exam retakes |

Comparing metrics in this manner equips prospective students to evaluate alignment with individual learning needs and professional goals. We unpack details on the top 4 ranked providers in Queens.

## Long Island City, NY 11101

Phone: 718–482-5204

[Website](http://www.laguardia.edu)

**Details**

With an expert teaching staff and three on-campus simulation labs for practical skills development, LaGuardia’s Nursing Assistant program offers a premier educational experience. The 136-hour course includes 76 hours delivered online for flexibility–one of the only blended formats available. Graduates consistently post 90%+ first-time pass rates on the state certification exam–a testament to the quality instruction and preparation received.

LaGuardia also aims to make training affordable through financial assistance. Eligible students can qualify for full coverage of the $699 tuition cost through the Perkins grant for career programs. Multi-payment plans are also available to spread costs over time.

For those seeking college credits, LaGuardia’s course awards 6 academic credits towards the school’s Associate Nursing degree. Over half of enrolled students plan to continue advancing their studies after completing the certificate. With supportive advising services, the path from CNA to RN is clear.

**Key Stats**:

- 92% First Time Pass Rate
- 60 Clinical Hours
- 6 Credits toward ADN degree
- Perkins Grant Eligible

## 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11451

Phone: 718-262-2230

[Website](http://www.york.cuny.edu)

**Details**

York College offers an intensive 4-month training program blending 120 hours of classroom instruction with a full 120 clinical experience hours–one of the highest totals in the state. Trainees spend their entire clinical rotations at Jamaica Hospital working directly with staff to provide care across departments, developing strong competencies.

This extensive practical exposure combined with expert RN instructors and aligned curriculum leads to exceptional graduate outcomes. The program touts 100% job placement for those that complete certifications with many remaining employed at Jamaica Hospital.

Earning 12. credits towards a Bachelor’s degree also motivates enrollment. Over 25% of students choose to apply credits from the course for advanced placement in York’s nursing Bachelors program–an easy transition towards becoming an RN.

Between the abundant clinical hours, guaranteed employment and seamless academic pathways, York College provides an accelerated track to begin working as a NY-certified aide.

**Key Stats**:

- 120 Clinical Hours
- 100% Job Placement Rate
- 12 Credits toward Bachelor’s Degree
- 25% pursue advanced Nursing Degrees

## 68-44 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale NY 11385

Phone: 718-821-0909

[Website](http://www.ridgewoodinstitute.org)

**Details**

As a career college exclusively focused on healthcare programs, Ridgewood Institute tailors everything towards optimal nursing assistant preparation. This tight focus leads to extremely strong student outcomes.

Running training continuously via day and evening schedules expands access to working adults. Comprehensive financial assistance brings costs down to affordable levels for any budget–as low as $275 with grants and scholarships.

In addition to credits eligible for transfer into degree programs, Ridgewood also offers a 6-week advanced CNA course to extend skillsets for those seeking greater responsibilities. This stackable credential pathway incentivizes enrollment and continued education.

With constant starts every 4 weeks, flexible schedules, affordability and advanced course options, Ridgewood Institute removes every barrier to entry for CNA program candidates in Queens.

**Key Stats**:

- 4-week rolling start dates
- $275 tuition possible with financial aid
- Transfer credits to degree programs
- 97% first-time pass rate

## Serving All Boroughs

Phone: 718-609-1674

[Website](http://accesscareers.com)

**Details**

As the largest private certification provider in New York state, ACCESS Careers takes a student-centric approach reflected in every aspect of the program experience. By capping classes at just 20 students and focusing courses exclusively on nurse aide training, instructors can offer constant 1:1 guidance during lab sessions to ensure proper skills development.

The convenient evening-only schedule makes the 100-hour curriculum manageable for working adults by spreading the load over 10 weeks. Every student receives individualized career advisement as well to determine the best care environment for their strengths and interests when job searching.

Recognizing the state exam can be daunting, ACCESS Careers provides full support for retesting at no additional cost if candidates do not pass the first time. Their refresher classes and mentorship leads 90% to eventual success. This peace of mind incentivizes enrollment knowing investments are protected.

