Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 23, 2025
Florida depends on Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who offer basic care assistance to patients under the supervision of nurses. As healthcare professionals CNAs execute patient care responsibilities that include bathing and dressing patients along with feeding them while monitoring their vital signs to maintain patient comfort and safety in different healthcare settings.
Clearwater, FL - Private 2-year - ultimatemedical.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ultimate Medical Academy's Nursing Assistant program offers an accelerated pathway to healthcare careers, strategically designed for rapid professional entry. Students complete a comprehensive two-month diploma program featuring innovative blended learning techniques that integrate online coursework with intensive hands-on training. The curriculum's signature 45-hour supervised externship provides real-world clinical exposure, ensuring graduates are thoroughly prepared for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification exam. With maximum classroom sizes of 25 students, learners receive personalized instruction and benefit from robust career support services. Military-friendly and offering multiple annual start dates, the program positions students for promising employment opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies.
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Jacksonville, FL - Public 4-Year - fscj.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State College at Jacksonville's CNA program offers an accelerated pathway into healthcare, strategically designed as a hybrid training model. Students benefit from a compact 5-week curriculum integrating online learning with intensive hands-on clinical experiences. The program uniquely prepares aspiring nursing assistants through comprehensive skill development, covering critical patient care techniques, legal responsibilities, and professional standards. With an affordable total cost of $1,228, participants gain practical knowledge enabling successful Florida Board of Nursing Certification exam completion. Flexible evening and weekend scheduling accommodates diverse student needs, making career transition accessible and efficient.
Fort Pierce, FL - Public 4-Year - irsc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
At Indian River State College, the Nursing Assistant program stands out as a robust, hands-on training pathway designed to rapidly launch healthcare careers. Students experience an intensive 165-hour curriculum that meticulously prepares them for comprehensive patient care responsibilities. The program's strategic design focuses on developing critical skills in vital sign monitoring, personal assistance techniques, and patient safety protocols. With flexible evening and daytime class schedules across multiple campus locations, learners gain practical knowledge that directly aligns with Florida State Board of Nursing certification requirements. Graduates emerge well-equipped to excel in diverse medical environments like hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health services.
Miami Lakes, FL - Public 2-Year - miamilakes.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Miami Lakes Educational Center's Patient Care Assistant program offers an intensive 600-hour training pathway designed to rapidly prepare students for diverse healthcare roles. This comprehensive curriculum equips learners with advanced nursing technician skills, focusing on practical competencies across hospital, clinic, nursing home, and home health agency environments. With an affordable total program cost of approximately $1,984, students can complete their training in around 8 months, gaining multiple occupational credentials. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, requiring physical examinations and personal interviews to ensure students develop the critical skills needed for successful healthcare career entry.
The state of Florida does not permit fully online CNA training programs because clinical experience remains mandatory for CNA certification but students can enroll in hybrid courses. Students enrolled in these hybrid programs study theory through online classes followed by hands-on clinical experience at healthcare facilities. The online curriculum includes instruction about human body structure, disease prevention, and patient treatment protocols. Students need to finish their required in-person clinical hours at healthcare facilities which include hospitals and nursing homes for supervised hands-on practice.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College |
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| Florida State College at Jacksonville |
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| Ultimate Medical Academy |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | At least 18, high school diploma or equivalent, Level II Livescan fingerprinting, required immunizations and health screenings |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Florida Department of Health, Board of Nursing |
| Training Program | Complete a state-approved 120-hour CNA course, including at least 40 supervised clinical hours |
| Fees | $155 exam, retest fees of $35 for written and $120 for skills, background screening ~$75–100 |
| Certification Exam | Pass a 60-question written/oral test and a five-skill hands-on evaluation |
| Registry Activation | Added to the Florida Nurse Aide Registry within 48 hours of passing both exams |
| Renewal Requirements | Every two years complete 24 hours of in-service training and work at least one paid CNA shift in the prior 24 months, $55 renewal fee, Endorsement: Out-of-state CNAs with active certification and three years of experience apply via the MOBILE Act without retesting or extra fees |
The average hourly compensation for Certified Nursing Assistants in Florida ranges from $15 to $18 while their pay depends on their experience level, work environment, and geographical location. New CNAs receive annual salaries of about $30,000 while experienced CNAs working in hospitals or specialized facilities earn higher wages. The need for CNAs will persist because Florida faces an aging population while its healthcare facilities keep expanding their services. The Florida healthcare industry shows ongoing expansion specifically within long-term care services and home healthcare services. State projections indicate that CNA employment will experience higher accelerated growth than average in Florida during the period from 2025 to 2028. Numerous healthcare organizations across the state require trained CNAs to fill their available positions.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Florida | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $34,120 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $16.40 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$39,500 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $34,120 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$28,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~9,800 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Florida State College at Jacksonville |
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| Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College |
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| Indian River State College |
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Florida CNAs find various advancement possibilities after completing their training. Many nursing assistants choose to continue their education to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs). CNA graduates can use bridge programs to gain priority admission to LPN and RN programs by leveraging their previous experience and training. Certain organizations provide their CNAs with educational support along with adaptable work schedules which enables them to pursue additional education. CNA professionals can earn specialized certifications to focus on geriatrics or hospice care. The two available career paths for nurses include work as Patient Care Technicians and Medication Aides. Healthcare professionals who build their experience and credentials can take on increased responsibility which leads to better-paying positions as well as leadership roles in healthcare facilities.
Additional Nursing Programs in Florida
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