CNA Certification in Florida
To become a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) in Florida, there are some specific steps you must follow. You will have coursework and training for CNA to complete before you are eligible to get your license. You will have to pass the Certified Nursing Assistant Exam as well.
In addition to this, you will also have to have your fingerprints taken and turn in a fingerprint card. You are required to pass both federal and state background checks. You must present your photographic identification, and provide two pictures of you that are passport-sized.
But wait, there’s more. You will also have to show that you have a negative tuberculosis test, and the test has to have been done within the past six months. In addition to the negative TB test, you will also have to show a list of your current immunizations.
Finally, remember to bring either your high school diploma or your GED, whichever you have. The diploma is if you have graduated from a high school, and the GED is your General Equivalency Degree, which is the exam you take in lieu of graduating from high school.
According to federal law, which manages the guidelines, in general the Florida CNA certificate program runs for between eight and thirteen weeks. This entails about 75 hours of instruction in class and 100 hours doing a clinical rotation. Make note though – depending on which school you are going to in order to fulfill your requirements, each one may have additional requirements that you must also fulfill at that location.
Generally, the nurse aide classes that you take will encompass about two to six months of your time. Remember that each separate school will have its own requirements to be able to join their programs.
Directly after you pass the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant exam, you have to be put on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry.
If you want to get in touch with the Florida Nursing Aide registry, you can contact them at (850) 245-4125. You can also reach them by postal mail at
Department of Health
Florida Nursing Assistant Registry,
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C13, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3263.
You will need to alert the Florida Nursing Aide registry if you have any changes in your name, address, or other personal information.
Once you obtain your Florida CNA certificate, it will remain active until December 31 of the odd or even year depending on when the Registry issues you your license. Make sure you check your license and make note of what the expiration date is.
There are some circumstances where you may be eligible for some reimbursement of your expenses that you paid when you got your CNA certificate. Check with your employer or the Medicaid office in your area.
There are a few instances where you can begin working prior to obtaining your CNA certification, but you must check with your employer to make sure. These cases are the exception rather than the rule, however, so keep that in mind.
Most Related Articles:
1). Requirements for CNA Certification
2). Training for CNA Certification
3). How to Get Paid for CNA Training