CNA Classes in Dunedin, Florida

Dunedin CNA Training - Florida

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Dunedin, FL

If you’re considering a rewarding career in healthcare, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Dunedin, Florida, is an excellent choice. CNAs, also known as nurse aides or nursing assistants, play a vital role in patient care and are in high demand across the state. This guide will walk you through the steps to become a CNA in Dunedin, including local training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements.

About Dunedin, FL

Dunedin, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is a charming city known for its vibrant downtown, beautiful beaches, and the renowned Honeymoon Island State Park. With a rich Scottish heritage and a strong sense of community, Dunedin is an ideal place to start your career as a CNA. For more information about the city, visit the official Dunedin website.

CNA Training Programs in Dunedin, FL

To become a CNA in Dunedin, you’ll need to complete a state-approved training program. Below are some local options for CNA courses and programs:

1. Pinellas Technical College – Clearwater Campus
   • Location: Clearwater, FL (approximately 8 miles from Dunedin)
   • Program: Pinellas Technical College offers a Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for the Florida CNA exam. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.
   • Learn More: Pinellas Technical College Nursing Assistant Program
2. Ultimate Medical Academy – Clearwater Campus
   • Location: Clearwater, FL (approximately 7 miles from Dunedin)
   • Program: Ultimate Medical Academy provides a comprehensive CNA training program focusing on patient care skills, CPR certification, and preparation for the state certification exam.
   • Learn More: Ultimate Medical Academy Nursing Assistant Program
3. Caregiver Training Institute
   • Location: Largo, FL (approximately 10 miles from Dunedin)
   • Program: This institute offers a state-approved CNA training program that includes classroom education and clinical practice to ensure students are prepared for certification and employment.
   • Learn More: Caregiver Training Institute CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Dunedin

Once you’ve completed your training and earned your certification, you’ll find several healthcare facilities and nursing homes in Dunedin and the surrounding area offering employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are a few notable options:

1. Mease Dunedin Hospital
   • Location: Downtown Dunedin
   • Description: Mease Dunedin Hospital is part of the BayCare Health System and provides a range of healthcare services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation. CNAs are often in demand to assist with patient care.
   • Careers Page: Mease Dunedin Hospital Careers
2. ManorCare Health Services – Dunedin
   • Location: Dunedin
   • Description: ManorCare is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center that employs CNAs to provide compassionate care to residents.
   • Careers Page: ManorCare Careers
3. Palm Garden of Clearwater
   • Location: Clearwater, FL (approximately 6 miles from Dunedin)
   • Description: Palm Garden is a nearby skilled nursing facility offering long-term care and rehabilitation services. They frequently hire CNAs to support their team.
   • Careers Page: Palm Garden of Clearwater Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Florida

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Florida, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: Enroll in a CNA program approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.
2. Pass the Florida CNA Exam: The exam includes a written test and a skills demonstration.
3. Background Screening: Submit to a Level II background screening as required by the Florida Department of Health.
4. Register with the Florida Nurse Aide Registry: After passing the exam, your name will be added to the registry, making you eligible to work as a CNA in Florida.

For more information, visit the Florida Board of Nursing and the Florida Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

A career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Dunedin, FL, offers stability, growth opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Take the first step by contacting one of the local CNA training schools listed above. Your journey toward a fulfilling career in healthcare starts today!

For more information on the job outlook for nursing assistants, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics CNA Job Outlook.

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Florida may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Dunedin?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Dunedin usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Dunedin will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Dunedin?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Florida, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Florida, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Dunedin is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Florida CNA Salary info.