Hands-On Evening Program Prepares Students for Fulfilling, In-Demand Healthcare Careers in Sullivan County
SUNY Sullivan is now enrolling students for its upcoming certified nursing assistant (CNA) training program, with the next session beginning Monday, May 4, and running through Monday, July 13. The program offers Sullivan County residents a fast, affordable, and locally accessible pathway into one of the most in-demand and personally rewarding healthcare careers in the region.
Classes meet Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the Loch Sheldrake campus. During the clinical rotation portion of the program (June 5-26), on-campus classes shift to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, with clinicals every Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m at Sunset Lake Care Center. The evening schedule is designed specifically for working adults, parents, and career changers who cannot attend daytime classes and for anyone ready to make a change and pursue a profession that makes a daily difference in the lives of others.
Students who complete the program will gain practical skills in direct patient care including personal hygiene, mobility assistance, nutrition support, and more under the supervision of licensed nurses. The curriculum combines classroom learning with supervised clinical rotations, giving graduates the real-world experience and confidence needed to provide compassionate, competent care across a wide range of healthcare settings. Graduates are qualified to sit for the New York State certification examination for Certified Nurse Aides.
The program is ideal for individuals seeking a fresh start or a career transition into healthcare, as well as for those who want a stable, purposeful profession with genuine job security and community impact.
The program may be available at little or no cost for eligible students through multiple funding sources. Funding may be available for eligible participants through SUNY Sullivan’s partnership with the Sullivan County Center for Workforce Development, making the CNA credential genuinely accessible to adult learners who otherwise could not afford to pursue a healthcare career.
Sullivan County is facing a severe and well-documented healthcare workforce shortage. The county has just 1.4 primary care physicians per 10,000 residents. Certified nursing assistants are among the most urgently needed healthcare workers in the county, providing direct patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, home care settings, and rehabilitation facilities that serve Sullivan County residents every day.
SUNY Sullivan’s CNA program is part of the college’s broader health sciences initiative, which has seen enrollment grow by more than 50% over the last two years. The college offers a full portfolio of healthcare credentials, from short-term microcredentials like phlebotomy to full associate degrees in nursing and respiratory care, creating clear pathways for students who want to build long-term careers in healthcare right here in Sullivan County.
“Every CNA we train is a healthcare worker who stays in this community and cares for its residents,” said SUNY Sullivan President Dr. David Potash. “This program is affordable, accessible, and leads directly to meaningful employment and Sullivan County needs every graduate we can produce.”
“Becoming a certified nursing assistant is one of the fastest and most rewarding pathways into a healthcare career available anywhere in Sullivan County,” said SUNY Sullivan Director of Nursing, Dr. Chyrise Taylor. “Our program gives students the practical skills, clinical experience, and state certification they need to step into a role that is in demand, stable, and genuinely fulfilling and we are excited to welcome our next class.”
Eligible applicants must be 18 or older, hold a high school diploma or GED, be able to pass a background check, fingerprinting, and drug test, and possess a valid New York State driver’s license and reliable transportation.
For more information about the certified nursing assistant program or to begin the enrollment process, call 845-794-3340, send an email to SCCCWorkforce@sunysullivan.edu, or visit sunysullivan.edu/health-sciences/certified-nursing-assistant/.
About SUNY Sullivan: SUNY Sullivan is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Our diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, SUNY Sullivan offers dozens of degree programs, certificates, and microcredentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect.
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