Free CNA Classes in Tampa

The CNA requirements in Tampa are similar to those across the rest of the state of Florida. Florida does not require years of training to become a CNA. Instead, you only need to pass the state exam and meet some other basic requirements to become a CNA.

These requirements include being at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED or completing an approved training program and passing the nursing assistant competency exam among others.

However, employers generally prefer to hire applicants who took time to complete training before taking their tests. Let’s take a quick look at some of the best (and cost-friendly) free CNA training institutions around Tampa.

Tampa Bay CNA

Tampa Bay CNA offers a 40hour CNA training course, which is an accelerated CNA exam preparation course. The course utilizes both hands-on clinical skills at the school’s training center and Online Course Review. The Online Course Review is there for studying purposes as well as memorizing the 22 ADL clinical skills for the State of Florida Board of Nursing Test. The training costs just $299.99 and all classes may be repeated for free for those who need some additional practice time.

The course includes 3days of hands-on clinical skills. These are offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The bonuses of this course include Med Tech and a full CNA video class online open 24 hours a day 7 days a week for review and home studies. All classes expire over 3months. The institution has an offer for those who don’t have time to attend class as well, offering online classes at $199.99, although online classes have no bonus or even hands-on.

All packages from the institution include 3 sample written tests, 50 vocabulary words abbreviations, and a cram sheet for clinical skills. For admission, the applicant must be 18years of age and above and a GED is not required.

The Institute for Corporate and Continuing Education

The CNA course covers over 120 hours of training, this includes a mandatory 40 hours of clinical experience covered in 4-5days. After completion of this program, you will be ready to sit for a state exam to become a CNA. The exam is not included in the program. The registration fee for the program is $1.095. It does not include a background check and exam fees required by the Board of Nursing.

There is financial assistance for those that need help paying for the course. To qualify for a local grant, you must be between 16-24 years of age in possession of a high school diploma or GED. This program helps you become a Home Health Aide whilst preparing you for the CNA licensing exam. These classes are conducted in the classroom, online, lab, and clinical setting. This class can be attended by anyone over 18 with a high school diploma or GED.

Background checks, drug screening, and physical exams are strict requirements for admission. Failed background check and drug test results in removal from the program without refund. Marijuana use is prohibited at healthcare facilities. Positive marijuana drug screen result results in automatic removal from class without refunds.

Ultimate Medical Academy

Ultimate Medical Academy offers a CNA diploma program that is approved by the state board of nursing. The courses are ultimately designed to prepare you with the necessary skills required to perform a task in the field. This program offers hands-on training, personalized attention from instructors, classroom labs among others.

The institution’s nursing assistant training includes a 45hour unpaid externship under supervision in a healthcare facility, thus it is a great way to learn and acquire practical skills necessary for the field. The class length is two months with lots of experience gained in those two months. The class sizes at UMA are small with a maximum class size of 25 students, which gives you room for classroom participation.

UMA has a student support team that helps with academic support, job search guidance, and also financial support if you are qualified, among other things. The nursing assistant program offered by UMA provides preparation for the CNA exam which is required to work in this field of a certified nursing assistant.

Aguilas International Technical Institute

The CNA training course offered by Aguilas International Technical Institute is 2weeks long, spanning a total of 40hours. The institute offers both day classes as well evening classes. Day classes run from 9 am to 1:30 pm, whilst night classes run from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm to accommodate those who will be occupied by work during the day. The two weeks program runs from Monday-Friday.

The course is designed to equip the students with all the necessary skills that are needed to sit for the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant exam and pass it. Some of the skills learned by students include feeding, perineal care, skincare, toileting, grooming, and dressing. Please note that the course is not limited to the aforementioned, but the course is inclusive of other skills not mentioned here.

Certification is achieved after passing the state exam, Aguilas International Technical Institute just offers an exam preparation course equipping nursing assistants with the relevant experience and knowledge.

Brewster Technical College

Brewster Technical Center offers a free CNA training program under the Workforce Investment Act. Students granted this opportunity can study a CNA course at Brewster Technical Center for free at no cost. This CNA training program combines both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training which takes place in a local healthcare facility. Students are thus equipped for the state exam.

