CNA Classes in South Bay, Florida

South Bay 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 South Bay, FL

If you’re interested in starting a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in South Bay, Florida, you’re in the right place. This article will guide you through the steps of becoming a CNA, including finding the right training programs, understanding certification requirements, and exploring job opportunities in the area.

About South Bay

South Bay is a small town located on the southeastern shore of Lake Okeechobee in Palm Beach County, Florida. Known for its scenic views of Florida’s largest freshwater lake, South Bay offers a peaceful, rural setting with access to outdoor recreation. It’s part of the larger Palm Beach County area, which provides easy access to nearby cities like West Palm Beach and Boca Raton. You can learn more about the town by visiting the official South Bay website.

CNA Training Programs in South Bay, FL

While South Bay itself is a small community, there are several CNA training programs available in the surrounding Palm Beach County area. Here are a few schools near South Bay that offer CNA courses:

1. Palm Beach State College (Lake Worth Campus)
   • Location: Lake Worth, FL (Approx. 40 miles from South Bay)
   • Program: Palm Beach State College offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for the Florida CNA exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Learn more about the program here.
2. Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations
   • Location: West Palm Beach, FL (Approx. 45 miles from South Bay)
   • Program: This academy offers a Certified Nursing Assistant program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to pass the state certification exam. The program includes both theoretical and practical training.
   • Learn more about the program here.
3. Med-Life Institute
   • Location: West Palm Beach, FL (Approx. 45 miles from South Bay)
   • Program: Med-Life Institute offers a CNA program that focuses on preparing students for entry-level positions in healthcare settings. The program includes clinical training in local healthcare facilities.
   • Learn more about the program here.

CNA Employment Opportunities in South Bay

South Bay is close to several healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs are in high demand. Here are some employment opportunities in and around South Bay:

1. Glades Health Care Center
   • Location: Pahokee, FL (Approx. 10 miles from South Bay)
   • Description: Glades Health Care Center is a skilled nursing facility providing long-term care and rehabilitation services. They often have openings for CNAs to assist with patient care.
   • Explore job opportunities here.
2. Lakeside Medical Center
   • Location: Belle Glade, FL (Approx. 7 miles from South Bay)
   • Description: Lakeside Medical Center is a full-service hospital offering a range of healthcare services, including emergency care, surgery, and long-term care. CNAs are frequently needed to support nursing staff.
   • Explore job opportunities here.
3. Palm Beach County Home Care Services
   • Location: West Palm Beach, FL (Approx. 45 miles from South Bay)
   • Description: Palm Beach County offers home care services for elderly and disabled residents. CNAs play a key role in providing in-home care and support.
   • Explore job opportunities here.

CNA Certification Requirements in Florida

To become a CNA in Florida, you must complete the following steps:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: You must enroll in and complete a nursing assistant training program approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. These programs typically consist of 120 hours of training, including clinical practice.

2. Pass the Florida CNA Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the CNA certification exam, which includes both a written test and a skills demonstration.

3. Register with the Florida Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, you will be added to the Florida Nurse Aide Registry. This allows you to legally work as a CNA in the state.

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

Get Started Today

Becoming a CNA is a fantastic way to enter the healthcare field and make a positive impact on the lives of others. With several training programs available near South Bay, FL, and plenty of employment opportunities, now is the perfect time to start your journey. Contact one of the schools listed above to learn more about their CNA programs and take the first step toward your new career!

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 South Bay?

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 South Bay 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 South Bay 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 South Bay?

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