This article will guide you on over 8 opportunities for Free CNA classes in FL – Florida. A career as a nursing assistant is not out of your reach. There are many excellent CNA training programs in Florida and many great ways to pay for a portion or at least a good chunk of the tuition and fees to enroll in a CNA training class. An average salary for CNAs in the state is $23,000 but there are certainly opportunities for individuals to make even more.
[su_note]The easiest way to start your path to becoming a CNA in Florida is to take a training program to provide you with the theory and hands on experience you need to pass the competency exam and to work well as a nursing assistant. Florida is a little unique in that you do not need to take a CNA training program to sit for the CNA exam. If you think you have the skills and knowledge to pass the test, you can give it a try as long as you are 18 or older and have a high school diploma or G.E.D.[/su_note]
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Financial Assistance to become a CNA in Florida
Manatee Technical College
5505 34th Street West-Bradenton FL 34210
The Manatee Technical College has a nursing assistant training course. If an individual is not able to pay for this course, they might be able to receive help through Career Source Suncoast in Bradenton Florida. This center is sometimes able to help individuals access financial help for career training programs at schools including at Manatee Technical College. There are funding resources to aid individuals who have found themselves without a job when their employer has closed down or laid employees off. Sometimes an individual, who was a homemaker but now must work outside the home after the death of a spouse or a divorce, can also receive help from CareerSource. A man or women who fit into these circumstances should visit the Career Source office in Bradenton and contact the college to learn more about their options. A person cannot be eligible for funding through these programs at the college unless they have also taken the time to fill out the Application for student Aid on the federal level (Fasfa). It is easy to complete this paperwork when visiting the www.fasfa.ed.gov website and following the instructions. There are other financial assistance options for people who cannot receive funding this way and who do not qualify for traditional financial aid.
Yulee High School
85375 Miner Road-Yules, FL 32097
Yulee High School offers several career training tracks for students who may not be well suited to four years of college after high school. The problems allow students to train for entry level careers that can offer a good income while in high school. Their CNA training course is one such program that allows students to complete requirements to become a CNA while still in high school. This is a unique opportunity for students at the school or who are attending the school. They should be able to receive this training at no cost to the student or their family since it is part of their high school curriculum if they select the CNA career training track. Prospective or current students should talk to the high school’s guidance class to learn more about receiving this training. Students will also learn if there will be any expenses for them through the duration of the training. For those who do not live in the area, there are various high schools in the state of Florida that offer the same career training options for students who are hoping to become certified nursing assistants.
Traviss Technical College
3225 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland, FL 33803
This college is working in coordination with the Cares Program to offer free CNA training. This is in response to a growing need for well qualified professionals for jobs in growing demand. There are many careers that fall in this category especially those in healthcare.
The first round of free courses under this grant was offered in 2021. Certified nursing assistant is a career in high demand. There are often not enough to meet the needs of healthcare facilities. The Program was a success. They trained nursing assistants well. They helped to begin selling a shortage.
They will Continue to offer free classes when they can. This will help meet an ongoing demand for even more nursing assistants. You do not necessarily need to be extremely low income to qualify.
The course covers these and additional topic areas: CPR, safety, ethical work practices, healthcare legalities, medical terminology, nutrition, gerontology and good communication skills. Gerontology is a heavy focus. Many CNAs work at long-term care communities. Pet therapy as well as nutrition topics are also covered. This is a two class course. It is primarily offered in the evening.
The CNA course is very comprehensive. Graduates will be very competitive in the job market. Individuals will gain excellent experience and knowledge. The class is state approved and allows you to take the certified nursing assistant exam.
Premier Nursing Academy’s
6477 102nd Ave.-Pinellas Park, FL 33782
They offer free training for individuals who will work for one of the healthcare agencies they partner with. These are healthcare providers in Tampa and the nearby area. Quite a few locations are available. You must already have a prospective employer before enrolling in the free program. Providers are looking for students with a great skill set and positive attitude. Students will receive all training needed to work as a nursing assistant or as a patient care technician.
Graduates can begin work even before passing their certification exam. They must sit for and pass the exam within a relatively short period of time after employment. Speak to prospective employers about this. Employers will require you to be 18, a high school graduate or equivalent, pass a drug test and submit to a criminal background check.
The course is for 120 instructional hours. 80 hours are spent in the classroom. 40 hours are spent gaining real life experience working in the field. This is where you will learn and practice skills you will use on a daily basis as a certified nursing assistant. It takes just six weeks to finish this course.
Students will learn about helping patients with activities of daily living, taking and recording vital signs, working with patients wii are agitated or combative, assisting nurses and certainly much more.
Classes are offered in 3 locations. This makes it easy to find a spot that works for you. Findclass opportunities by calling: +1-727-300-2464
Jacksonville Job Corps
4811 Payne Stewart Dr
Jacksonville, FL 32209-9208
The Job Corps helps low income and at risk youth to have opportunities for a better life. They provide the classes for a high school diploma if needed and then career training. Other academic help and tutoring is also available. A spending stipend, housing and food are also provided. Therefore students have little to worry about while they learn.
Individuals 16-24 are eligible to apply. They must be motivated to excel in life and will meet all requirements for the Job Corps. They must follow all rules and regulations and work hard at building a good life.
One of the training classes offered is for certified nursing assistants. This class provides lab skills and classroom instruction. Students will learn about activities of daily living , safety for patients and staff, medical terminology, use of certain medical equipment, laws and ethics, CPR and do much more.
CNA training teaches students to take vital signs and report concerns. They also Learn to reposition patients. Students are taught about helping patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
There are a few requested features of someone entering this program. They should believe in integrity and honesty. And they should have empathy and compassion for others.
While in the program, students must maintain good grades. They must follow all rules of the Job Corps.