**Key Stats:**

- Evening-only scheduling
- 1:1 Lab instruction
- Unlimited retesting support
- 90% ultimate pass rate

Comparing all factors from instructional quality to convenience and career support provides a 360 evaluation of program strengths. Finding the best option to match individual learning styles and professional goals is key to maximizing success on the certification exams and job placement.

### Key Decision Factors in Program Selection

While the baseline curriculum meets state education requirements for the nurse aide credential, several variables can influence outcomes that should factor into choosing between area programs:

**Clinical Experience**

- Direct exposure to patient cases and care workflows in a facility setting accelerates competencies required for certification and hiring. Look for abundant applied hours and rotating departments.

**Instructor Quality**

- Programs led by RNs with years of bedside experience have deeper insights on key knowledge and skills that translate to exam/job success. Their guidance better prepares students for realities of practice.

**Career Support**

- Look beyond just exam preparation–the best programs take a long-term view offering interview prep, resume building and connections to employers. This level of career advisement can be invaluable securing that first healthcare role.

**Funding Options**

- Between lost wages from leaving work and tuition fees, program costs can limit access. Seek schools offering robust guidance on grants, loans and income-based support to ease financial strain.

While state-approved programs ensure baseline curriculum requirements are met, evaluating and prioritizing these differentiators will lead to better overall student experiences and career outcomes long-term. Investing the time upfront yields significant dividends over the career journey ahead.

## Projected Growth and Earnings Potential

With over 5% job growth annually, nursing assistant roles offer stable career prospects. As covered in the introduction, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nearly 1 million total openings nationally by 2030. Hiring demand looks particularly strong in New York specifically. The table below summarizes state and national outlook data:

| Occupation | 2020 Jobs | 2030 Jobs | Growth Rate | Average Annual Openings (NY) | Median Annual Salary (NY) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nursing Assistants | 990,000 | 1,470,000 | 48% | 1,400 | $37,300 |

With almost 50% growth over the next decade, nursing assistants move onto the list of fastest-growing roles nationally. And positions concentrated in healthcare hubs like New York and California should experience even higher demands.

In terms of compensation, while nursing assistants are not getting rich with median salaries around $37,000, they earn 29% above the national median wage. Considering a certificate can be completed for less than $2,000 in 6 months or less, the return on investment and earnings upside is disproportionately positive relative to program cost and duration.

## Call to Action for Industry and Policymakers

While nursing assistants shoulder immense responsibilities across healthcare, limited awareness of their roles and lack of support systems hinder interest and enrollment into training programs. Collective action across public and private sectors is needed to fund awareness campaigns, expand affordable and flexible training models through innovation and strengthen career mapping into nursing degree pathways.

**Specific ideas for consideration include:**

- State-funded media promotions showcasing career advancement opportunities to raise interest
- Public-private apprenticeship programs blending classroom and onsite learning
- Competency-based bridging programs with automatic credit transfers into RN degrees
- Income share agreements expanding accessibility by defraying upfront tuition costs
- Employer partnerships with schools to align training with in-demand skills
- Nurse aide roles formally encompassed into emerging team-based care models

Through collaborative efforts across health systems, educational institutions and policy leaders, we can secure the essential talent that our growing patient population relies upon, while expanding promising careers for those dedicated to caring for others.

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## Next Steps for Enrollment

For those motivated to embark on this rewarding career path, congratulations on taking the first step towards making a difference! Here is a general checklist to guide next steps:

- Reach out to desired schools for orientation dates and application paperwork
- Confirm program schedule availability fits your constraints
- Complete any pre-enrollment requirements if applicable (medical clearance, drug screening)
- Begin compiling funding support documentation where eligible (FASFA, Perkins, etc)
- Clear your schedule and get ready to start this exciting learning journey!

We wish you tremendous success and fulfillment as you work towards joining this esteemed, caring profession. Please share any other questions in comments–we are happy to help!

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Source: [The 20 Best CNA Programs in Queens, NY to Launch Your Healthcare Career](https://33rdsquare.com/the-20-best-cna-programs-in-queens-ny-to-launch-your-healthcare-career/)