CNA Classes Ocala, FL

The preparation for a career as a certified nursing aide in Florida is probably easier than most other states. It is not mandatory for Florida candidates to enroll in a state-approved CNA class to obtain a license to practice. The “challenge” option lets adults apply to take the test to be added to the Nurse Aide Registry. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a level II background check with fingerprints.

CNA test prep classes teach students how to pass the nurse aide exam. State-approved full nursing assistant programs train students to become a CNA and pass the exam. Students will complete theory and practical training in assisting patients with personal activities, monitoring and reporting, patient positioning and transfers, restorative treatments, infection control measures, communication, and collaboration.

The Florida Nurse Aide Exam is managed by Prometric and comprises of a written and skills component available in English or Spanish. Challenge candidates can take the test up to three times. They must complete an approved nurse aide program to qualify for reexamination. The programs are available in high schools, technical and vocational schools, colleges, and nursing homes. They typically cover 120 hours or more of theory and practical coursework.

The job outlook for CNAs in Florida is excellent in the fast-growing healthcare system. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook is 9% between 2018 and 2028. The median pay was $28,530 annually in 2018.

Beeline Medical Training

Beeline Medical Training offers a CNA Prep Course to prepare adults to challenge the Florida Nurse Aide Exam. The course is comprehensive but fast-paced to facilitate a review of the materials on the knowledge exam and to practice patient care skills. Graduates will have the confidence to apply for and pass the certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Beeline is an approved test site for the Prometric-administered exam.

Admission criteria:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Pass a level I background screen

Tuition for the Prep Class is $389. The cost of the class with BLS certification included is $429. The fee includes textbook, workbook, practice time, tuition, and skills book. Students must pay additional for a background check and state exam.

Marion Technical College

The Nursing Assistant program at Marion Technical College combines classroom lecture, hands-on experiences in the lab, and clinical experience at an approved facility. Students who successfully complete the requirements will be eligible to take the state nurse aide exam for certification and employment as a nurse aide. The curriculum covers 120 hours of instruction. Students will learn how to communicate and use interpersonal skills, the legal and ethical responsibilities that relates for nurse assisting, information technology tools, emergency care, safety and security procedures, personal patient are, principles of nutrition, caring for geriatric patients, and principles of infection control. They also learn blood borne diseases, hospital skills, restorative activities, organizational skills, personal patient care, anatomy and physiology, employability skills, and medical terminology.

Admission criteria:

  • Provide a copy of state-issued ID or driver’s license and social security card
  • Copy of high school diploma or GED
  • Request official sealed high school transcripts or GED transcripts
  • Complete the “My Career Shines” Assessment
  • Complete an essay detailing interest in the nursing assistant profession
  • Submit two completed Professional Recommendation Letters
  • Complete the required questionnaire
  • Read, sign, and date the technical standards form
  • Attend an information session
  • Proof of immunizations – hepatitis B, TB, tetanus, MMR, varicella
  • Complete a negative TB/PPD skin test
  • Complete a flu shot – for fall semester
  • Pass a background check – fingerprinting is required for the State Board Exam

Tuition for the program is $730. Books and fees are additional.

ACE IT Training Solutions

ACE IT Training Solutions facilitates a CNA prep course for adults who want to challenge the state nurse aide exam. Experienced instructors will cover the essential knowledge and skills that candidates need to pass the exam for certification as a nursing assistant. Students will have the option to return to practice for free for three months, free open lab practice, and free textbook and workbook to use in class. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are available. The day class meets Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm for 4 days. The evening class meets Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm for 2 weeks. The weekend class meets Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for 2 days.

Admission criteria:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Pass a level I background screen

Tuition for the program is $299. It does not include the state exam and background check. Job placement assistance is available for all students.

  • Website: https://ace-it-training-solutions.business.site/
  • Address: 1515 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Suite #103, Ocala, FL 34470
  • Phone: (352) 421-9040

Stat Medical Training

Stat Medical Training prepares adults to challenge the Florida Nurse Aide Exam through the CNA prep course. The program covers a review of the nurse aide theory, including medical terminology, role of the nurse, and legal and ethical guidelines, as well as sessions to develop or strengthen patient care skills. Instructors will work closely with students to help them prepare for and succeed on the nursing assistant certification exam. Students will be eligible to take the exam upon completion of the requirements. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. SMT will conduct a free practice/review session with students just before the test date.

Admission criteria:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Pass a level I background screen

Tuition costs $349 or $418 with BLS certification. The cost of a background check and the state exam fee is not included in the total.

Santa Fe College

The nursing assistant program at Santa Fe College is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. The 165-hour training exceeds the state’s requirements for nurse aide education. It will include both theory in the classroom and practical sessions in a simulated lab on campus followed by supervised patient care activities at an approved nursing facility. Course topics include medical terminology, infection control, blood borne diseases, safety and emergency procedures, measuring vital signs, restorative activities, legal and ethical principles, the role and responsibility of the nurse aide, range of motion exercises, mental health concepts, and hospice care. Students will practice patient care skills to prepare for the skills component of the state exam. They will learn who to measure and record vitals, wash hands thoroughly to prevent infections, turn and position patients, move patients from the bed to the wheelchair, measure fluid intake and output, and communicate effectively with patients and members of the health care team. Students who complete the requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to sit for the State Certified Nursing Assistant Examination. The duration of the program is 7 weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Provide a copy of state issued ID or driver’s license and social security card
  • Copy of high school diploma or GED
  • Request official sealed high school transcripts or GED transcripts
  • Submit two completed Professional Recommendation Letters
  • Attend an information session
  • Proof of immunizations – hepatitis B, TB, tetanus, MMR, varicella
  • Complete a negative TB/PPD skin test
  • Complete a flu shot – for fall semester
  • Pass a background check – fingerprinting is required for the State Board Exam

Financing for the program is available through Career and Technical Education Scholarships for eligible students.

GatorCPR: The Center for CPR and CNA Training

GatorCPR provides students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to challenge that Florida Nurse Aide Exam. The program does not include nurse aide training but preparation for the state exam. Experienced nurse instructors will cover content relevant to both the written and skills components of the certification exam. The CNA Exam Prep class has three schedules to accommodate students. Day students must Monday through Wednesday for three days. The evening class meets four evenings over a period of one week. The weekend class meets Saturday and Sunday for one weekend. Upon completion of the course, students have the option to take the exam at GatorCPR- a state-approved test site.

Admission criteria:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED or be 18 years or older
  • Pass a criminal background screen
  • Wear closed-toe shoes
  • Scrubs are optional
  • Have a copy of government issued ID
  • Demonstrate competency to read and write

Tuition for the program is $34. It includes unlimited practice sessions for the state exam. It does not include the cost for the textbook, fees, state exam and background check. A CNA Prep/CPR package is also available.