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.
Miami, FL - Private 2-year - fvi.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Discover a rewarding healthcare career with FVI's Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide program. This comprehensive 9-week course prepares students to provide critical patient care in hospitals, hospices, and home settings. Students gain hands-on skills through a 40-hour clinical practice, positioning themselves for entry-level opportunities in the growing healthcare sector. The program equips learners with essential skills like patient assistance, vital sign monitoring, and emotional support. With projected employment growth rates of 4-22%, graduates can expect promising job prospects in a compassionate, impactful field.
Clearwater, FL - Private 2-year - ultimatemedical.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kickstart a rewarding healthcare career with Ultimate Medical Academy's fast-tracked Nursing Assistant Diploma program. In just two months, students gain comprehensive skills to provide compassionate patient care across diverse medical settings. The blended learning approach combines online coursework with hands-on training, including a 45-hour supervised externship. Graduates are prepared to sit for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam, with promising job prospects in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. Employment growth projections indicate strong opportunities in this critical healthcare role.
Daytona Beach, FL - Public 4-Year - daytonastate.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Daytona State College's Certified Nursing Assistant program offers an intensive eight-week course designed to launch healthcare careers. Students gain comprehensive skills in patient care, focusing on elderly and long-term care environments. The program provides hands-on clinical experience, preparing graduates to take the Florida State CNA Licensure exam. Participants learn essential medical terminology, safety protocols, and nutrition fundamentals. Graduates can work in diverse settings like nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical training, ensuring students are fully equipped for immediate employment in the healthcare sector.
Jacksonville, FL - Public 4-Year - fscj.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Launch a rewarding healthcare career with the Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Florida State College at Jacksonville. This comprehensive 5-week hybrid training prepares students to become certified nursing assistants through hands-on learning and clinical experiences. The program covers essential skills, legal responsibilities, and patient care techniques, enabling graduates to sit for the Florida Board of Nursing Certification exam. Affordable at $1,228, the program requires a high school diploma or GED and offers flexible class schedules.
Fort Pierce, FL - Public 4-Year - irsc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Nursing Assistant program at Indian River State College provides comprehensive training for aspiring healthcare professionals. Students learn essential patient care skills across diverse medical settings, preparing them for certification as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). The 165-hour program equips learners with practical knowledge in patient safety, vital sign monitoring, personal care assistance, and daily living activities. Graduates are eligible to take the Florida State Board of Nursing practical and didactic exams, opening pathways to employment in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health environments.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College |
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| Florida State College at Jacksonville |
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| FVI School of Nursing and Technology |
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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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