Becoming A CNA in Florida

The Florida Department of Health regulates CNA training in the state, and attendance to one of these training courses is mandated if you want to be certified in the state of Florida to work as a certified nurse aide. After completing training, there is also a requirement to take and pass the state certification test before being certified on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry. There is an option for a new nurse aide to skip the training portion and challenge the state exam if the applicant is at least 18 and holds a high school diploma.The CNA career path can be very exciting when given the amount of knowledge gained through training and relationships that are formed with patients and co-workers.

Enrollment and Completion of CNA Classes in Florida

Step 1:

First step is finding a program in your state that offers an accredited program, start here:
Find a CNA Training Program

Your training will include practical and theory training in preparation for the test. During practical training, you will learn skills like how move a patient, change bedding and clothing, administer fluids, perform CPR, taking and recording medically related measurements, and the proper use of medial equipment and terminology. Classroom training will take care of teaching you other basic skills that are attributed to successful nurse aides in Florida.

Step 2:

The training school courses are mandated by federal regulations to include a 120 hour training class in areas relevant to the nursing assistant position. The school is required to get a current immunization and police record from you so that you can attend the CNA classes. You should be ready to spend a bit of time in a clinical on the job training facility as required by the state of Florida. At the end of your courses, you should be able to pass the state nurse assessment exam as well as perform on a professional level, the nursing assistant duties required in the state of Florida.

CNA Testing Procedures and Applying for CNA Certification in Florida

Step 1:

Once you have completed your training program you will now have a green light to take your cna board exam.   This can be downloaded here.

Next try to study as much as you can for the exam.  We have a great practice test library for just this purpose.

Step 2:

Florida State has contracted their state certification exam to Pro Metric, so this is where you will likely take your testing unless your CNA training program is an authorized testing site. Dress comfortably for the exam, as it takes a few hours to complete the process. Be prepared with your graduation certificate from you CNA certification training program, your valid ID, and a fingerprint card when you arrive on testing day. You will then begin a two-part exam for your license.

The written test is taken on a computer and you will be provided with an hour and a half to finish 60 questions in a multiple choice form. The clinical test is supervised by an instructor and will provide you with 35 minutes to show that you understand Five nursing aide skills by demonstrating them for a Nurse Aide Evaluator on site. Note that upon passing, your application will have to be approved by the Board of Nursing in Florida and it may take a few weeks to be officially added to the official state registry.

Testing requires an additional FBI finger print check separate from the one you took for training and also eligibility approval through the Florida Department of Health. Your screening should be cleared through the Florida State Board of Nursing. When you fill out the application to test, you will need to provide fees in the following amounts:

* $93 for FBI check
* $43.25 to register
* $25 for theory and clinical test

Step 3:

Once you are listed on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry you will be hirable as a CNA.

Now you can begin applying for jobs in your area.   We have an online database of jobs in Delaware.  You will need to create a user profile and resume in order to really showcase your credentials.   Create your resume and profile here

Step 4:

Try not to consider your cna certification the end of the road for your education. This is the starting point.  Consider getting your Registered Nursing License or your LPN Degree.

For more information, contact the Florida Nurse Aide Registry at:

Florida Department of Health, CNA Registry
4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin #C-13
Tallahassee, FL. 32399-3263
Phone: (850) 245-4567