CNA Classes in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach, Florida

About Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach, located in Okaloosa County, Florida, is a vibrant city known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and emerald green waters. As a popular tourist destination, Fort Walton Beach boasts a variety of attractions including the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and the Air Force Armament Museum. For more information about the city, visit the official Fort Walton Beach website.

CNA Training Programs in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Fort Walton Beach, there are several local institutions offering comprehensive CNA training programs:

1. Northwest Florida State College
   • Location: Niceville, FL (approximately 15 miles from Fort Walton Beach)
   • Program Description: Northwest Florida State College offers a Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for the Florida CNA exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice.
   • Website: Northwest Florida State College CNA Program
2. Fortis Institute
   • Location: Pensacola, FL (about 50 miles from Fort Walton Beach)
   • Program Description: Fortis Institute provides a Nursing Assistant program that emphasizes patient care skills, safety, and communication. The program prepares students to take the CNA certification exam in Florida.
   • Website: Fortis Institute Nursing Assistant Program
3. Okaloosa Technical College
   • Location: Fort Walton Beach, FL
   • Program Description: Okaloosa Technical College offers a Nursing Assistant program right in Fort Walton Beach. The program provides comprehensive training, including both theoretical and practical components, to ensure students are well-prepared for the CNA certification exam.
   • Website: Okaloosa Technical College Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Fort Walton Beach

Once you have completed your CNA training, there are several healthcare facilities and nursing homes in Fort Walton Beach where you can seek employment:

1. Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
   • Description: A full-service hospital offering a range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation. It is one of the largest employers in the area.
   • Website: Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Careers
2. Westwood Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
   • Description: A nursing home and rehabilitation center providing long-term care and short-term rehabilitation services. It is known for its compassionate care and dedicated staff.
   • Website: Westwood Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
3. Brookdale Fort Walton Beach
   • Description: An assisted living community offering personalized care plans and a supportive environment for seniors. Brookdale is part of a national network of senior living communities.
   • Website: Brookdale Fort Walton Beach 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 CNA Training Program: Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program.
2. Pass the Florida CNA Exam: This includes both a written (or oral) exam and a skills demonstration.
3. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a background check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
4. Apply for Certification: Submit an application to the Florida Board of Nursing.

For more information, visit the Florida Board of Nursing and the Florida Department of Health.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, is a rewarding choice with many opportunities. Contact one of the local schools today to enroll in a CNA program and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in healthcare.

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 Fort Walton Beach?

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 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach?

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 Fort Walton Beach is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Florida CNA Salary info.