Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Florida
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for FL
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Florida
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Florida, individuals must meet the requirements set by the Florida Board of Nursing. This typically involves completing a 120-hour state-approved training program, which includes 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical experience. Alternatively, candidates who are at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED may challenge the Prometric CNA Exam without prior training. All applicants must pass the Prometric CNA Exam, which consists of a written and a skills portion, and undergo a Level 2 background screening with electronic fingerprinting. Florida offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states, provided they meet specific criteria and pass a background check.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Requirements in Florida
| Detail | Florida |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Florida Board of Nursing |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 120-hour state-approved training program (80 hours classroom, 40 hours clinical), OR challenge exam without training if 18 years or older with a high school diploma/GED. If challenging and failing three times, a training program is required. |
| Exam | Prometric CNA Exam ($155) |
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age for training is 16. To challenge the exam, candidates must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. A Level 2 background screening with electronic fingerprinting is required. If an applicant fails the exam three times, they must complete an approved training program before re-examination. |
Source: Florida Board of Nursing
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Florida
The median certified nursing assistant salary in Florida is $36,850 per year, which is 6.8% below the national median of $39,530.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $32,690 |
| 25th | $35,360 |
| 50th (median) | $36,850 |
| 75th | $41,030 |
| 90th (experienced) | $46,080 |
Florida employs approximately 91,280 certified nursing assistants.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Florida Worth It?
Factors to consider: Florida's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, and your personal career goals.