CNA Classes & Programs in Gainesville, Florida
Get Information from CNA Programs in Gainesville and Nearby
Aspiring CNAs in Gainesville can choose from 3 state-approved CNA programs designed to prepare them for rewarding careers in patient care. Known as a college-town setting thanks to its university presence, Gainesville offers access to both academic resources and healthcare employers eager to hire newly certified professionals seeking hands-on experience.
The city’s CNA training programs emphasize skill-building aligned with Florida’s certification standards while offering flexible pathways—including free CNA classes—for eligible students pursuing entry into nursing assistant roles quickly or affordably. Gainesville’s location supports strong links between local education providers and prominent medical institutions throughout north-central Florida.
CNA courses here enable graduates to pursue state certification efficiently while exploring job options at hospitals or long-term care facilities across Gainesville and beyond.
Quick Facts About Gainesville
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Population142,414Residents
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CNA Programs3State-approved Programs
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Median Income$43,783Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$18.95Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$39,410Median Annual Salary
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Facilities24CMS Healthcare Facilities9 Nursing Homes • 3 Hospitals • 12 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Gainesville and Nearby
Schools in Gainesville and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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Browse CNA Classes in Gainesville
Students in Gainesville can choose from 3 CNA programs that prepare them for state registry placement through focused instruction aimed at Florida certification success. Free CNA training is available among these options—helping reduce barriers for those pursuing this career path—while all programs build practical caregiving skills needed by employers throughout Gainesville, where CNAs are valued members of healthcare teams.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in Gainesville through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: not available in Gainesville but are offered in other cities throughout Florida.
Online programs not available in Gainesville but are offered in other cities throughout Florida.
Santa Fe College
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Saint Francis Catholic Academy Health School
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Academy Of Health Professions
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Gainesville
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$39,410Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$18.95Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs2,680CNA Positions
CNA jobs in Gainesville are supported by a diverse healthcare sector, with approximately 2,680 certified nursing assistants employed according to recent workforce statistics. Local demand remains consistent across major hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies operating within Alachua County and surrounding areas.
CNA salary in Gainesville stands at a median annual rate of $39,410, or about $18.95 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This regional figure surpasses Florida’s statewide median salary of $36,340 for CNAs by a noticeable margin—reflecting competitive compensation driven by local employer demand within the city’s active healthcare sector.
The city hosts several notable CMS-certified employers including Oak Hammock at the University of Florida—a nonprofit corporation with over 70 beds—and Gainesville Health & Rehabilitation, offering services across more than 100 beds as one of the larger local facilities. Major hospitals such as UF Health Shands Hospital (affiliated with a leading research university), VA North Florida/South Georgia Healthcare System - Gainesville (veterans administration), and HCA Florida North Florida Hospital provide significant job opportunities alongside reputable home health agencies like Aveanna Home Health and Centerwell Home Health—all contributing to varied career paths available to newly licensed CNAs in Gainesville.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Gainesville? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Ocala, Williston, Jacksonville, Lake City, and Middleburg, or browse the Florida CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Gainesville (9 facilities)
9 nursing homes in Gainesville providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Gainesville (3 facilities)
3 hospitals in Gainesville offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
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Va North Florida/South Georgia Healthcare System - Gainesville
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Hca Florida North Florida Hospital
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Gainesville (12 facilities)
12 home health agencies in Gainesville providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Aveanna Home Health
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Centerwell Home Health
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Hca Florida Healthcare At Home
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Gainesville, FL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Gainesville, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Florida. These include completing a Florida Board of Nursing–approved Nursing Assistant Training Program, passing the state-approved competency exam administered by Prometric, and being listed on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 120 total hours of training (80 classroom/lab and 40 clinical hours, including a minimum of 20 hours in long-term care)
- Completion of 16 hours of required OBRA instruction before any direct patient contact
- Passing both the knowledge test (60 questions, 90 minutes) and the skills evaluation (five randomly selected skills)
- Up to three attempts per exam section before retraining is required
- Level II criminal background screening under Chapter 435, Florida Statutes
- Placement on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry after passing both exam components
Once certified, you may work in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and rehabilitation centers throughout Gainesville and across Florida. Licensed healthcare facilities may employ nurse aide trainees for up to 120 days while training and testing requirements are completed.
Already certified in another state? Florida offers certification by endorsement (reciprocity) for out-of-state CNAs who are active and in good standing. Applicants must meet Florida’s background screening requirements and may be required to pass the Florida competency exam if documentation is incomplete. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Florida guide.
For complete details on training, testing, renewal, and maintaining certification, see our full CNA License & Registration in Florida guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Gainesville
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Gainesville?
Most CNA programs in Gainesville can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Gainesville?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Gainesville?
Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Gainesville?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Gainesville?
Yes, some schools in Gainesville or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Gainesville there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Ocala, Williston, Jacksonville, Lake City, and Middleburg. You can also look at the Florida state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Florida CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Florida, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Florida CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Gainesville?
CNAs in Gainesville are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.