CNA Classes & Programs in Ocala, Florida
Get Information from CNA Programs in Ocala and Nearby
Ocala is home to 2 CNA programs—including one online option—that provide foundational education for those pursuing careers as certified nursing assistants in north central Florida. As part of its established medical community within Marion County’s seat, Ocala offers accessible pathways into local healthcare employment through classroom-based or flexible online study formats.
CNA classes available in Ocala focus on practical skill development required for state certification while offering flexibility through accelerated or online formats where available. With ten CMS-certified nursing homes like Ocala Health And Rehabilitation Center or Palm Garden Of Ocala present alongside three major hospitals—including Adventhealth Ocala—and eleven home health agencies serving residents citywide, graduates can transition directly into supportive roles after completing their program requirements.
In Ocala’s regional market area, CNAs earn around $34,850 per year according to BLS OEWS (May 2023), which is below Florida’s statewide median salary benchmark of $36,340 annually.
Quick Facts About Ocala
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Population63,504Residents
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CNA Programs2State-approved Programs
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Median Income$50,618Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$16.76Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$34,850Median Annual Salary
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Facilities24CMS Healthcare Facilities10 Nursing Homes • 3 Hospitals • 11 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Ocala and Nearby
Schools in Ocala 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 Ocala
Students in Ocala can choose from 2 CNA programs—including an online class—that prepare candidates for Florida state certification through flexible coursework options tailored toward busy schedules or accelerated study plans. These CNA classes enable learners to qualify quickly while gaining practical experience needed to pursue job openings throughout Ocala’s active healthcare sector where career opportunities remain steady.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Ocala, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Florida.
Accelerated programs: available in Ocala and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in Ocala offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
Taylor College NA Program
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Marion Technical College
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Ocala
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$34,850Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$16.76Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs1,480CNA Positions
The Ocala region employs approximately 1,480 certified nursing assistants across its network of hospitals, skilled nursing centers, rehabilitation facilities, and community-based care organizations. Ongoing demand ensures that both new graduates and experienced CNAs have options when seeking positions supporting patients throughout Marion County's diverse medical landscape.
The CNA salary in Ocala reflects localized trends: In this market area, CNAs typically earn around $34,850 per year—or about $16.76 an hour—according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure falls below Florida's statewide median salary of $36,340 but may vary depending on experience level or employer type within the city’s broad selection of healthcare institutions.
CNA job seekers can consider several major local employers: Ocala Health And Rehabilitation Center—a large facility with 180 beds—Bridgewater Park Health & Rehabilitation Center, Palm Garden Of Ocala, Life Care Center Of Ocala, Hawthorne Center For Rehabilitation And Healing Of, Adventhealth Ocala hospital, Marion Community Hospital, The Vines Hospital specializing in psychiatric services, Accomplished Home Care Of Ocala, Better @ Home agency, Centerwell Home Health, Concierge Home Care, and Munroe Regional Homecare—all CMS-certified providers supporting patient needs throughout Ocala's growing medical community.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Ocala? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Tavares, Leesburg, Williston, Starke, and Crystal River, 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 Ocala (10 facilities)
10 nursing homes in Ocala providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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Bridgewater Park Health & Rehabilitation Center
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Ocala (3 facilities)
3 hospitals in Ocala offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Ocala (11 facilities)
11 home health agencies in Ocala providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Accomplished Home Care Of Ocala
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Munroe Regional Homecare Llc
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Ocala, FL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Ocala, 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 Ocala 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 Ocala
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Ocala?
Most CNA programs in Ocala 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 Ocala?
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 Ocala?
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 Ocala?
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 Ocala?
Yes, some schools in Ocala 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 Ocala there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Tavares, Leesburg, Williston, Starke, and Crystal River. 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 Ocala?
CNAs in Ocala 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.