Basic anatomy and physiology, infection control, nutrition, range of motion exercises, vital signs taking, and many others are among the topics taught at Brewster Technical College. Licensed healthcare professionals supervise the hands-on clinical training. Students learn the provision of nursing services to patients in need of care. The CNA training program requires students to be present at all times.

They should meet the minimum grade requirements to graduate and become eligible for the state licensing exam. The institution offers a smaller class size to cater to personalized instruction. Aside from having smaller class sizes, the institution has the best clinical instructors, allowing students to meet their educational and career needs.

Premier Nursing Academy

Premier Nursing Academy located in Pinellas Park offers free CNA training classes. The free classes take 6 weeks to complete. The training is offered to candidates in and around the Tampa metro area. The CNA program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. After completing the program, the students have the skills and are provisionally able to work for their matched employer even before they have passed the nurse aid exam.

The Pinellas Park campus connects students with employer partners in Tampa and nearby cities. Premier Nursing Academy offers three different class schedules. This is done to accommodate students with different needs. The morning class starts at 7:30 am-12:30 pm from Monday-Thursday. The afternoon classes pick up from 12:30 pm-5:30 pm, then evening classes commence at 5:30 pm and ending at 10:30 pm.

Premier Nursing Academy’s CAN program combines both classroom and on-site clinical education. This ensures that as a graduate you are both work-ready to be successful in your career as well as meeting the state-required training hours to sit for a CNA exam.

The American Red Cross-Tampa

The American Red Cross in Tampa offers a 4-8 weeks certified Nursing Assistant training program. This healthcare course prepares students for the state certification exam as well as possible employment in healthcare facilities. The CNA training program includes in-class work and clinical rotations. All students who get enrolled go through hours of lectures and video presentations.

These include discussions like anatomy and physiology, CPR training, first aid, AED usage, infection control, patient safety, the art of caregiving, and numerous others. Nurturing attitude and therapeutic communication are also included in classroom instruction. The last part of the healthcare course is hands-on clinical practice supervised by a clinical instructor. Interested applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED.

The applicants must also pass a level 1 criminal background check, drug screening, and Mantoux (TB). If admitted you must provide your uniforms, required books, medical supplies, and transportation for clinical rotations. Sometimes the American Red Cross offers scholarship grants to deserving students for free CNA training.

CNA Training and Testing Centre

This institution offers a convenient yet affordable state-approved CNA training program. Completing this course gives eligibility to take the state certification exam. The CNA Training and Testing Centre acquires the services of the best clinical instructors who then equip the students with relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.

The course commences with classroom instruction which covers numerous topics like anatomy, physiology, nutrition, infection control, medical terminologies among other things. Students also go through skills training in a fully equipped simulation lab. At this stage, students will be practicing essential nursing skills needed to provide care to patients. The classes are offered on a flexible schedule, and you can choose to study in the morning, afternoon, or evening.

This gives room to working individuals to study when they are comfortable and become Certified Nursing Assistants in a few weeks. The tuition covers a free pair of scrubs, free CNA study material, unlimited practice time in the school’s facility as well as job assistance services. Possessing no high school diploma or GED is not a problem in applying.

Southern Technical Institute

Southern Technical Institute offers a short and rigorous CNA training program. Working students are recognized by the Institute, as a result, the course has flexible classes to accommodate them. It is important to note that, every student who enrolls in this program should get a grade of 85% in all components of the course. The student must avoid being absent from class by all means possible to become qualified for graduation.

This CNA training program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice. Students undergo hours of lectures and skills training to have a better understanding of the profession. This makes them better equipped with knowledge and skills in clinical rotation. The class sizes are small to promote individualized instruction. Therefore, participants graduate with confidence and competence to take the state exam.

Before that, a student must have a high school diploma or GED before admission. A background check, as well as a health screening, are some of the requirements for admission to this CNA training program.

Hillsborough Community College

Hillsborough Community College offers a free CNA training program approved by the state Board of Nursing. The program is conducted online, in a clinical setting, and in the classroom. Students have to go through combined theoretical and clinical instruction to obtain the essential knowledge and skills of the profession and to prepare them for the state licensing exam. Classes are usually held three times a week for seven weeks including another 40 hours of hands-on clinical training.

