Gainesville, Florida offers a variety of training programs to help you gain the necessary skills and knowledge to become a CNA. Our guide provides a complete list of all the CNA classes available in Gainesville, including information on program duration, tuition fees, and admission requirements. We’ve also included reviews and ratings of the top CNA training programs in Gainesville to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a high school graduate, career changer, or looking to advance your career in healthcare, our guide will help you find the right CNA program that meets your needs.
There are currently two accredited CNA providers located in Gainesville, Florida:
GatorCPR/GatorCNA CNA Exam Prep Training Course
GatorCPR, rebranded as GatorCNA, offers in-person and online Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Exam Prep Training Courses to help you master the skills and pass the CNA state exam. This course is designed to prepare you for the exam and focuses on essential materials and patient care skills. It’s important to note that this program is specifically designed for individuals planning to take the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant exam.
In-Person and Online Classes
GatorCPR provides flexibility with both in-person and online classes, each priced at $349. The in-person option is available in Gainesville and Ocala, offering 15 to 20 hours of instructor-led training, GatorCNA Prep Manual, practice time in open labs, and more. In-person students also have the advantage of quarterly hiring fairs in Gainesville.
If you prefer online learning, GatorCPR offers an online course with three months of access, allowing you to learn at your own pace. The online course includes video demonstrations of essential skills, a mock CNA State Exam, and guidance on how to register for the state exam.
Preparation for the CNA State Exam
GatorCNA focuses on preparing students to pass the Florida State Nursing Assistant exam. The course is fast-paced and designed to help you pass the state exam, focusing on both skills and written components. While they don’t provide full CNA training, GatorCPR’s course is ideal for those who believe they can pass the exam without traditional training.
Flexible Scheduling
GatorCPR caters to various schedules with different class options. They offer classes during the day, over one weekend, and in the evening. These in-person classes are available in Gainesville and Ocala, while the online program can be accessed statewide.
Money-Back Guarantee
GatorCPR is confident in its tutoring and CNA review modules. They offer a 100% money-back guarantee on your CNA prep course fee if you don’t pass the state exam after three attempts. The attempts must be within one year of taking your first CNA prep course with GatorCNA.
Different Price Options
GatorCPR provides two price options for the program. The $349 price is for individuals who are already Basic Life Support CPR certified. If you need CPR certification, the $389 option includes the necessary Basic Life Support CPR training for the medical field.
Not a 120-Hour Program
It’s essential to understand that GatorCNA’s course is not a 120-hour program. It’s a preparation course specifically tailored to assist you in passing the CNA state exam.
What’s Included
When you enroll in GatorCPR’s course, you’ll receive a workbook, hands-on practice for clinical skills, and a nursing information lecture to help you with the written portion of the state test. You can also attend additional classes at no extra cost before your test date. They offer the option for a one-hour private session with a mock clinical test and review at an additional cost.
Contact Information
- Location: GatorCPR/GatorCNA, 1029 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609
- Phone: (352) -727-4733
GatorCPR’s CNA Exam Prep Training Course offers flexibility, expert guidance, and a money-back guarantee to help you succeed in your CNA state exam. Remember that this program is tailored for Florida’s specific requirements and may not meet the training requirements for CNAs in other states.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $349 (In-Person and Online) |
| Program Duration | Varies (2-4 days in one week) |
| Class Schedules | Day, Weekend, and Evening Classes |
| Prerequisites | None for challenging state exam |
| Certification Eligibility | Preparing for Florida State Nursing Assistant Exam |
| Location | GatorCPR/GatorCNA, 1029 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609 |
| Phone | (352) -727-4733 |
| Website | GatorCNA |
| Job Placement | Not mentioned but offers additional training opportunities |
| Online Classes | Yes, available statewide |
| Free Classes | No |
Santa Fe College
The Santa Fe College CNA program is a 165-contact hour course, preparing students for employment in various healthcare settings, including acute care facilities, nursing homes, and extended care facilities. Notably, students gain practical experience through clinical training in local healthcare facilities. Successful completion of the program makes you eligible to take the State Certified Nursing Assistant Examination.
