CNA Schools
CNA Classes in Gulfport, Florida
Gulfport 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 Gulfport, Florida
If you’re considering a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Gulfport, Florida, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the process of becoming a CNA, including information on local training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements.
About Gulfport
Gulfport, Florida, is a charming waterfront town located in Pinellas County. Known for its vibrant arts scene, eclectic shops, and beautiful beaches, Gulfport offers a unique blend of small-town charm and coastal living. The city is also home to a close-knit community and numerous local events, making it an ideal place to start your career as a nursing assistant. For more information about Gulfport, visit the official city website.
CNA Training Programs in Gulfport, Florida
Here are some local schools offering Nursing Assistant programs or courses in and around Gulfport:
- Pinellas Technical College – St. Petersburg Campus
- Location: St. Petersburg, FL (approximately 5 miles from Gulfport)
- Program: Nursing Assistant (Articulated)
- Description: Pinellas Technical College offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for the CNA certification exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
- Website: Pinellas Technical College – Nursing Assistant Program
- St. Petersburg College
- Location: St. Petersburg, FL (approximately 6 miles from Gulfport)
- Program: Nursing Assistant
- Description: St. Petersburg College provides a Nursing Assistant program that covers essential skills and knowledge required for the CNA role. The program includes both theoretical and practical training.
- Website: St. Petersburg College – Nursing Assistant Program
- Ultimate Medical Academy
- Location: Clearwater, FL (approximately 20 miles from Gulfport)
- Program: Nursing Assistant
- Description: Ultimate Medical Academy offers a Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for the CNA certification exam through a combination of classroom instruction and clinical practice.
- Website: Ultimate Medical Academy – Nursing Assistant Program
CNA Employment Opportunities in Gulfport
Several healthcare facilities and nursing homes in and around Gulfport offer employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some notable ones:
- Palms of Pasadena Hospital
- Location: South Pasadena, FL (approximately 3 miles from Gulfport)
- Description: Palms of Pasadena Hospital is a full-service hospital offering a range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation. They frequently hire CNAs to support patient care.
- Website: Palms of Pasadena Hospital – Careers
- Gulfport Rehabilitation Center
- Location: Gulfport, FL
- Description: Gulfport Rehabilitation Center provides skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, and long-term care. CNAs play a vital role in delivering quality care to residents.
- Website: Gulfport Rehabilitation Center – Careers
- Bayfront Health St. Petersburg
- Location: St. Petersburg, FL (approximately 7 miles from Gulfport)
- Description: Bayfront Health St. Petersburg is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of medical services. They often have openings for CNAs in various departments.
- Website: Bayfront Health St. Petersburg – Careers
CNA Certification Requirements in Florida
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Florida, you must meet the following requirements:
- Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program.
- Pass the CNA Certification Exam: Successfully pass the Florida CNA certification exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.
- Background Check: Undergo a background check and fingerprinting.
- Application: Submit an application to the Florida Board of Nursing.
For more detailed information, visit the Florida Board of Nursing.
Get Started Today
Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Gulfport, Florida, is a fulfilling and impactful choice. With the right training and dedication, you can make a significant difference in the lives of patients and their families. Contact a local school today to start your journey towards becoming a CNA.
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 Gulfport?
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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport?
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 November 2024, December 2024, January 2025, or February 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 Gulfport is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Florida CNA Salary info.