CNA Classes and Training Info in Tampa, Florida

A CNA stands for Certified Nurse Assistant and these health care workers assist nurses, physicians, and other health care professionals with providing care to a wide range of patients in many different medical settings like hospitals, nursing homes, private doctor’s offices, and rehabilitation centers. In general, a CNA completes his or her duties while being supervised by a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). Examples of common tasks for CNAs include taking and recording the vital signs of patients (temperature, pulse respiration, and blood pressure), documenting the fluid intake and output, and assisting patients with daily living activities like eating and exercise. The exact duties of CNAs vary on position, but many also complete administrative and clerical tasks such as answering phones and stocking medical supplies.

Education and Training

The completion of state-approved nursing training is required to work as a Certified Nurse Assistant. In the state of Florida, prospective CNAs must complete a minimum of 120 hours of hands-on training, undergo a criminal background check, and receive a passing score on a state examination administered by the State of Florida Board of Nursing to become licensed. Licensure is required to work in hospitals and nursing homes around the state of Florida. Many different post-secondary institutions such as vocational and technical schools and community colleges offer CNA training programs. In general, the length of the programs is between 6 and 12 weeks, but some may take up to 6 months. State-approved programs are required to offer a minimum of 120 hours of instruction and at least 40 hours of supervised clinical experiences.

State-Approved CNA Schools in Tampa, Florida

The Florida Department of Health governs and approves CNA schools around Tampa. Examples include:

Ultimate Medical Academy

Offers a 7-week Nursing Assistant diploma program that combines classroom instruction and laboratory work. Courses include orientation, anatomy and physiology, infection control, pet assisted therapy, safety and emergency procedures, and clinical externship. The academy also offers additional test preparation courses to help students prepare for the state examination.

Contact Information

9309 N. Florida Ave., Suite 100
Tampa, FL 33612
1-888-205-2510

Brewster Technical Center

Offers a Nursing Assistant-Articulated program that includes 165 hours of instruction, which takes about four months to complete. The program includes at least 40 clinical hours at a licensed nursing home and the courses include legal ethical responsibilities, emergency care, communication skills, and principles of nutrition.

Contact Information

2222 N Tampa St
Tampa, FL 33602
813-276-5448

Erwin Technical Center

Offers a full-time Nursing Assistant program that includes 165 clock hours with a length of at least three months. The program combines classroom theory with hands-on instruction and includes more than 40 hours of clinical experience. Day, evening, and weekend classes are available.

Contact Information

2010 E. Hillsborough Ave
Tampa, FL 33610
813-231-1800

Florida Medical Training Institute

Offers a 170-hour Certified Nursing Assistant course. Course topics include care for cognitively impaired, home health nursing, career preparation, Florida aids education and CPR, and externship.

Contact Information

3611 West Hillsborough Ave
Tampa, FL 33614
813-971-3684

American Red Cross

Offers Nurse Assistant Training through its Tampa Bay Chapter. The course is 94 hours in length and includes courses in medical terminology, basic human anatomy, communication skills, and clinical experience in a health care setting.

Contact Information

3310 W. Main Street
Tampa, FL 33607
813-348-4820