About Our Nursing Assistant Training Program
The Nursing Assistant Training Program at South Florida Healthcare Institute is a state-approved program designed to prepare students for entry into professional practice as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). Approved by the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Board of Nursing, the program meets established state standards for healthcare training and competency.
The 120-hour hybrid program includes 40 hours of asynchronous online theory, 40 hours of in-person laboratory instruction, and 40 hours of supervised clinical practicum in a skilled nursing facility or hospital setting. This structured format provides flexibility while ensuring students develop the hands-on skills, clinical judgment, and confidence required in today’s healthcare environment.
Tuition is all-inclusive and covers textbooks, uniforms, supplies, student liability insurance, state examination fees, and American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Instruction is delivered by credentialed nursing professionals who emphasize clinical competence, ethical practice, effective communication, and professional responsibility. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare settings.
This comprehensive program equips students with the knowledge, credentials, and practical experience necessary to begin a rewarding career in healthcare.
Why Is the Nursing Assistant Training Program Important?
Florida has one of the largest and fastest-growing elderly populations in the nation, increasing the demand for qualified nursing assistants across hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health settings. As healthcare facilities work to meet staffing requirements and maintain high standards of patient care, the need for properly trained CNAs continues to rise throughout the state.
Nursing assistants serve as essential members of the healthcare team, providing direct patient care that supports safety, dignity, and recovery. This program offers a practical and timely pathway into a stable, in-demand profession within Florida’s expanding healthcare workforce.
Program Details
This 5-week hybrid program combines weekday independent study with weekend in-person training. Monday through Friday, students complete assigned readings and online skills modules at home, following a structured syllabus with instructor support available as needed.
On Saturdays and Sundays, students attend on-campus lab sessions from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Clinical training is conducted on select weekends at an affiliated skilled nursing facility or hospital from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuition: $1,750
Tuition includes uniforms, textbook, workbook, required supplies (blood pressure cuff and stethoscope), Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross, state board examination fee, drug screening, and electronic background check for clinical placement.
Please note: Tuition does not include the Level II background screening fee required by the Florida Department of Health for Nursing Assistant certification. Additional information regarding this requirement can be found at: https://flhealthsource.gov/background-screening
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Nursing Assistant Program must meet the following requirements:
- Must be 16 years of age or older (students under 18 must be currently enrolled in high school)
- High school diploma or GED recommended
- Ability to pass a 12-panel drug screening
- Completion of a student’s physical examination
- Successful background check
- Proof of negative tuberculosis screening (PPD test, QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood test, or negative chest X-ray)
- Proof of two (2) MMR vaccinations or positive MMR titers
- Proof of two (2) Varicella vaccinations or positive Varicella titers
Please note: Our clinical partners require full compliance with immunization policies. Religious exemptions are not accepted for required vaccines; only documented medical exemptions are permitted. Influenza, COVID-19, and Hepatitis B vaccines are not required for program admission at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Florida Healthcare Institute Nursing Assistant Training Program approved by the Florida Board of Nursing?
What is the schedule for the Nursing Assistant Training Program?
Do you offer evening or weekend classes?
Do I have to take an examination after I graduate to become licensed as a CNA?
Do I need to be vaccinated by COVID-19 to complete the Nursing Assistant Training Program?
Why should I register with your school, and how is your program different from a CNA Prep Class?
South Florida Healthcare Institute is proudly licensed and approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and the Florida Department of Education, ensuring that our Nursing Assistant Training Program meets the highest standards of quality and compliance. This accreditation is a key factor for prospective employers, who often require that candidates have completed a state-approved program that includes both classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience.
In addition, this level of approval is critically important for students planning to continue their education. Many LPN and RN programs prefer or require applicants to have graduated from an approved and licensed CNA program. In contrast, “CNA prep classes” that are not state-approved and do not include a clinical component are frequently not recognized by employers or advanced nursing programs.
Choosing a licensed and approved program like ours gives students the confidence and credibility they need to enter the workforce or pursue higher education in nursing.
Do you offer financial assistance for the Nursing Assistant Training Program?
Yes, South Florida Healthcare Institute is proud to partner with several respected organizations that offer funding opportunities to help students cover the cost of their Nursing Assistant Training Program. These partnerships make it possible for many students to complete their training with little to no out-of-pocket expense, while also creating pathways to employment in the healthcare field.
- Futuro Health – Futuro Health provides 100% tuition grants to eligible students residing in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. This funding covers the full cost of the Nursing Assistant Program.
Click here to apply for the Futuro Health Nursing Assistant Grant - MorseLife Health System – Located in West Palm Beach, Florida, MorseLife offers students 100% tuition assistance in exchange for a one-year employment commitment at their skilled nursing facility. This program allows students to attend school for free and guarantees a part-time or full-time job upon successful program completion.
Click here to apply for the MorseLife CNA Scholarship - Boca Helping Hands – Boca Helping Hands offers full tuition assistance for qualified applicants based on financial need. This is an excellent opportunity for those seeking to enter the healthcare field with support from a trusted local organization.
Learn more and apply at Boca Helping Hands
These funding opportunities not only reduce financial barriers but also help students begin meaningful careers in healthcare with valuable job placement support.
Clinical Affiliations
