Have you decided to start a career as a certified nursing assistant in Florida? You will need to attend a state approved training program and then to pass the certification competency exam. Florida allows you to work for up to 120 days as a nursing assistant while you complete your training and pass your certification test. Most courses in Florida last for about 6 weeks. Read below for a list of free training options in this state:
1) Contact a chapter of the American Adult Education Center in Florida if you are looking to train to become a CNA. They are one of the administrators of state approved CNA training programs. It might be possible to receive training for free through financial assistance programs offered by the American Adult Education Center. You will most likely need to apply for any programs to determine if you qualify.
2) Training is often held at long-term care facilities and other nursing facilities in Florida. This training is often no cost to individuals who have been hired to work as nursing assistants for the facility. It is important to keep in mind that if you receive your training for free from one of these healthcare providers, you will likely need to sign a contract stating that you will work for that facility for awhile.
3) If you once served in the military, you should contact your benefits coordinator. You might have benefits that will help to provide you with training for a new career. These benefits are usually in the form of financial assistance for a college education or other training programs. It is very likely that you could receive assistance to pay for nursing assistant certification training.
Direct Free Training Opportunities
1) Gulf Coast Health Care
Grand Boulevard, 138 Sandestin Lane, Miramar Beach, FL
Grand Blvd Health & Rehab Center is offering the opportunity of a lifetime for a few lucky recipients. You can become a trainee nursing assistant at this facility in Miramar Beach operated by Gulf Coast HC. The catch is that you’ll have to work at the facility for a predetermined time after receiving the training. The up side is that if you pass the exam you also stand to receive dental and other medical benefits together with steady employment. Call (850) 267-2887 and ask for the HR department. Inquire about the training program.
3) Comfort Keepers
902 S Florida Ave, Suite 201, Lakeland, FL 33803
Would you like to become a caregiver? Its similar to what a nursing assistant does without the requirement of a CNA license. You learn the skills needed on the job. Perfect for someone who wants a job right away!
This establishment provides in home caregivers to residents in the Lakeland area in Florida. You can apply to become a caregiver by visiting their office on the address above and submitting an application. You NEED to have a high school qualification or a GED. Call them on (863) 701-9100
3) The Job Corps:
The Job Corps has five offices located in Florida. Gainesville, Homestead, Jacksonville, Miami and Pinellas. All of them offer no cost Nursing assistant classes. They have stringent qualification requirements that make it a viable option for a select number of people. Most Job Corps centers have an age limit and sometimes require you to live and get trained at their center. It isn’t something everyone will find acceptable but you can’t beat free training! More details on what its like at the Job Corps: Click Here
For a list of centers in Florida and their addresses: http://www.jobcorps.gov/centers/fl.aspx
Low Cost Training
Florida is one of a few states where CNA Classes are relatively cheap. We’ve done a lot of research and found a couple of places which provide really good training:
– Tampa Bay CNA
3418 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Palma Ceia Tampa, FL 33629
Their training costs just $199 including the cost for a study guide and a bag of nursing equipment. This training is enough to get you up to speed and ready to challenge the state certification exam. Should you require a little more help you can choose the Silver Plus program which includes in depth exam prep plus extra Skill revision classes. You can call them on: (813) 333-5459 For more info.
– Central CNA Test Prep
6537 N Socrum Loop Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809.
Their training costs just $299. They offer free training for a second time if you fail the exam at the first attempt. The training lasts for less than a week and prepares you adequately to take the certification exam. You do not need a high school diploma or a GED to attend this class. More info on enrollment: (863)-937-9316
– Florida International Institute
University Park-11200 SW 8th St-Miami, FL 33199
Florida International Institute offers a Patient Technician Program that will allow a graduate to sit for both a Phlebotomy and Nursing Assistant certification test. Students will learn how to work as nursing assistants in various settings while also learning some other medical related skills and duties including being able to draw blood. This college has many satisfied graduates including those who have finished nursing assistant training. Students comment on the fact that the college has a beautiful campus and has the same feel as a larger university. People seem to feel that the layout and beauty of the campus give it a ‘resort feel.’ Something noteworthy about this school is that they can accommodate students who speak not only English but also Spanish at their primary language.
