If you have an interest in becoming a certified nurse assistant but are unsure about how to pay for a program, consider the options offered in the state of Florida which are free or at low cost. Nursing homes and other long-term residential health centers sometimes offer training programs at little or no cost with the possibility of employment upon successful completion of the program. In Florida, there are many facility based sites that offer these training programs. The best way to locate these facilities is to inquire with hospitals, nursing homes and other residential care facilities in your community. Also consider contacting the Job Corps Center in Miami, Jacksonville, and other cities across Florida where programs are made available to those in need of employment assistance.
Job Corps Locations for Free CNA Training in Florida:
Gainesville – 5301 N. E. 40th Terrace Gainesville, FL 32609 | (352) 377-2555 | http://gainesville.jobcorps.gov
Homestead – 12350 S.W. 285 Street Homestead, FL 33033 | (305) 257-4800 | http://homestead.jobcorps.gov
Jacksonville – 4811 Payne Stewart Drive Jacksonville, FL 32209 | (904) 360-8200 | http://jacksonville.jobcorps.gov
Miami – 3050 N.W. 183rd Street Miami, FL 33056 | (305) 626-7800 | http://miami.jobcorps.gov
Pinellas County – 500 22nd Street South St. Petersburg, FL 33712 | (727) 551-2900 | http://pinellascounty.jobcorps.gov
Free CNA Training Opportunities:
AdventHealth Winter Park
AdventHealth is looking for energetic candidates to fill in their vacancies for Certified nursing assistants. They offer great benefits for employees such as pet insurance, sign-on bonuses, relocation bonuses, and free CNA training in Florida so you can finish your certification without out-of-pocket expenses + they also reimburse for the NCLEX exams which you would take.
Overall – this looks like a great opportunity to start a rewarding career and climb the ladder to your dream! Good luck!
You can reach them on +1 407-646-7000 | Address: 200 N Lakemont Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792, United States
Keep reading more on Florida or you can pick a different state:
CNA Certification Information
In the state of Florida, all individuals seeking to become certified nursing assistants must meet all course requirements prior to sitting for the state certification exam. Prior to working as a certified nursing assistant, there are requirements all potential students should consider.
In Florida, all approved certified nursing assistant training programs must provide students with comprehensive instruction on the requirements to work in all types of licensed health care facilities including nursing homes, home health agencies, hospices, hospitals, and intermediate care facilities. Prior to employment and as part of the certification process, all CNA’s will have to undergo a thorough background check.
Training programs are a minimum of 120 hours in length and are comprised of classroom lecture, laboratory, and at minimum 40 hours of supervised clinical experience in an approved clinical setting. The initial sixteen hours of training must be provided in a classroom setting prior to any direct contact with the residents in a supervised hands-on situation. Students may be employed after sixteen hours of classroom training if the topics of communication, infection control, safety, resident’s independence, and resident’s rights have been covered in class.
A newly trained nurse aide candidate taking the examination for the first time must successfully pass both parts of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination within one 2 years of successfully completing a training program in order to be placed on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry.
If an applicant fails to pass the nursing assistant competency examination in three attempts, the applicant is not eligible for reexamination unless the applicant completes an approved training program.
Applicants who have completed a CNA program out of state must be registered on the out-of-state nurse aide registry. The certification must be in good standing and free from any findings of patient abuse or neglect. The verification must come directly from the out-of-state registry or certification program directly to the Florida CNA Certification.
CNA Training in Florida
Cna certification is only given to those who complete a state approved certification course and pass the competency exam. In florida all state approved training classes are a minimum of 100 hours and they range from $300 – $1200. If you have problems in paying there are a few options available where you can get free training to become a CNA or you get the course at a reduced price, we have mentioned above a few job corps locations which can help pay for your classes if you are eligible for it. Below is a list of approved CNA programs in the state of Florida:
Florida Coast Career Tech (North Campus) – 4501 Capper Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218
The CNA course at Florida Coast Career Tech (North Campus) is 5.5 credit program that meets for 165 hours, including 40 hours of clinical experience in hospitals, nursing homes and sub-acute/long-term care facilities. Required classes include HCP 0001 – Health Careers and HCP 0102C – Articulated Nursing Assistant Contact. For more information on this program, call (904) 766-6585.
