Are you a high school student who is contemplating career options in Florida? Does working in the medical field sound great to you? If you answered yes to both the questions, a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) may be a great fit for you. This is an increasingly popular career among many, including those who are simply looking for a positive career change.
- CNA Certification Requirements in Florida
- How to Get Your CNA Certification in Florida
- How to Verify Your CNA Certification in Florida
- How to Renew Your CNA Certification in Florida
- How to Reinstate Your CNA Certification in Florida
- How to Transfer Your CNA Certification from Florida to Another State
- Florida Nurse Aide Registry
- State-Approved CNA Programs in Florida
CNA Certification Requirements in Florida
The Florida Board of Nursing sets the standards for CNA training programs and the rules regarding CNA certification. To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Florida, you must first successfully pass background screening. Then, you must meet one of the three requirements:
- Completing a state-approved CNA training program and achieving a minimum score on the nursing assistant competency examination, which consists of a written test and skills test approved by the board and administered at a site and by personnel approved by the department.
- Achieving a minimum score on the examination and having a high school diploma or its equivalent or being at least 18 years of age.
- Completing the curriculum developed under the Enterprise Florida Jobs and Education Partnership Grant and achieving a minimum score on the examination.
How to Get Your CNA Certification in Florida
Whereas Florida's Board of Nursing regulates rules regarding CNA training and certification, Prometric handles the testing and actual certifications of prospective CNAs in Florida. If you pass background screening and meet one of the three requirements mentioned above, Prometric will add your name to Florida's Nurse Aide Registry.
How to Verify Your CNA Certification in Florida
If, for any reason, you need to verify your CNA certification in Florida, you can do so on the Board of Nursing website. Simply go to their homepage and click on "Lookup/Verify a License." You will be directed to a page where you will need to input information such as your full name, CNA certificate number or home address to verify your CNA certification.
How to Renew Your CNA Certification in Florida
CNA certifications in Florida must be renewed at the end of the two-year renewal cycle. To renew your certification, go to the Florida Board of Nursing website and click on "Renew/Renew a License." On the page that opens, click on the profession of Certified Nursing Assistant, and among the drop-down buttons menu that is shown, click on the “Renew Online” button. There is a fee for this transaction, and you must be currently working as a CNA.
How to Reinstate Your CNA Certification in Florida
If you missed the deadline for your CNA certification renewal or did not perform nursing-related services for monetary compensation within the last 24 consecutive months in order to remain on the registry, you will have to reinstate your certification. To do this, you must reapply for licensure and comply with current laws and rules.
How to Transfer Your CNA Certification from Florida to Another State
Many states have varying requirements regarding CNA certification. As such, if you want to transfer your Florida certification to another state, you will need to find out about the other state's requirements. You can do this by contacting their Nurse Aide Registry, Board of Nursing or other CNA regulatory agency. Typical requirements include CNA verification, continuing education coursework, additional certification testing and/or transfer fees.
Florida Nurse Aide Registry
If you have additional questions, contact the Florida Nurse Aide Registry at:
Florida Department of Health
Division of Medical Quality Assurance
4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN C-02, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 245-4125
Fax: (850) 617-6460
Registry Search Link
State-Approved CNA Programs in Florida
Finding a good CNA school is essential to becoming a successful CNA in Florida and anywhere else for that matter. The following schools are some of the top ones in the Sunshine state.
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology
5150 Linton Blvd #340, Delray Beach, FL 33484 (561) 381-4990