Students who had completed or were completing nursing assistant training were very complimentary about the instructors. The teachers are known to be very knowledgeable and had the ability to teach materials with ease. Students did not often struggle to grasp the materials and picked up quickly on the fundamentals of patient care. The school offers both academic instruction and various forms of hands on experience to help a student be fully prepared for their new career and to be ready to work once they are hired to work directly with people at healthcare facilities and hospitals. Students particularly enjoy hands on labs where they are able to practice various tasks they will complete for patients before actually having to train under supervision with actual patients at a neighboring healthcare center. Several students noted that Florida International Institute is good at helping students find job placement. In fact, a CNA graduate has a good chance of finding work within their local area after graduating. The advisors at the campuses have also received positive feedback. Students feel they are very helpful and do all they can to help when a student needs it. Advisors are also said to respond to students quickly when they call to leave a message or send an email when they need some further assistance.
This school receives several stars from students of all ages and with all different academic backgrounds. Several students even commented that they came to Florida International Institute for CNA training after trying training in other entry level healthcare areas at other facilities. These students all stated how happy they were that they chose to transfer in to FIU.
Nursing Scholarships in Florida
Undine Sams and Friends Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is administed by the Florida Nurses Association. nursing aide training is usually covered in this scholarship because it is a nursing related career. The amount offered is $500 only which is par for a normal CNA course in Florida. (we’ve actually covered some places above that offer it for cheaper but scholarships are usually offered only when the training is at a local community college)
Institutions That Might Be Of Assistance
AARP Senior Community Service Employment Center – Palm Harbor
Address: 1550-B 16 St Palm Harbor, FL 34683
Phone: 727-785-1309
Youth CO-OP Refugee Employment Services
2112 S Congress Avenue Palm Spring, FL 33406
Phone: 561-964-1693
This center provides assistance to people who are not citizens of the United States. They help them integrate into society. One of the services they provide is job assistance through training. Since CNA programs are among the cheapest to fund and are always in demand, there is no reason why they won’t agree to train you for it if you qualify as a refugee and are registered with them. We’ve added this option because we get a lot of questions from people who aren’t in the United States(planning to come) or have just moved here.
Nursing homes in Florida that might be offering free CNA training
Note: These nursing homes DO NOT Provide CNA training directly. It is however common for nursing homes to employ you and then pay for your training at another facility. The list below is a list of some of the best nursing homes in Florida. You should look for those with active CNA vacancies and contact them because they are the ones most likely to hire trainees.
Bay Crest Nursing Center – 3611 Transmitter Road Panama City, Florida 32405
Phone: (850) 747-9688
Bay Pointe Nursing Pavilion – 4201 31st Street South Saint Petersburg, Florida 33712
Phone: (727) 867-1104
Bay St George Care Center – 198 West Hwy 98 Eastpoint, Florida 32328
Phone: (850) 670-8571
Bay St Joseph Care And Rehab Center – 220 Ninth Street Port Saint Joe, Florida 32456
Phone: (850) 229-8244
Bay Tree Rehab And Nursing Ctn – 2600 Highlands Blvd North Palm Harbor, Florida 34684
Phone: (727) 785-5671
Bayonet Point Health & Rehab – 7210 Beacon Woods Drive Hudson, Florida 34667
Phone: (727) 863-1521
Golfcrest Nursing Home – 600 N 17th Ave Hollywood, Florida 33020
Phone: (954) 927-2531
Good Samaritan Center – 10676 Marvin James Blvd Dowling Park, Florida 32064
