The demand for care in an aging population is steadily increasing in Florida. Becoming a CNA is a way to break into the expanding healthcare profession. CNAs are healthcare professionals who provide basic care services to patients in various settings such as nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, and hospitals. They assist with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, and perform basic medical tasks under the supervision of licensed nursing staff.
Many facilities in Tampa and across Florida are looking to fill job vacancies for certified nurse aides. To become a nursing assistant Florida, you need to pass an accredited CNA class and then pass the state CNA exam. If you’re in the Tampa area and interested in pursuing work in this field, we’ve assembled a list of the top CNA classes to help you find a program that meets your needs.
Highlights
- There are over 13,000 CNAs are working in the Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater metro area. With 13 local hospitals and hundreds of senior living centers, there are plenty of job opportunities for nursing assistants.
- Top paid CNAs can earn $45,130 per year or more.
- With accelerated CNA programs you can go from taking classes to getting paid in a matter of weeks!
CNA Requirements in Tampa Bay
Class requirements for becoming a CNA in Florida is one of the most rigorous in the country, but they will prepare candidates to successfully pass the CNA exam.
- 120 total hours
- 80 hours of classroom time
- 40 hours of clinical time
Additional requirements for being a certified CNA in Florida include:
- Be a minimum of 18 years old
- Demonstrate that you are in good physical health
- Have up-to-date immunization records
- Pass a legal background check
- Be fluent in English, or fluent in the dominant language used in the facility
- Proof of graduating from a state-certified CNA program
- Pass the state CNA exam
- Being listed on the Florida state CNA registry
Top CNA Classes in Tampa Bay
It can be difficult to find the right CNA program but we’ll make it easy for you. Check out our list of the top CNA classes in the Tampa-St. Pete metro area.
1. CNA Technical Center
The 2-week accelerated Home Health Aide and CNA course at CNA Technical Center provides dual benefits to students. They learn both Home Health aide skills and the 23 clinical skills needed to pass the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant exam. The online hybrid course offers the same in-depth education and the added bonus of on-campus hands-on training with a licensed nurse instructor once a week. Students can benefit from flexible scheduling with no set class times and no group projects. Upon completion of the course, they can register for the Florida CNA exam and receive 1-year of Florida Board of Nursing approved continuing education credits.
Price: $1,120 in-person course, $1,000 online hybrid course
Address: 5405 East Fowler Ave.
Temple Terrace, FL 33617 USA
Phone: 813.257.9096
URL: https://www.cnatechnicalcenter.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: In-person and online courses available.
2. Finlay Institute of Nursing
The Finlay Institute of Nursing in Tampa, Florida offers a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program for individuals interested in playing an important role on the patient care team. CNAs assist medical staff by providing basic care to patients and helping with daily activities such as bathing and dressing.
The program is 120 hours long and takes 5.5 weeks to complete. It is offered during both morning and evening hours, Monday to Friday. A payment plan is available. To register, individuals need to have a Social Security number, driver’s license, high school diploma, fingerprint Level 2, and pass a physical exam. The registration fee is $100.00.
Price: Contact the school for updated costs.
Address: 8011 N Himes Ave #1
Tampa, FL 33614
Phone: 813.405.8190
URL: https://www.nnicna.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Classes are also available in Spanish.
3. TampaBayCNA.com LLC **Best Low-Cost CNA Classes
TampaBayCNA.com offers comprehensive CNA training that includes study materials, online video classes, hands-on clinical skills training, and more. The package includes a book and training sheets, study cliff notes, “CNA Test Secrets,” three days of hands-on clinical skills training (which may be repeated for free prior to testing), and online video classes for 120 days.
The 3-day hands-on clinical skills training is conducted at the training center and taught by highly qualified instructors. The program integrates hands-on and online learning to minimize time at the training center, and students can continue to review and study the full CNA course online while awaiting testing.
Price: $249 or $499 w/ PCT training
Address: 220 West Brandon Blvd.
