CNA Classes in Gainesville, Florida

Gainesville 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 Gainesville, Florida

About Gainesville

Gainesville, Florida, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and the University of Florida. Nestled in the heart of North Central Florida, Gainesville offers a blend of urban and natural attractions, including the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. For more information on the city, visit the City of Gainesville’s official website.

CNA Training Programs in Gainesville, Florida

If you’re looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Gainesville, there are several local programs to consider. Here are three reputable schools offering Nursing Assistant programs:

1. Santa Fe College
   • Location: Northwest Gainesville
   • Program: Santa Fe College offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for certification and employment in healthcare settings. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical practice.
   • Link: Santa Fe College Nursing Assistant Program
2. Gainesville Job Corps Center
   • Location: Southeast Gainesville
   • Program: The Gainesville Job Corps Center provides a CNA training program that combines hands-on experience with academic learning. This program is designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in the healthcare industry.
   • Link: Gainesville Job Corps Center CNA Program
3. North Florida Technical College
   • Location: Starke, FL (approx. 25 miles from Gainesville)
   • Program: North Florida Technical College offers a Nursing Assistant program that includes both theoretical and practical components. This program is ideal for those willing to commute from Gainesville.
   • Link: North Florida Technical College Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Gainesville

Gainesville is home to several major healthcare facilities and nursing homes that offer employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some of the top employers:

1. UF Health Shands Hospital
   • Location: Southwest Gainesville
   • Description: UF Health Shands Hospital is a leading medical center affiliated with the University of Florida. It offers a wide range of healthcare services and is a major employer of CNAs.
   • Link: UF Health Shands Hospital Careers
2. North Florida Regional Medical Center
   • Location: Northwest Gainesville
   • Description: North Florida Regional Medical Center is a full-service medical and surgical acute care center. It provides numerous job opportunities for CNAs in various departments.
   • Link: North Florida Regional Medical Center Careers
3. Parklands Care Center
   • Location: East Gainesville
   • Description: Parklands Care Center is a skilled nursing facility offering long-term care and rehabilitation services. It frequently hires CNAs to provide quality care to its residents.
   • Link: Parklands Care Center 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 and complete a program from a state-approved school.
2. Pass the CNA Exam: Successfully pass the Florida CNA exam, which includes a written test and a skills test.
3. Background Check: Undergo a background check as required by the Florida Board of Nursing.

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

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Gainesville, Florida, is a rewarding career choice with numerous opportunities for growth. Contact a local school today to start your journey 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 Gainesville?

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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville?

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