Phone: (855) 405-9953
Governor’s Creek Health & Reha – 803 Oak Street Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043
Phone: (904) 284-5606
Grace Health Care Of Clewiston – 301 S Gloria St Clewiston, Florida 33440
Phone: (863) 983-5123
Grace Healthcare Of Stp – 521 69th Ave N Saint Petersburg, Florida 33702
Phone: (813) 526-7000
Marianna Convalescent Ctr – 4295 5th Ave Marianna, Florida 32446
Phone: (850) 482-8091
Mariner Hc Of Atlantic Shores – 4251 Stack Blvd Melbourne, Florida 32901
Phone: (407) 953-2219
Mariner Health Care Of Macclen – 755 South Fifth St Macclenny, Florida 32063
Phone: (904) 259-4873
Mariner Health Care Of Orange – 2810 Enterprise Road Debary, Florida 32713
Phone: (407) 668-8818
Mariner Health Care Of Port Or – 5600 Victoria Gardens Blvd Port Orange, Florida 32127
Phone: (904) 760-7773
Mariner Health Care Of Tuskawi – 1024 Willa Springs Dr Winter Springs, Florida 32708
Phone: (407) 699-5506
Mariner Health Of Bonifay – 306 West Brock Ave Bonifay, Florida 32425
Phone: (850) 547-9289
Mariner Health Of Conway Lakes – 5201 Curry Ford Road Orlando, Florida 32812
Phone: (407) 384-8838
Mariner Health Of Inverness – 611 Turner Camp Road Inverness, Florida 34453
Phone: (352) 637-1921
Sunrise Health & Rehab Ctr – 4800 Nob Hill Rd Sunrise, Florida 33351
Phone: (954) 749-2648
Surrey Place Convalescent Cent – 5525 21st Avenue West Bradenton, Florida 34209
Phone: (941) 795-0448
Surrey Place Convalescent Ctr – 2730 W Marc Knighton Ct Lecanto, Florida 34461
Phone: (352) 746-9500
Surrey Place Health & Rehab Cn – 4100 Sw 33rd Ave Ocala, Florida 34474
Phone: (352) 237-7776
Susanna Wesley Health Center I – 5300 W 16th Ave Hialeah, Florida 33012
Phone: (305) 556-5654
Still can’t find free training? Check out this slideshow:
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Resolved Questions
Is there a nursing care facility in West Virgina that offers free CNA classes?
I am looking for a nursing home training cna program 2 year contract you can work and train in tampa bay area.
Hi Judy, have you tried getting in touch with any of the nursing homes above?
I currently live in Florida my Georiga CNA Certification exp. 2008, I am currently attending Sant Fe College to obtain a certificate for Medcial Billing but graduation date is for 2012. I’m a single mother of four and would like to get back into the field. Are there any free courses or classes in this area. Gainesville, FL
Been out of work almost 3 months.
Hi I wanted to know if any of these facilities in the Tampa Bay area are still offering free training.
Hi, I recently moved to Southwest Florida from Long Island NY. I was wondering if anyone can help me . I am looking for a position in either a nursing home or any other facility that will help me obtain my CNA certification while working for them. Thank you
Hi, I want to know if Orlando FL is has any no cost CNA classes. I am trying to move from Columbia, SC to FL to better my life as well as my kids. I have two kids who are two years old and six. I dont feel Columbia has any oppertunities for me and i think Orlando is great for me to make a good and comfortable life for us. Please let me know asap because i am planning on moving away from the situation I am in and better myself here. Thanks
I am also currently in school attending Virginia College. I am in a 2 yr. program focusing on becoming a medical assistant to recieve my associates degree.
Hello I have my diploma for Medical Assistant, i was wondering if I would still need to take classes to work as a home health aide, or what do I need to do. I thought that Medical assistant is higher than home health aide? Please can someone please help me with this question.
Thank you
It is a more higher paying qualification, but do yo the nature of the service provided by HHA’s you need to complete that qualification as well.
My name is Laurel and I left an abusive marraige and relocated here to Floida with my children. In Maine I was a licenced CNA but I did not have the money to transfer my license and it lapsed. Where can I find help in Sarasota, Fl to get my license back again at a small cost. thank you