Jumpstarting your career as a Certified Nursing Aide by attending CNA classes in Florida would be an excellent career move, considering the fact that the demand for CNAs in the Sunshine State is estimated to go up by 35 percent in the next five years. As of 2010, 17.3% of the total population in Florida is composed of people who are over 65 years old, the highest in the US. Given a few more years, baby boomers will join the ranks of senior citizens in the state, creating an even bigger demand for nursing assistants.
To accommodate the rising need for CNAs for the present time and in the near future, various technical schools and community colleges in Florida are offering CNA training courses which take about six weeks to complete.
Certification Requirements
The usual procedure in CNA certification involves completing a state-approved CNA training course before taking the state examination. However, in the state of Florida, potential CNAs do not need to complete a training course in order to be allowed to take the state certification examination. However, if a potential CNA fails any part of the state examination three times, he will have to retake CNA classes.
Accredited Schools in Florida
University of Central Florida, Orlando
UCF offers students the opportunity at earning advanced certifications in nursing or hospital administration as well as preparation for the CNA exam. Degree programs include bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral to land potentially lucrative jobs in the hospital operations field. In addition to these qualities, UCF has become popular for:
- The chance to advance through the 5 semester course with the same group of students, forming friendships and a network of associates in the same field.
- Hands-on experience by working in clinical rotations at hospitals in the surrounding area.
- The means to earn a Master’s Degree in either nurse educator studies or nursing management.
Brevard Community College, Cocoa
This certified school offers fast-track CNA classes in Florida to help students enter the field at a quicker pace. After successful completion of coursework, participants will earn their ASN degree (Associate in Science-Nursing.) Potential areas of employment include surgical nursing, childbirth family care, psychiatric patient care and pharmacology. Students benefit from a small, close-knit campus where all buildings are in short proximity to each other.
City College, Miami
Completing the scope of coursework at this 4-year school can earn students an Associates Degree in Nursing Sciences. The CNA program typically takes 1.5 to 3 years to complete, depending on full or part-time enrollment status. Students will master the technical skills required of CNA’s including placement of IV’s and proper medication administering. An added benefit is the opportunity to work hands-on with RN’s at local clinics, garnering students real-world experience.
Tampa Bay CNA, Tampa
TampaBayCNA.com bills itself as the ideal place for beginners to start their journey to gain CNA accreditation and that a whopping 99.9% of students pass the state exam after completion. They offer a training center at their Tampa location and Saturday only classes for those students wishing to prep for the CNA exam on a tight schedule.
Tuition Reimbersement
The Florida federal government likewise allows CNAs to be reimbursed of the costs incurred for the duration of their CNA training course. Reimbursement is normally coursed through the employer (nursing homes) where the CNA is currently working, with the former filing the reimbursement claim in behalf of the CNA. Once the reimbursed amount is sent, the employer should forward this to the CNA employee.