CNA Training in
Bradenton, Florida

What is a CNA?

Nursing assistants provide basic patient care and perform administrative tasks under registered nurses’ watchful eyes. Their jobs may include completing paperwork and updating records, taking vitals, and helping patients with everyday needs.

Becoming a CNA could be the first step in your medical career, or you could choose it as a lifelong job.

How to Become a CNA in Bradenton

Becoming a CNA in Florida, including Bradenton, is done in an unusual way. Unlike many other states, Florida is a “challenge state,” meaning you don’t need to complete training (under one of the three possible routes) to become a CNA.  However, you need to pass a state-administered test and meet other requirements, some of which do include training. These requirements are:

• Finishing a training program and passing your nursing assistant competency exam; OR
• Reaching at least the age of 18, having a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, and passing the nursing assistant competency exam; OR
• Undergoing a program via the Enterprise Florida Jobs and Education Partnership Grant and passing the nursing assistant competency exam

While the idea of only passing an exam to become a CNA may be appealing, it’s worth remembering many employers prefer fully-trained CNAs.

Are you currently a nursing student in Florida?
Check our our new resources guides made for students in Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Bradenton!

Pros and Cons of Being a CNA in Bradenton

With several award-winning hospitals, beautiful beaches, a creative community, and glorious weather year-round, Sarasota-Bradenton is a fantastic place to begin your new healthcare career.

Bradenton is part of Sarasota’s municipal area, and Sarasota has a lot going for it. This Florida region may make you think of its healthy retirement community—which is, of course, partly due to the dedicated efforts of healthcare workers just like you. In fact, in a 2020 study, U.S News Report named Sarasota the best place to retire, the 16th best place to live in the country, and the second-best place to live in Florida.

But Sarasota isn’t just for retirees—there’s so much more for all ages to enjoy. The area is renowned for its cultural and environmental amenities, bustling resorts, and vibrant art community. With so many beaches to choose from and sunshine year-round, residents and visitors alike can enjoy a wide number of outdoor activities and sports, including scuba diving, fishing, paddle-boarding, and kayaking.

For those who prefer to stay on dry land, the area also offers wonderful museums, parks, restaurants, and other areas to explore. You can visit the Village of the Arts, which features an eclectic collection of colorfully restored 1920s and ’30s cottages, join the hustle and bustle of the city’s busy downtown area, or take a stroll along the Riverwalk to soak up the scenic views.

In terms of job prospects for healthcare workers, Sarasota is an ideal locale to launch a career, with several hospitals and over 80 assisted living facilities in the county. And jobs in Florida are projected to grow by 11% between 2018 and 2018, which is above the national average of 8%. That translates to over 12,000 new positions over the next several years.

Sarasota-Bradenton also offers healthcare workers several award-winning facilities to choose from, including Sarasota Memorial Hospital, recently named the sixth-best in Florida by U.S. News & World Report magazine and ranked among the best healthcare facilities in the world by Newsweek magazine three times.

But what about the downsides? It can’t all be sunny skies, can it? In fact, it is—but for some, that can be a minus. When asked what they disliked about living in the city, Sarasota-Bradenton residents mention the high humidity and the lack of seasons, as well as heavy traffic. But if you love hot weather, Sarasota-Bradenton could be the perfect spot for you.

How Much do CNAs Make in Bradenton and the Surrounding Areas?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, CNAs in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton area earned an average salary of $30,380 in 2021. This pay is higher than the state average of $29,840 but just below the national average of $33,250.

Average CNA salaries in the Sarasota-Bradenton area range from $23,450 to $37,460. As with most professions, the amount you can earn as a CNA varies based not just on your amount of training or years worked but also on where you work. For instance, if you work in a specialized hospital, you may earn more than those working in assisted living facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you can find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about training to be a CNA with Premier Nursing Academy.

Are your CNA classes really free?

Yes! Our training program is completely free. Your employer sponsor pays for the cost of your training in exchange for working for them after you graduate.

How long is your CNA program?

Our CNA program is six weeks long. Classes are held Monday through Thursday, and we offer three different class schedules to fit our students’ needs.

What are the requirements for your free CNA training program?

To enroll in training, applicants be at least 18 years old and have earned a high school diploma or GED equivalent. They must also pass a background check, complete a tuberculosis test, and have a valid state driver’s license or other proof of identification. For more information, visit our program requirements page.

How much does the CNA exam cost?

The standard fee for the Nurse Aide Exam is $155. Your employer covers the cost of your first CNA exam attempt. After this, you may retake the exam twice more at your own expense.

Benefits of Starting Your Healthcare Career With Premier Nursing Academy

There are many reasons why becoming a CNA with Premier Nursing Academy is the best way to start your nursing career. First of all, our instructors are the best in the field—in 2021, our Florida students had the highest number of first-time exam passes in the state!

We’re also conscious of the potential expenses of medical training. The average national cost of training to become a CNA ranges from $600 to $2,000. However, at PNA, training is free, meaning you’ll enter your new career with no student debt.

Training to become a CNA with us can open the door to various other CNA career paths in nursing. Many Registered Nurse (RN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs now require students to have their CNA licenses before they begin. Medical school can also be incredibly competitive, and the experience gained by working as a CNA can help you stand ahead of the crowd.

CNA training also enables you to understand the fundamentals of healthcare better, helping you perform well in future roles—whether as an RN, a licensed practical nurse, a physician assistant, or even a doctor.