Brandon, FL 33511
Phone: 813.997.6773
URL: http://tampabaycna.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Woman-owned business that also offers advanced CNA+PCT courses.
4. Uplift Career Institute **Best Accelerated 4-Week CNA Class
Uplift Career Academy offers a comprehensive CNA program, designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the healthcare industry. With a commitment to changing lives, the academy provides hands-on training and clinical experience for a real-world education. The program can be completed in just four weeks, making it a convenient and efficient way to launch a career in nursing assistance.
Price: $1,000
Address: 9270 Bay Plaza Blvd. Suite 612
Tampa, FL 33619
Phone: 813.770.1807
URL: https://www.upliftcareerinstitute.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: The program focuses on three core values – integrity, professionalism, and care.
5. CNA Training & Testing Center
CNA Training & Testing Center offers a fast and direct path to becoming a Florida-licensed Certified Nursing Assistant. The program includes a four-day instructor-led classroom commitment followed by unlimited practice time in the clinical testing area. The center collaborates with Prometric and the Florida Department of Health to ensure students are well-prepared for the state exam and can test as quickly as possible.
Classes are held in the morning, evening and weekends and start weekly. Upon completion, the center offers resume service and job referrals for both non-licensed and licensed nursing assistants.
Price: $594
Address: 808B Oakfield Dr.
Brandon, FL 33511
Phone: 813.955.4237
URL: https://cnatrainingandtestingcenter.com/
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: The school is also a testing facility for the CNA exam, so there’s no need to travel elsewhere to take your Florida CNA licensing exam.
6. Premier Nursing Academy **Best Free CNA Class in Tampa
Premier Nursing Academy offers free CNA training in the Tampa metro area. Graduates from their Florida Board of Nursing-approved program will have the necessary skills to work as a provisional nursing assistant even before passing the Nurse Aide Exam and receiving their license.
The Academy’s Pinellas Park branch, which opened in July 2019, offers flexible class schedules, with classes taking six weeks to complete. Upcoming class start dates and instructor information can be found on the Academy’s class schedule.
Price: $0
Address: 6477 102nd Ave.
Pinellas Park, FL 33782
Phone: 414.353.5914
URL: https://www.premiernursingacademy.org/locations/florida/tampa-pinellas-park/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Flexible morning and evening class schedules.
7. United Way Suncoast
Waukesha County Technical College offers an 89-hour program that provides students with the opportunity to learn fundamental nursing assistant skills. The program consists of lectures, demonstrations, and skills practice, and is designed to prepare students for clinical training in a nursing home or hospital setting, under the supervision of an instructor. Upon completion of the program, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to work as a nursing assistant. Additionally, students who are qualified can also enroll in the Certified Medication Assistant course.
The United Way Suncoast and ICCE have joined forces to offer a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant training program in the Tampa Bay Area. The program aims to address the shortage of CNAs in the region by providing quality education and hands-on experience to aspiring CNAs.
Residents of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, and Desoto counties who meet the eligibility criteria are eligible to receive full scholarships for the program.
The CNA training program features a blend of classroom instruction, laboratory sessions, and online learning. The 40 hours of clinical training equip students with the necessary skills to provide basic healthcare services to patients in various healthcare settings such as nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, and hospitals.
Price: $0 tuition but students must pay for background check and drug screening.
Address: 800 Main St.
Pewaukee, WI 53072
Phone: 813.936.3064
URL: https://www.tampatraining.com/united-way/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Program preview videos available online.
8. Tampa Bay Patient Care Services
(CNA) training program for individuals interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. This program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform basic care for patients in a nursing home, rehabilitation facility, or hospital setting.
The program is conducted in a combination of classroom, lab, and clinical settings. Upon completion of the course, graduates are eligible to take the state licensing exam and start their career as a CNA. Tampa Bay Patient Care Services is dedicated to providing students with a well-rounded education and a path to success in the healthcare industry.
Price: $1,500 – includes books, testing fees, and materials.
Address: 9300 N. 16th St.