Santa Fe Community College – 3000 Northwest 83rd Street, W 201, Gainesville, FL 32606
The Santa Fe Community College CNA program is a 165 hour course. The clinical portion of this course is done at local nursing homes. Total cost for the program is $945 including tuition, text books, supplies, and other program associated fees. Classes meet during the day and include both classroom lecture and clinical instruction. For more information on this program, call (352) 395-5732.
Pasco-Hernando Community College – 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654-5199
This is a 4-technical credit hour program. Full-time students may complete the program in about one term. Part-time students may require additional time. Students who successfully complete this program are eligible to take the state exam. Estimated Costs
For this program for Florida residents is $765 which includes application fee, physical exam, CPR course, background check and textbooks. For more information on this program, call 727-847-2727.
College of Central Florida – 3001 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL 34474-4415
The CNA program at Central Florida Community College is a 6 week, 120-hour certification program held at the Levy Center. The course consists of 80 hours of lecture and lab work and 40 hours of clinical training which prepare the individual to take the Florida CNA exam and to work as a nursing assistant in nursing homes. Classes will meet Monday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Levy Center, 114 Rodgers Blvd. in Chiefland. The course fee is $450. For more information, call 352-493-9533.
Gulf Coast State College – 5230 West Highway 98 | Panama City, FL 32401
This Gulf Coast State College Nursing Assistant certificate program is designed to provide the education and skill level necessary to qualify for the state Certified Nursing Assistant exam. The two courses for this 4 month training (165 clock hours) are available only at the Gulf Franklin Center in Port St. Joe, Florida. The core lecture classes are offered as distance education. Total estimated cost of the program is $1111 including tuition, text books, immunizations, uniforms, and other course related supplies. For more information on this program, call 850-913-3311.
Florida Medical Prep – 8200 66th Street North Pinellas Park, Florida 33781
The Florida Medical Prep CNA program offers small class sizes of 12 – 20 students. A 40 hour training program, Florida Medical Prep offers the largest variety of Day, Evening and Weekend CNA Prep Classes offered in 1 & 2 week class options. Books and all supplies needed to learn your clinical skills are provided for your training. The cost for the course is $279 including text books. The State CNA certification exam is administered through Prometric. Test fee will total $161.25 or $164.25 with use of the audio headsets. These fees include FBI background screening (as required by Florida Board of Nursing), your clinical skills test, and the written portion of your exam. For further information on the CNA program, call 727-231-4539.
- Southtech Academy | Boynton Beach, FL 33426 | (561) 369-7004
- High Tech North | Cape Coral, FL 33993 | (239) 574-4440
- Keiser University | Daytona Beach, FL 32114 | (386) 274-5060
- Deerfield Beach High School | Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 | (754) 322-0650
- Lake Tech | Eustis, FL 32726 | (352) 589-2250
CNA SALARY INFORMATION – FLORIDA.
The average Certified Nursing Assistant salary ranges between $33,000 and $40,000.
However, this entirely depends on your qualification, experience and work location. The rise in aging population has given CNAs in Florida great advantage and opportunity to work.
The job location has a great impact on a CNA’s salary – CNAs in urban areas earn a higher pay compared to countryside locals. There are better working facilities and greater career prospects.
CNA TRAINING FAQs.
Can a CNA teach a CNA class? A CNA instructor must have an undergraduate degree, RN licensure and possibly pass the trainer course to obtain employment at community colleges and career training institutes for about $49,000 a year.
Are there any age restrictions for getting a CNA license? Yes. You must be at least 18 years old. If you’re 17, high school diploma is required.
Do you offer CPR/BLS classes? Yes we offer BLS.
Are CNAs in demand in Florida?
The state of Florida is hiring over 20 new Certified Nursing Assistants and CNAs who work for the government may provide care in residential medical care facilities such as nursing homes and home health aide.
Where do CNAs make the most money in Florida?
CNAs in Florida earn the highest in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and assisted care community centers.
What skills am I required to have as a CNA?
Empathy and compassion are two key skills of a great CNA. It is important to be empathetic and compassionate to assure your patients that you genuinely care for them and that you are there to help and support them.