Certification Information
Upon completing the program, students can take the Prometrics practical and didactic exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the state of Florida. The program’s certification may not meet requirements in other states. If you plan to work as a CNA in a different state, contact the state’s board of nursing to determine if this program aligns with their criteria.
Accreditation
The Santa Fe College Nursing Assistant program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing (FBON), ensuring it meets state standards. This accreditation is essential for students pursuing a CNA career in Florida.
Admission and Prerequisites
The program operates on a first-come/first-serve basis, and the admission process is competitive. No high school diploma or equivalent is required. To apply, start with the Santa Fe College Application for Admission and arrange to take the PERT test. The minimum PERT scores required are 60 in math, 70 in language, and 65 in reading.
To join the program, students must fulfill health and CPR certification requirements. This includes completing a physical exam, starting required immunizations, and obtaining BLS/CPR certification from the American Heart Association. Ensure that your BLS/CPR certification remains valid throughout the program.
Financial Considerations
The cost of the program varies based on your residency status. For Florida residents, tuition for the 165-contact hour course is $555.26, while non-Florida residents pay $1,735.01. Additionally, there are other expenses, including uniforms, books, background screenings, and more. Scholarships and financial aid options are available, making the program accessible to a wider range of students.
Program Completion and Performance
The program consistently reports high performance on licensure examinations, with pass rates exceeding 80% for first-time test takers. Program completion rates are also noteworthy, with 79.7% of students completing the program in 2020.
Location and Contact
The program is located at 3000 NW 83rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32606. If you have questions or need further information, you can reach out to the program office at 352-395-5000 or email them at [email protected].
Santa Fe College’s Nursing Assistant program is a solid choice for those aspiring to become CNAs in Florida. The program is accredited by the Florida Board of Nursing and provides a structured curriculum, along with competitive pass rates in state certification exams. While there are associated costs, financial aid options and scholarships are available. Keep in mind that the program operates on a first-come/first-serve basis, so prompt application is advised for prospective students looking to embark on their CNA journey.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $555.26 (Florida residents) $1,735.01 (Non-Florida residents) |
| Program Duration | 165-contact hour course |
| Class Schedules | Information not provided |
| Prerequisites | High school completion not required; PERT test required (minimum scores in math, language, and reading), health, and CPR certification prerequisites. |
| Certification Eligibility | Eligible to sit for the State Certified Nursing Assistant Examination upon program completion. |
| Location | 3000 NW 83rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32606 |
| Phone | (352) 395-5000 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | Santa Fe College CNA Program |
| Job Placement | No |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Free Classes? | No |
Gainesville Requirements For CNAs
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Gainesville Florida, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or its equivalent. You must also submit your fingerprints electronically, pass a background screening, graduate from a CNA school in Florida, complete a state exam with a minimum score, and register as a Certified CNA.
The program must include a total of 56 instructional hours, 16 of which are in the classroom and 40 are clinical. At least 20 clinical hours must be completed in a licensed nursing home or long-term care facility. Once you complete your CNA program and background screening, you can take the state exam. CNA programs can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,500, and the program can usually be completed in 4-15 weeks.
Employment & Salary Information
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are currently 2,610 certified nursing assistants (CNAs) employed in Gainesville, Florida. On average, these CNAs earn an annual salary of $37,760 and an hourly wage of $18.11.
When compared to the average salary and hourly wage for CNAs across the entire state of Florida, Gainesville’s CNAs appear to be earning almost the same amount. The BLS reports that the average salary for CNAs in Florida is $36,750 per year, and the average hourly wage is $17.67.
This means that the CNAs in Gainesville are only earning slightly more than the state average. While the difference in wages may not be significant, it’s worth noting that the cost of living in Gainesville may differ from other parts of Florida, which could affect how far their wages go.
Overall, it’s clear that the job market for CNAs in Gainesville is relatively similar to the state average. For individuals looking to become CNAs in Florida, this information may be useful in helping them understand the typical salary and hourly wage they can expect to earn in Gainesville and other parts of the state.