Tampa, FL 33612
Phone: 813.802.7451
URL: https://tbpcs.org/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Scholarships available for qualifying students.
9. Berkshire Healthcare Staffing Solutions Academy
Berkshire Healthcare Staffing Solutions Academy provides fast and affordable training to individuals who are looking to become a Florida licensed certified nursing assistant. The academy’s mission is to equip community members with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality patient-centered care and secure a rewarding position in the healthcare field.
According to students, the CNA course at the academy is very detailed and thorough, and the instructors are extremely helpful and available to answer any concerns. Past students have recommended the academy for its high-quality instruction and positive learning experience.
Price: Contact the school for current fees.
Address: 5804 Boyette Road Unit 7215
Wesley Chapel, FL 33545
Phone: 813.790.8814
URL: https://berkshirehealthcarestaffingsolutionsacademy.business.site/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Also offers CPR, BLS, First Aid and ACLS courses.
10. Southern Technical Institute
The Tampa Bay Red Cross offers Nurse Assistant Training, a program that combines theory, practical skills, and clinical experience to prepare individuals for the state certification exam. With over 30 years of experience and a 90% graduation rate, the Red Cross is a trusted and respected provider of nurse assistant training.
The program features a blended learning approach, combining online instruction with hands-on experience. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering both care skills and communication/interpersonal skills, and includes resources such as online test prep to help students succeed.
Price: $599
Address: 8200 66th Street North
Pinellas Park, FL 33781
Phone: 727.548.7737
URL: https://beacna.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Small class sizes of only 14-20 students.
How Much Do CNAs Get Paid in Tampa Bay?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 15,420 certified nursing assistants (CNAs) employed in Tampa, Florida. The average annual salary for CNAs in Tampa is $34,770, which translates to an average hourly wage of $16.72.
Comparing this information to the statewide averages for CNAs in Florida, we can see that Tampa CNAs make slightly more than other CNAs in the state. The average annual salary for CNAs in Florida is $33,390, and the average hourly wage is $16.05
This means that CNAs in Tampa earn an average of $1,380 more per year than their counterparts in other parts of Florida, and they also earn an average of $0.67 more per hour. While this difference may seem small, it can add up over time and make a significant impact on a CNA’s overall earnings.
It’s worth noting that these figures are based on averages and may vary depending on factors such as experience, education, and location within Tampa or Florida. However, the BLS data provides a helpful snapshot of the CNA job market in Tampa and Florida, and highlights the relatively strong demand for CNAs in the healthcare industry.
How Much Do CNA Courses Cost in Tampa Bay?
Depending on the program you choose, the cost of CNA classes can differ quite a bit. Some programs offer free training, often in exchange for agreeing to work for the employer that covers your tuition. On the low end, you can find training for as little as $250 dollars, while some programs may cost as much as $1,500. Price shouldn’t be your only factor in choosing a program, however, so be sure to do your due diligence when deciding on which school to attend.
Job Opportunities for CNAs in Tampa Bay
There are 89,110 CNAs working in Florida and 15,420 of them work in Tampa Bay. With an aging population there will continue to be more and more demand for qualified CNAs. What types of organizations are employing CNAs in Tampa? Let’s look at the numbers.
| Industry Type | Total Employment | % of CNAs in Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 4,744 | 35.8% |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 3,892 | 29.4% |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 1,418 | 10.7% |
| Home Health Care Services | 841 | 6.4% |
| Employment Services | 392 | 3.0% |
| Individual and Family Services | 365 | 2.8% |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 263 | 2.0% |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 261 | 2.0% |
| Offices of Physicians | 176 | 1.3% |
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | 162 | 1.2% |
| State Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 143 | 1.1% |
| Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities | 120 | 0.9% |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 119 | 0.9% |
| Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals | 92 | 0.7% |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 66 | 0.5% |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 45 | 0.3% |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | 44 | 0.3% |
Helpful Links
Finding local CNA classes in the Tampa area is critical to becoming a CNA, but if you are still in the research phase of learning more about the profession or the requirements to gain your certification, we suggest the following links: