CNA Program In Florida

Here are the pre-requisites for enrolling in the certified nursing assistance program in Florida.

• One must attain the age of 18 years.
• A high school diploma or its equivalent educational qualification is mandatory.
• A proof of immunization is to be submitted.
• Each student must hold valid photo identification.
• S/he should not be involved in any criminal act.
• Reports of TB test and backgrounds check must be submitted.

Generally the program institute decides the cost of the CNA programs. However, the fee for CNA classes may reach up to $1200 in FL. In addition, an amount of $120 is charged for the nurse aide competency examination of the state.

The total program duration should not be less than 120 hours, else, the student will not be considered qualified for the state licensure examination. The candidate is given three attempts to clear this test. If the student is disqualified in all the three attempts, s/he needs to take the program program again.

A list of courses that you will study, and skills that you would develop during the in-class and practical sessions of the CNA Program are as follows:

• Patient grooming and hygiene
• Medication administering
• Rights of the patient
• Patient care ethics and legalities
• Medical vocabulary
• Anatomy and physiology
• Infection control techniques
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Automated external defibrillator (AED) practices
• Range of motion exercises
• Measurement of vital signs
• Nutrition basics

There are a number of health care facilities and clinics that offer online CNA Program. It will save your time and you can study conveniently at your home. Besides, it will also save your travelling cost. But, make sure that the online program is approved by the state.

1. Is it essential to take CNA Program so as to become a certified nurse aide in Florida?

Answer: In the state of Florida, it is not mandatory for an applicant to take the course, in order to become eligible for the state licensing examination. However, if a student completes the course, it will increase the chances of clearing in the first attempt.

2. Is it essential to have a criminal background check?

Answer: Yes, it is mandatory to have a CBC for all the CNA aspirants before licensure as the state of Florida requires an FBI background check.

3. Are there any schools in Florida that offer online CNA programs?

Answer: There are a few schools in Florida that provide online CNA education. It is a best alternative of campus classes as online classes are provided at the convenience of your place and time.

Candidate can avail monetary assistance through several nursing scholarships.

• Jane H. Berktold Scholarship Fund
  The Jane H. Berktold Scholarship Fund is sponsored by Southwest Florida Community Foundation that offers funds of 61 individuals. Its main purpose is to provide financial aids to bright students. The candidate is awarded up to $5000. Applicants are called for an interview before making the final decision. In order to qualify for the Jane H. Berktold Scholarship Fund, applicant must meet the following criteria:
  • S/he must have the minimum GPA of 3.5.
  • Students should be a graduate senior from a Lee County high school in FL.
  • Must be able to document the financial need.
• Undine Sams and Friends Scholarship Fund
  Undine Sams and Friends Scholarship Fund is accessible throughout the state to all levels of the nursing students. It is sponsored by the Florida Nurses Foundation. Each student is awarded $500 annually. To obtain this scholarship fund, every candidate should meet the following requisites:
  • One must be a citizen of USA and a resident of Florida.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • S/he should be a student of nursing.

  Note: This scholarship is not available to high school students.

• Pell Grants
  Student enrolling in community colleges can go for Pell grants. To become qualified for this grant, candidates must fill the application form. Then, submit it to the financial aid department of the college or one can do this online as well. The amount of this grant is calculated on the basis of a family’s average income.
• Opportunity Grants
  Applicants who fail to qualify for the Pell grant may apply for the opportunity grant. The terms and conditions for this grant vary in different states. Candidates are required to call the financial aid office of their community college to know the eligibility criteria.
• Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program (NSLFP) – Florida Department of Education
  The NSLFP offers monetary aid to the candidates so that they can repay their nursing education loans. The main eligibility criterion for obtaining this program is that the candidate should be a licensed LPN. The repayment of loans is based on available funds. It makes up to $4000 per year.

A number of institutions offer free of cost CNA Program to the competent candidates.

• Youth CO-OP Refugee Employment Services
  It aims the refuge (who has left his/her country due to the reason of being mistreated for nationality, religion or race) within the state of Florida and provides various employment services to them.  The employment assistance includes on-the-job program referrals, job search & placement assistance transportation, skills determination, child care, internship & apprenticeship referrals and job upgrading. These services are provided to make their life easy and help them to sustain themselves in their new life.
  Contact Details
  Youth CO-OP Refugee Employment Services
  Address:  2112 South Congress Avenue Palm Spring, FL 33406
  Contact No:     (561) 964-1693

• AARP Senior Community Service Employment Center – Palm Harbor
  It is directly affiliated with the American Association of Retired Persons. The people at retirement age can get the employment assistance; they just need to qualify for this. Eligible candidates get the program of 15 days or 2 weeks and they are paid for this. In order to qualify, an applicant must be above 55 years and have limited income level.
  Contact Details
  AARP Senior Community Service Employment Center
  Address: 1550-B 16 St Palm Harbor, FL 34683
  Contact No: (727) 785-1309 

If you do not qualify for any of the free CNA classes or scholarships, then you can go for some lost cost programs. Here is a list of some affordable CNA programs.

• Central CNA Test Prep – The program costs $299, and it takes one week hardly to complete. This program does not require GED or any high school diploma.  If you fail the exam at the first attempt, you will get free program for the second time.
  Contact Details
  Central CNA Test Prep
  Address:  6537 North Socrum Loop Road, Lakeland, FL 33809
  Phone No: (863) 937-9316
  Official Website: http://www.centralcna.org/

• Tampa Bay CNA – The program costs $199 that includes the cost of nursing equipment bag and study guide. The program prepares you for CNA exam of the state. If you need extra preparation for the exam, you can choose silver plus programs.
  Contact Details
  Tampa Bay CNA
  Address:  3418 S Dale Mabry Highway, Palma Ceia Tampa, FL 33629
  Phone No: (813) 333-5459
  Official Website: http://tampabaycna.com/

Question:  Can all students apply for Federal Pell Grant?

Answer:  Applicants with critical financial condition can apply for Pell Grants. The main objective of the federal government in creating this grant is to encourage higher education among socially and economically backward people. However, students must meet certain criteria before applying for the Pell grant.

Question:  Where are financial aid forms available?

Answer:   Applicant can ask their respective college and institution for financial aid forms.

Question:  What are the requisites for obtaining Jane H. Berktold Scholarship Fund?

Answer:   Students applying for Jane H. Berktold Scholarship must have a minimum GPA of 3.5. S/he should be a graduate from a Lee County high school in FL.