Becoming a CNA in Florida
Steps to Become a CNA in Florida:
Are you interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Florida? The process may seem a bit overwhelming, but breaking it down step-by-step can help you get through the necessary requirements with confidence. In this guide, we’ll walk through the key steps you need to follow, from meeting the basic requirements to getting your certification and maintaining your credentials.
- Requirements: Understanding the state’s basic CNA requirements.
- Attend a School: Guidance on attending a CNA training program in Florida and what to consider when choosing one.
- Test Information: Details on the state CNA exam, including preparation tips and what to expect. Includes a call-to-action (CTA) button for a practice test.
- Certification Registration and Upkeep: Information on registering your CNA certification and keeping it active.
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1. Requirements for Becoming a CNA in Florida
To begin the process of becoming a CNA in Florida, you must first meet several basic requirements set by the Florida Board of Nursing. These requirements ensure that you are eligible to take the CNA exam and perform the duties of a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Basic Eligibility:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old or hold a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). However, some programs may allow individuals as young as 16 to enroll.
- Education: While a high school diploma is not always required to enter a CNA program, many employers may prefer candidates who have one. Additionally, you need to complete a state-approved CNA training program, unless you are challenging the exam without formal training.
- Background Screening: All CNA candidates in Florida are required to undergo a Level II background check. This involves Livescan electronic fingerprinting, which checks both state and national criminal history. You must pass this background check to proceed with the certification process.
- Fingerprinting: You’ll need to submit your fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This can be done at any approved Livescan service provider, and the results will be sent directly to the Florida Board of Nursing.
Special Considerations for Criminal Records:
If you have a criminal record, you may still be able to become a CNA in Florida, but it depends on the nature of the offense. You will need to disclose all convictions, and for more severe crimes such as healthcare fraud or violent offenses, you may need to submit extra documentation, such as:
- Letters of Recommendation: Three to five letters from people who know you professionally or personally.
- Self-Explanation: A letter in your own words explaining the circumstances of the offense and your rehabilitation process.
- Court Records: Copies of the final disposition or arrest records for the offense(s).
- Completion of Probation/Parole: Documentation proving that you have completed probation, parole, or any other court-ordered sanctions.
Make sure to fully disclose your history; failure to do so could result in the denial of your application. Once these items are submitted, the Florida Board of Nursing will review them on a case-by-case basis.
2. Attending a CNA Program in Florida
While Florida does allow candidates to “challenge” the CNA exam without attending a formal CNA program, most people opt for the more straightforward route of attending a state-approved CNA training program. This will prepare you with the knowledge and skills you need to pass the state exam and start working as a CNA.
Key Considerations for Choosing a CNA Program:
- State Approval: Ensure that the program you choose is accredited and approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. This is essential for you to be eligible to take the state exam after completing the course.
- Program Length: In Florida, CNA training programs typically range from 4 to 15 weeks in length, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. For those in a hurry, there are accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as four weeks.
- Curriculum Requirements: The state of Florida requires that CNA programs include at least 120 hours of training, broken down into:
- 80 hours of classroom instruction, covering topics like infection control, communication, and patient care.
- 40 hours of clinical practice, with a minimum of 20 hours taking place in a licensed nursing home or long-term care facility under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN).
Sample CNA Program Curriculum in Florida:
Training Area | Hours |
---|---|
Classroom Instruction | 80 hours |
Clinical Practice (Nursing Home) | 40 hours |
Total | 120 hours |
During your classroom and clinical training, you will learn important topics, including:
- Personal care and hygiene
- Basic nursing skills
- Patient rights
- Infection control procedures
- CPR and first aid
In clinical practice, you’ll apply these skills by working with actual patients under supervision.
Cost of CNA Programs in Florida:
The cost of CNA programs in Florida varies depending on the provider and location, but it typically ranges from $400 to $1,500. Some programs may also have additional costs for uniforms, textbooks, and supplies.
Many community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities offer CNA training programs. You may also be eligible for financial aid, scholarships, or free CNA training through certain nursing homes or long-term care facilities if you agree to work for them after becoming certified.
Featured CNA Programs in Florida
3. CNA Test Information for Florida
Once you’ve completed your CNA training (or if you choose to challenge the exam without attending a program), the next step is to take the state CNA exam. In Florida, the CNA exam is administered by Prometric, a third-party testing company contracted by the state.
CNA Exam Overview:
The CNA exam in Florida consists of two parts:
- Written (or Oral) Test: The written test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as safety, infection control, and patient care. You have 90 minutes to complete the test.
- If you have difficulty reading, you can request an oral version of the written exam when you submit your application. This version is also available in Spanish.
- Skills Demonstration: The skills portion of the exam involves performing five randomly selected CNA skills from a list of 22 essential tasks. These tasks are observed and evaluated by a nurse. Skills you may be asked to demonstrate include:
- Handwashing
- Dressing a patient
- Transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Feeding a patient
You must pass both parts of the exam within three attempts to become certified. If you fail after three tries, you’ll need to retake a state-approved CNA training program before attempting the exam again.
Exam Fees:
- Written + Skills Test: $155
- Re-take Written Test: $35
- Re-take Skills Test: $55
Preparing for the Exam:
Make sure you prepare well for both the written and skills portions of the exam. It’s a good idea to take a practice test before your exam date. Try our Free CNA Practice Test to help gauge your readiness.
Exam Day:
On the day of the exam, make sure to bring:
- Two forms of identification, including one with a photo.
- Your original Social Security card.
- Non-skid, closed-toe shoes (required for the skills test).
- A watch with a second hand for tasks that involve timing.
You’ll receive your exam results immediately after completing the test, and Prometric will notify the Florida Board of Nursing within a few weeks if you pass.
4. Certification Registration and Upkeep
After passing your CNA exam, it’s time to register your certification with the Florida Board of Nursing and officially become a Certified Nursing Assistant.
How to Register:
Once you pass the CNA exam, Prometric will submit your results to the Florida Board of Nursing. It typically takes 2-3 weeks to process and receive your official CNA certification.
You’ll then be added to the Florida Nurse Aide Registry, and you’re ready to start working as a CNA in Florida.
Certification Renewal:
CNA certification in Florida must be renewed every two years. Here’s what you’ll need to do to keep your certification active:
- Work Requirement: You must perform at least one day of paid, nursing-related work within the past 24 months to renew your certification.
- In-Service Training: You are required to complete 24 hours of in-service training during each 2-year renewal period. In-service training topics usually include areas like infection control, communication skills, and CPR.
If you fail to renew your certification within the allotted time, your CNA license will become null and void, and you’ll need to reapply for licensure, including retaking the CNA exam.
Other Local CNA Programs
id | Name | Image | Website | Street Address | City | State | Zip Code | Map Link | plus_code | Phone | latitude | longitude | latlong | Category | Reviews | Rating | 5star | 4star | 3star | 2star | 1star | description | Monday Hours | Tuesday Hours | Wednesday Hours | Thursday Hours | Friday Hours | Saturday Hours | Sunday Hours | Details |
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360 | Anclote High School | https://ahs.pasco.k12.fl.us/ | 1540 Sweetbriar Dr | Holiday | FL | 34691 | 56JF+PG Holiday, Florida | (727) 246-3000 | 28.18 | -82.78 | 28.1818636-82.776225 | High school | 20 | 3.8 | 11 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 8:40AM to 3PM | 8:40AM to 3PM | 8:40AM to 3PM | 8:40AM to 3PM | 8:40AM to 3PM | Closed | Closed | More details | |||
361 | Alonso High School | https://alonso.mysdhc.org/ | 8302 Montague St | Tampa | FL | 33635 | 29CW+W6 Tampa, Florida | (813) 356-1525 | 28.02 | -82.60 | 28.0222629-82.6044424 | High school | 62 | 3.4 | 27 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 17 | 8:40AM to 2:35PM | 8:40AM to 3:35PM | 8:40AM to 3:35PM | 8:40AM to 3:35PM | 8:40AM to 3:35PM | Closed | Closed | More details | |||
362 | Agricultural & Labor Program Inc | https://alpi.org/ | 111 Ave R NE | Winter Haven | FL | 33881 | 27RF+GJ Winter Haven, Florida | (863) 299-2900 | 28.04 | -81.73 | 28.0412751-81.7259854 | Association / Organization | 12 | 4.8 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | More details | ||||||||||
363 | ANI Vocational Health Institute | 4650 SW 51st St #710 | Davie | FL | 33314 | 3Q5R+6H Davie, Florida | (954) 692-0033 | 26.06 | -80.21 | 26.058035-80.2085199 | More details | |||||||||||||||||||
364 | AZURE COLLEGE | 525 NW 167th St | Miami Gardens | FL | 33169 | WQHQ+3W Miami Gardens, Florida | (305) 751-0001 | 25.93 | -80.21 | 25.9277164-80.2102456 | More details | |||||||||||||||||||
365 | Boone High School | https://boonehs.ocps.net/ | 1000 E Kaley St | Orlando | FL | 32806 | GJ9M+VQ Orlando, Florida | (407) 893-7200 | 28.52 | -81.37 | 28.5196591-81.3655786 | High school | 51 | 4.1 | 33 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 7 | 7:30AM to 4:30PM | 7:30AM to 4:30PM | 7:30AM to 4:30PM | 7:30AM to 4:30PM | 7:30AM to 4:30PM | Closed | Closed | More details | |||
366 | Building Construction Academy at Bowers/Whitley | https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/bowers-whitley | 13609 N 22nd St | Tampa | FL | 33613 | 3HC9+75 Tampa, Florida | (813) 558-1750 | 28.07 | -82.43 | 28.0706761-82.4320169 | High school | 14 | 3.1 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 8:30AM to 3PM | 8:30AM to 3PM | 8:30AM to 3PM | 8:30AM to 3PM | 8:30AM to 3PM | Closed | Closed | More details | |||
367 | Bradford-Union Area Professional Technical Center | 701 W Weldon St | Starke | FL | 32091 | XV2M+W3 Starke, Florida | (904) 966-6764 | 29.95 | -82.12 | 29.9523181-82.117279 | Educational institution | 12 | 4.7 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8AM to 4PM | 8AM to 4PM | 8AM to 4PM | 8AM to 4PM | 8AM to 4PM | Closed | Closed | More details | ||||
368 | Capscare Academy for Health Care Education | https://www.capscare.org/ | 1800 South Dr | Lake Worth Beach | FL | 33461 | HWRH+8J Lake Worth Beach, Florida | (561) 375-2249 | 26.59 | -80.07 | 26.5907699-80.070943 | Private college | 62 | 3.8 | 40 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 16 | 9AM to 6PM | 9AM to 6PM | 12 to 6PM | 9AM to 6PM | 9AM to 5PM | Closed | Closed | More details | |||
369 | Charlotte Technical College | https://www.yourcharlotteschools.net/CTC | 18150 Murdock Cir | Port Charlotte | FL | 33948 | 2V43+24 Port Charlotte, Florida | (941) 255-7500 | 27.01 | -82.15 | 27.005101-82.147177 | Trade school | 76 | 4.3 | 58 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 7:30AM to 9PM | 7:30AM to 9PM | 7:30AM to 9PM | 7:30AM to 9PM | 7:30AM to 3:15PM | Closed | Closed | More details | |||
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