Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) are health care workers that offer assistance to nurses, doctors, and other health care professionals in providing care to many different patients. The chief duty of CNAs is to provide assistance with daily living abilities and help provide an optimal patient care environment. CNAs also assist with direct patient care such as taking and recording vital signs, positioning patients, and recording intake and output of fluids. Many CNAs also complete clerical duties such as stocking medical supplies, changing linens, and relaying messages to other staff members. CNAs commonly work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and private doctor’s offices. They are typically under the supervision on a licensed nurse either at the practical level (LPN) or registered level (RN).
CNA Training In St. Petersburg
CNA’s are required to complete training programs to work in any type of healthcare environment and licensure is necessary to gain employment in most hospitals and nursing homes. To become qualified to take the certification examination in the state of Florida, CNAs must complete a training program that includes a minimum of 75 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of clinical experiences.
Individuals must also undergo a criminal background check. Additionally, the Florida Board of Nursing screens all students that complete CNA training in Florida and apply to become certified. A variety of institutions of higher learning such as community colleges, vocational and technical schools, and private career institutes offer training programs for individuals to become CNAs.
The lengths of the training programs vary from just one week to up to six months. CNAs are also responsible for maintaining his or her clinical and mandatory continuing education requirements. They commonly attend seminars, workshops, and classes offered by employers or private organizations.
CNA Schools in St. Petersburg Approved by the State of Florida
Americas Medical Academy
Offers CNA preparatory courses that are small in size with less than 10 students. The courses are typically one week in length 3 to 4 hours a day. Individuals are able to complete CNA courses during the day, evening, and weekend. The courses prepare students to take the Florida CNA certification examination as well as a multi-state examination.
Contact Information
5107 Central Ave.
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
727-768-3633
Website
Southwest Florida Technical Institute
Offers CNA classes that start every one to two weeks and students are able to complete classes during the day, evenings, and weekends. The program is 120-hours and Registered Nurses are on staff. The institute includes an on-site state testing center and job assistance is available to all students.
Contact Information:
St. Petersburg CNA Classes and State Testing
3375 34th Street North, Suite 204
St. Petersburg, Florida 33713
727-527-0056
Website
Pinellas Technical Education Center – St. Petersburg
Offers a three-month Patient Care Assistant full-time program. Courses include basic healthcare worker, nurse aide and orderly, patient care assistant, and advanced home health aid. Prepares students for the Certified Nursing Assistant certification.
Contact Information
901 34th Street South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33711
727-893-2500
website
American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter
Offers a 94-hour Nurse Assistant Training program that prepares students to take the state examination to become CNAs. Coursework includes CPR, human anatomy, medical terminology, basic math skills, and clinical experience in a healthcare setting.
Contact Information
South Pinellas Office
818 4th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-898-3111
Website