After graduating from a program, the Job Corps helps you find work. They can assist with finding housing and even childcare as well. It’s a Good opportunity for young people who might otherwise not have good circumstances.
Call 800-733-5727.
Schools and Colleges Offering CNA Training in Florida
Indian River State College
6155 College Lane, Vero Beach, FL 34981
The Indian River State College nursing assistant program is a 165 hour course. The course is offered at several of the Indian River State College campus. The clinical component of the course will be completed at hospitals and nursing care facilities near the college. Students will learn to provide the care patients need to not only remain health or improve their health but also to feel as comfortable and happy as possible during the time in the healthcare facility. Students will gain knowledge the basics of being a certified nursing assistant in terms of patient rights, general patient care and how to prevent injury to both the patient and the nursing assistant. Men and women studying this course will learn how to protect the privacy of a patient and help them to maintain their dignity while receiving care. The course will be taught through lecture and hands on lab studies. In addition, students will need to complete clinical rotations to apply the skills they have learned on campus. This course costs $1174 including tuition, uniforms and other fees and related expenses. Students will be receiving a great deal of instruction from well qualified professionals in both the classroom and at the healthcare facilities.
Ultimate Medical Academy
1255 Cleveland St, Clearwater, FL 33755
The Ultimate Medical Academy nursing assistant course will prepare students to sit for the competency test to become certified as a nursing aide. This course will include 6 credits of study plus an externship. Students are not paid for their time working directly with patients in their externship as this is part of their education. Students will complete 45 hours in clinical settings. The course takes about two months for the students to be able to finish their studies and the required hands on training. They will be well supervised as they learn what it is like to work as a CNA. Students will practice the skills they learned while the complete their coursework in the classroom and during lectures. The course is priced at $1750 and students do not have additional expenses for any of the books they need. Students learn everything from completing medical documentation to taking vital signs and, of course, they will also learn how to help patients with their activities of daily living. Men and women who go through the Ultimate Medical Academy CNA course will be well prepared to work in a wide variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, medical offices and nursing care facilities.
Gulf Coast State College
3800 Garrison Avenue Port Saint Joe, FL 34652
The Gulf Coast State College offers a certified nursing assistant program that will prepare students to begin a career working as a nursing assistant in many different types of medical care locations including long-term care facilities. The course takes a total of 165 hours to complete with having both classroom and clinical modules of study. This is an intensive course as a lot of material is covered in a short period of time. Students learn all necessary aspects of providing basic nursing care as a CNA. A student can feel confident that they are ready to sit for the exam to become fully certified after they complete the nursing assistant program. The course is selective as they have limited seats each term for nursing assistants. Every summer, a six week CNA program is available to students who can attend school 4-5 days per week for both their class and clinical study. Another option is provided in January each year and involves one class period every week. But this track of study takes 4 months rather than being just 6 weeks like the other track. In state residents pay $87.87 per credit hour for vocational courses. Those who live out of study will pay $339.62 per credit hour.
Application Requirements
In order to apply to sit for the CNA exam in Florida, you must submit to a background check and schedule to be fingerprinted. If you are enrolled in a CNA training program, there is a form the course coordinator must complete as part of your application to sit for the exam. You can obtain applications and find testing locations and dates by visiting: https://www.prometric.com/en-us/clients/nurseaide/pages/fl.aspx.
[su_highlight]It costs $140 to sit for the CNA certification exam. Fees apply if you need to retake one or both portions of the test.[/su_highlight]
CNA Examination Guidelines in Florida
The CNA certification test will have two parts. One section will be in written format and test you on various knowledge related to patient care. The other section will have you demonstrate your ability to complete certain nursing assistant tasks. You must show that you are able to complete those skills properly and in a safe manner. You will not be able to become certified as a nursing assistant until you pass both parts of the exam.
Certification for Out of State CNAs.
You can become certified in Florida if you are already an actively registered CNA in another state. It will not be necessary to sit for the certification test in this case. You will need to meet all background check requirements within Florida. When applying for certification through Reciprocity, you may receive a verification form that you will need to have an employer complete before you can be listed on the Florida Registry. If your certification lapsed in the other state, then you will need to sit for the competency exam in Florida.
Places to Work in this State
Arcadia Health & Rehabilitation Center
10095 Hillview Road, Pensacola, FL 32514
Bartram Crossing
6209 Brooks Bartram Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32258
Boynton Health Care Center
7900 Venture Center Way, Boynton Beach, FL 33437
Canterbury Towers Inc.
3501 Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33629
Chipola Health and Rehabilitation Center
4294 3rd Avenue, Marianna, FL 32446
Commons at Orlando Lutheran Towers
210 Lake Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Forum at Deer Creek
3001 Deer Creek Country Club, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Haven of Our Lady of Peace
1900 Summit Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32503
Heartland Health Care Center Fort Myers
1600 Matthew Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Heritage Park Care and Rehabilitation Center
2302 59th St. W, Bradenton, FL 34209
Lehigh Acres Health and Rehabilitation Center
1550 Lee Boulevard, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Longwood Health and Rehabilitation Center
1520 S Grant St., Longwood, FL 32750
Quality Health of Orange County
12751 W Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787
CNA Training Center Reviews
Indian River State College – This college is full of opportunities with a variety of options for each and every student attending. Professors are very thorough and help in any way they can.
Gulf Coast State College – Is a very diverse campus. There are many staff and professors willing to help you with almost anything at all. This college offers a wide variety of subjects that are not available at every college.
CNA Training FAQs
Am I required to have a background check? Applicants for initial licensure are required to submit fingerprints via Livescan for Level II background screening.
Is there a time limit to take the part of exam, which I failed? Yes, you must pass both parts of the examination within two years to be certified in Florida.