Schedules vary so students can choose to study during the day, evening, or on weekends. If you are interested in undergoing a CNA training program at the institution you should meet certain criteria. You should be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Aside from passing the criminal background investigation, drug screening, and TB test, potential students should be physically fit to lift, move, or transfer a patient or resident.

The CNA training program at this institution typically has an individual cost but students between 16 to 24 years old with a high school diploma or GED equivalent can apply for a local grant which allows them to avail a free CNA class in Tampa.

Erwin Vocational Technical Center

Erwin Vocational Training Center offers CNA training courses that span for 2 months having to complete 165 clock hours. Clinical sites are held at area nursing homes to assure you of convenient, readily accessible, and comprehensive training. The program is a combination of classroom theory and over 20 hours of clinical experience which prepares the students to take the Florida State Certification exam.

The state certification is important as all nursing assistants working in long-term care in Florida must be certified by the state of Florida. For you to enroll at the institution, you must be physically able to perform the duties required of a nursing assistant. You must submit a criminal background record which should be clear of any felonies.

You will also go through drug screening and a history of substance abuse may adversely affect licensing by the state board or affect the ability to gain employment. Note that these are done at your own expense as the student. Students must also pass a physical test. If problems arise with the results, the student will not be allowed the clinical portion resulting in non-completion.

CNA Technical Centre

The CNA Technical Centre offers two packages that are Accelerated Course and the hybrid course online. The two weeks accelerated Home Health Aide course is designed to provide dualistic benefits for the price of one. Other than Home Aide training, the course gives students the necessary knowledge and 23 clinical skills to successfully pass the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant exam. After completing the course, students can register for the state exam.

Students also receive one year of Florida Board of Nursing approved continuing education credits. The CNA accelerated course costs $1,120.55. This fee covers the enrollment fee, tuition fees, textbook, background check, and state exam fee. Whilst the hybrid course costs just $1,000.01, covering the enrolment fee, tuition, textbook, scrubs, continuing education units, and the state certification exam.

The online program is flexible and with no scheduled classes and no group projects, the institution can work with the most complicated schedules. Under the hybrid course, you receive the same in-depth educational knowledge and you are only required on campus once a week to receive hands-on clinical training.

Veritas Nursing Academy

Veritas Nursing Academy has 2 CNA exam preparation packages. The first one is Online CNA which helps the students in learning the critical components needed to pass the written and skills sections of the examination. The online platform includes theory, foundation, practice questions, and all the 20 skills demonstrated on videos for the students to watch and review. All this for an affordable price of just $200.

The second package is Online CNA + 2days skill review. This package includes the online CNA platform and additional skills review on campus. The 2day skill review covers all the 20 skills demonstrated in a classroom environment by qualified instructors, in the process covering all the steps needed to pass the skills section of the exam. You may opt for this if you prefer learning clinical skills in a classroom environment.

This package for just $300 might be useful for you since to pass the state exam you must pass both the written exam and clinical skills demonstration. At the moment we are not aware of free CNA training options here, but this may change in the future.

National Nursing Institute LLC

National Nursing Institute offers a comprehensive CNA accelerated examination preparation course. The nursing exam preparation offered at National Nursing Institute provides information and skills to those that qualify by training or experience to prepare for the CNA State board exam they have been unable to pass. A hands-on clinical CNA exam is offered at the Institute at a total cost of just $500.

Topics reviewed in the course include resident rights, the roles, and responsibilities of the Health Care Team, Medical terminology, infection support, and legal issues for nursing staff about the CNA to mention just a few.

Finlay Institute of Nursing

Finlay Institute of Nursing offers 120 hours of CNA training in 5.5 weeks. Classes are from Monday to Friday. They offer morning and evening classes, the morning classes run from 9 am to 2 pm whilst the evening classes run from 5 pm to 10 pm. The registration fee is $100 and payment plans are in place in case you are facing financial difficulties. Requirements include a high school diploma, driver’s license, level 2 fingerprints, social security, and physical exam. Once again, really affordable and almost free CNA program in Tampa.