Best CNA Classes in Tampa, FL:
Online & Campus
CNAs serve a critical role on the front lines of patient care. Learn more about affordable, quick CNA training in Tampa and the surrounding areas and how to get certified.
As the U.S. population ages, more and more people need medical care. This means hospitals, clinics, assisted living facilities, and related organizations need more medical professionals, including certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to provide necessary services. You can only become a CNA after passing a competency exam — to obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to pass this exam, most prospective CNAs enroll in a training program.
CNA classes in Tampa, FL, are offered by vocational schools, high schools, healthcare providers, and community colleges. Depending on the CNA program you choose, you may be able to complete the necessary training in just a few weeks. For added convenience, some training is even available online. To learn more about on-campus and online CNA classes in Tampa, we’ve created this guide. Read on to see what you’ll learn, where to find state-approved programs, how to become certified, and what kind of salary you can anticipate after graduation.
List of Approved CNA Training Classes and Programs in Tampa
| School | City | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| School | City | Phone Number |
Florida Board of Nursing; Most recent data as of May 2022
FAQs About CNA Classes in Tampa, FL
What skills do you learn in CNA classes in Tampa?
The curriculum in a CNA class in Tampa, FL, will revolve around the skills necessary to provide basic living and medical care to patients in a healthcare facility. This includes everything from helping a patient eat or clean themselves to monitoring vital signs. In an exam prep CNA training course, the information will be geared toward passing the Florida CNA competency exam and ultimately registering with the Florida Board of Nursing.
In more extensive CNA training programs, the coursework may be split up into a clinical or externship and classwork, as is the case at Ultimate Medical Academy. During the clinical or externship students get to practice their knowledge under the supervision of a registered nurse or other medical professional.
How much do CNA classes cost in Tampa?
For most CNA classes in Tampa, schools charge a one-time fee. Some schools break this fee up into several parts, such as a deposit and weekly payments once the training begins. This will be the case whether the training consists of a single CNA examination preparation class that lasts a few weeks or a multi-class CNA program that lasts a few months and results in a diploma or certificate. Therefore, total training costs vary widely. We’ve identified a few programs offering different types of CNA training to give you a rough idea of what to expect in terms of pricing.
Veritas Nursing Academy
Total Cost: $200 for the online format or $250 for the online class plus two-day skill review offered in a physical classroom
Where can I get help paying for my CNA classes in Tampa?
Various forms of financial aid are available for those who need help paying for CNA classes in Tampa, FL. These include grants, scholarships, and student loans. Keep in mind that some forms of financial aid require attending a program that meets certain requirements, such as accreditation or Florida Board of Nursing recognition. To find out more about your financial aid options, please look at our CNA scholarships guide and main financial aid guide.
How long do CNA classes in Tampa take to finish?
The single biggest factor in determining the length of time to complete CNA classes in Tampa, FL, is the type of program. If a student has signed up for a CNA exam prep class, then they can probably complete it in a few weeks. For instance, at Aguilas International Technical Institute, the CNA prep class lasts 40 hours over two weeks. However, if a student is enrolled in a formal program that results in an academic credential, then the program can take longer. For example, the Nursing Assistant program at Ultimate Medical Academy takes two months to complete.
Inside Look at Online CNA Classes in Tampa, FL
The majority of CNA training programs in Tampa are offered in a traditional format. This means on-campus classes, in-person training in labs, and/or clinical training at real-world healthcare facilities. However, due to the coronavirus, some schools may be modifying their curricula to allow students to complete some of their coursework online. Even in these situations, students will still need to complete their clinical training in person at selected healthcare facilities.
For CNA exam preparation classes, there are some online-only programs. The primary example in Tampa is the Veritas Nursing Academy, which offers two programs. The first is an online-only CNA training class, where the skills portion of the training is conducted through video. The second is an online plus on-campus program, where, in addition to online training, students spend two days on campus observing the clinical skills necessary to pass the CNA competency exam.
To learn more about CNA programs, visit our guide to online CNA classes.
Common Questions About Online CNA Classes in Tampa
Will taking CNA classes online in Tampa impact my ability to get certified or licensed?
What matters is if you complete a CNA training program that’s approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. This will ensure you have received training and instruction on the subjects and skills necessary to serve as a CNA.
Do employers care if I take some of my CNA classes online?
What matters to employers is whether you received the training necessary to work as a CNA. They can confirm this by making sure you completed a CNA training program approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and passed the CNA competency exam.
Are online CNA classes in Tampa more affordable than campus programs?
There are only a handful of CNA training programs in Tampa approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Of the ones that are, the least expensive program is offered mostly online. However, this is a CNA exam prep course and not a full CNA program that grants a certificate.
Can I complete my Tampa CNA training faster by taking classwork online?
Most formal CNA training programs in Tampa are on-campus only. The online options are usually only available for the CNA exam prep course. So instead of online classwork making a training program quicker to complete, instead the shorter training programs tend to be the ones that have an online learning option available for CNA exam prep.
How to Become a CNA in Tampa
Florida is unique in that passing an exam is all that’s necessary to become a CNA. Specifically, there are three ways to become a CNA in Florida per the Florida Board of Nursing:
- Complete a CNA training program approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and pass the CNA competency examination.
- Pass the CNA competency examination and be either 18 years old or have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Complete the Enterprise Florida Jobs and Education Partnership Grant curriculum and pass the CNA competency examination.
Once you are a CNA, you won’t have any continuing education requirements for license renewal. However, some employers may have a continuing education requirement for CNAs.
To find out more about what it takes to become a CNA in Florida, visit EduMed’s Florida CNA page.
Earnings Outlook: How Much Does a CNA Make in Tampa?
Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in Tampa can be a smart career move. In the state of Florida, CNAs earn between $30,400 and $43,970 annually. In Tampa, this range shifts to $30,850 to $45,220. While the 10th percentile salary is only $450 more than the state average, which is nice but not life-changing, the 90th percentile earns over $1,500 more per year in Tampa than statewide. To increase your chances of reaching the 90th percentile, consider taking courses in specific areas of nursing. For instance, if you aim to work as a CNA in a psychiatric ward, taking courses in mental health nursing may enhance your application and be advantageous in salary negotiations.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $30,400 | $36,340 | $43,970 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $30,850 | $36,580 | $45,220 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
