CNA Classes & Programs in Gulfport, Florida
Get Information from CNA Programs in Gulfport and Nearby
Gulfport is home to 1 CNA program designed for individuals seeking entry into Florida’s healthcare field. Located within the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area, Gulfport enables students to pursue CNA classes locally while benefiting from proximity to a large urban region with numerous care settings. The program prepares candidates for state certification as nursing assistants.
The city’s healthcare landscape includes a CMS-certified nursing home that provides both hands-on learning opportunities during training and potential job openings after graduation. In the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater region, CNAs earn around $36,580 annually—close to the statewide median salary—reflecting steady demand across Pinellas County and surrounding areas.
No free or online CNA programs are currently available in Gulfport; however, those who complete local training are equipped with essential skills needed for state certification and employment at facilities such as Boca Ciega Center or other nearby employers within the metro area.
Quick Facts About Gulfport
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Population11,796Residents
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CNA Programs1State-approved Programs
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Median Income$60,461Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$17.59Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$36,580Median Annual Salary
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Facilities1CMS Nursing Home
Get Information from CNA Programs in Gulfport and Nearby
Schools in Gulfport 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 Gulfport
Gulfport offers 1 CNA training program that qualifies students for Florida CNA certification while supporting skill development vital for success in patient care roles. The program helps prepare graduates for entry into the workforce where CNAs are needed throughout Gulfport’s healthcare network. With practical instruction focused on job readiness and passing certification exams, this option meets local needs effectively.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Gulfport, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Florida.
Accelerated programs: not available in Gulfport but are offered in other cities throughout Florida.
Online programs not available in Gulfport but are offered in other cities throughout Florida.
Center For Wellness & Medical Professions At Boga Ciega Hs
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Gulfport
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$36,580Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$17.59Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs14,780CNA Positions
CNA jobs in Gulfport are influenced by the broader Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater region, where approximately 14,780 certified nursing assistants are employed according to current labor statistics. Local demand remains steady as healthcare providers seek qualified staff to support patients in diverse clinical environments throughout this part of Pinellas County.
The CNA salary in Gulfport aligns closely with regional benchmarks: In the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area, CNAs earn around $36,580 per year (or about $17.59 per hour), based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This figure is very similar to the Florida statewide median salary of $36,340, offering prospective nursing assistants realistic expectations about compensation when entering the field locally.
Boca Ciega Center stands out as Gulfport’s primary CMS-certified nursing facility—a 120-bed for-profit corporation serving over 100 residents on average—which consistently hires certified nursing assistants to deliver quality long-term care services. While hospital options are not present within Gulfport itself, many additional employment opportunities exist throughout the greater metro region at nearby hospitals and clinics.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Gulfport? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Seminole, Sarasota, Bradenton, Clearwater, and Tampa, 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 Gulfport (1 facilities)
1 nursing home in Gulfport providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Gulfport, FL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Gulfport, 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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Gulfport?
Most CNA programs in Gulfport 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 Gulfport?
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 Gulfport?
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 Gulfport?
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 Gulfport?
Yes, some schools in Gulfport 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 Gulfport there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Seminole, Sarasota, Bradenton, Clearwater, and Tampa. 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 Gulfport?
CNAs in Gulfport 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.