Premier Nursing Academy

CNA Classes in Tampa, Florida

Taking a CNA class in Tampa is a great choice for aspiring nursing assistants looking for stable work. Data from the 2020 U.S. Census shows that Florida’s population of Baby Boomers has grown by more than one-third (nearly 14 million people) over the past decade.

With one in five people in Florida over the age of 65 and an increasingly aging population in need of qualified nursing support, it’s prime time to find CNA classes near you and begin your nursing assistant training.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a CNA Program

Finding the best CNA training in Tampa that fits your individual needs and schedule can take some time. Prospective nursing assistant students should keep several aspects of CNA programs in mind when making their selection.

Approval and Accreditation

Paying attention to CNA training programs’ approval and accreditation status is one of the most important things students can do. Failure to attend an approved or accredited school can affect your ability to get hired.

When researching classes, look for programs approved by the Florida Board of Nursing or accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.

Program Location

Learners who decide to pursue in-person CNA training need to factor in the amount of time they’ll spend commuting to and from campus and whether that works with their schedule. For some, the commute time can be a major factor in deciding whether they apply.

That said, CNA training often lasts only a few weeks. If a vastly better—or approved—program is located 20-25 minutes further afield than a subpar option, it may be worth that extra commuting time in the long run. Some CNA programs, for example, offer guaranteed employment upon completion. For many prospective students, spending a short amount of time driving to training is well worth it to have a job lined up when they graduate.

Program Cost

The amount spent on CNA training in Tampa can vary drastically, ranging from employer-sponsored models that cover 100% of training costs to thousands of dollars. Students working with a tight budget need to decide if it’s in their best interest to take out a loan to cover the costs of schooling or if they’d be better off with a free program.

Program Length

Many students pursuing CNA classes in Tampa want to finish coursework as soon as possible so they can begin working. Most programs take at least 2-3 months to complete, though there are shorter, fast-track options.

Prominence, Instructor Quality, and Reviews

Attending a program that previous learners found beneficial is a great way to help ensure success. As much as possible, students should search out alumni reviews available online, reach out to past students on LinkedIn, and read the biographies of instructors to ensure they possess adequate experience and credentials.

State-Approved CNA Classes in Tampa

Choosing a state-approved CNA program can help you stand out to employers seeking more qualified candidates. These programs meet the required 120 training hours in a shorter amount of time than traditional school models and tend to cost less.

Premier Nursing Academy (PNA)

Located near Tampa, Premier Nursing Academy offers free CNA training by partnering with employers seeking to hire CNAs after graduation. In exchange for guaranteed employment after program completion, partner organizations pay for students’ education costs. Additionally, the employer fully covers the cost of the CNA exam for the first attempt.

Training includes a combination of clinical and classroom instruction in a small class environment and meets Florida’s required training hours for CNAs. PNA has graduated more than 1,000 students through the program.

If you’re ready to learn more about our training program and our Tampa-area employers, submit an inquiry form to speak with someone from our support team.

CNA Classes at Other Post-Secondary Schools

Several traditional education institutions in Tampa offer CNA training or related programs. These programs can take a bit longer than others and tend to be more expensive.

Finlay Institute of Nursing

The Finlay Institute of Nursing offers a 120-hour nursing assistant training program that takes around 5.5 weeks to complete. Classes run Monday-Friday and are available in morning (9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) or evening (5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) time slots.

Florida Career College

FCC provides an in-person patient care technician program covering senior care, nursing assistance, and patient assistance. Although a patient care technician career requires more training than a CNA needs, this course does include nursing assistant fundamentals. Taught by industry professionals, the program includes an externship and training by instructors with experience in the field.

Hillsborough Community College/Institute for Corporate and Continuing Education

The ICCE at Hillsborough Community College takes less than three months to complete, with new sections starting six times per year. Some provide a set schedule, while others are self-paced. The scheduled programs take place three times per week from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. The program includes more than 120 hours of training, 40 hours of which focus on clinical training.

  • Approval/Accreditation: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Program Cost: $1,095
  • Program Length: 8-10 weeks
  • GMB Rating: 5.0/2 reviews
  • Address: 39 Columbia Dr, Tampa, FL 33606
  • Phone Number: 813-259-6010

CNA Exam Prep Classes

For those who want to challenge the Florida CNA exam, several programs offer shorter, exam prep programs. These programs are not state-approved and do not guarantee employment.

C.N.A. Technical Center

The C.N.A. Technical Center offers three options for completing a certified nurse assistant program: an accelerated program lasting two weeks, an intensive in-person course lasting six weeks, and a six-week hybrid online course. In addition to CNA training, learners also participate in the American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support Certification and receive one year of approved continuing education credits via the Florida Board of Nursing.

Tampa Bay CNA

In business for nearly 20 years, Tampa Bay CNA has provided exam preparation for more than 13,000 students. The standard two-day program covers hands-on clinical skills with access to online videos. The company also offers a one-day fast track program. Tampa Bay CNA’s program is for those looking to pass the exam rather than complete a CNA training program.

Veritas Nursing Academy

Veritas does not offer a CNA diploma program or nursing assistant training, but it does provide online CNA exam preparation for individuals looking to challenge the Florida CNA examination. The fully online version covers theory, foundational topics, and practice questions and includes video demonstrations of the 20 required skills. The hybrid version sets aside two days at the end of the program to learn the skills in person.