CNA Classes & Programs in Ocala, Florida
2 state-approved CNA programs in Ocala, including online, 4-week and evening options. Free programs are offered in other Florida cities.
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CNA training in Ocala
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $34,850
- $16.76 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 1,480
- in the Ocala region
- Healthcare facilities
- 24
- 10 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 11 home health agencies
- Population
- 63,504
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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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.
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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.
Program Types in Ocala
| Type | In Ocala | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Ocala | See other Florida cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Marion Technical College ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Marion Technical College ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Marion Technical College ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Ocala
Lowest published cost first.
Marion Technical College
Cost$818Hours120Weeks4
- Address
- 1014 Sw 7th Road, Ocala, FL 34471
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (352) 671-7222
- Schedule
- Evening classes
120-hour Nursing Assistant (Long-Term Care) program combining classroom, lab, and clinical training. Includes an online component and evening, three-days-per-week schedule.
Visit websiteTaylor College NA Program
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 2531 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (352) 245-4119
Taylor College NA Program is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
Not sure which of the 2 programs fits you?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Florida cities
- Jacksonville6 programs
- Miami13 programs
- Tampa3 programs
- Orlando3 programs
- St. Petersburg1 program
- Port St. Lucie4 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Ocala
| Median annual pay | $34,850 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $16.76 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 1,480 |
| Salary region | Ocala |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Ocala (10 facilities)
10 nursing homes in Ocala providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Ocala Health And Rehabilitation Center1201 Se 24Th Rd(352) 732-2449Map | 180 | 2.4 |
| Bridgewater Park Health & Rehabilitation Center9280 South West 81St Ct(352) 509-5201Map | 120 | 2.4 |
| Palm Garden Of Ocala2700 Sw 34Th St(352) 854-6262Map | 180 | 2.3 |
| Life Care Center Of Ocala2800 Sw 41St St(352) 873-7570Map | 120 | 2.3 |
| Hawthorne Center For Rehabilitation And Healing Of4100 Sw 33Rd Ave(352) 237-7776Map | 120 | 2.3 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Ocala (3 facilities)
3 hospitals in Ocala offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Adventhealth OcalaAcute Care Hospitals · 1500 Sw 1St Ave(352) 351-7200Map | 4/5 |
| Marion Communtiy HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 1431 Sw 1St Ave(352) 401-1000Map | 1/5 |
| The Vines HospitalPsychiatric · 3130 Sw 27Th Ave(352) 671-3130Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Ocala (11 facilities)
11 home health agencies in Ocala providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Accomplished Home Care Of Ocala1701 Ne 42Nd Avenue Unit 401(352) 291-6611Map | 4.0/5 |
| Better @ Home3021 Sw 27Th Ave(352) 694-8100Map | 4.0/5 |
| Centerwell Home Health311 Se 17Th Pl(352) 402-0660Map | 4.0/5 |
| Concierge Home Care2815 Se 17Th St Ste 101(352) 435-0101Map | 4.0/5 |
| Munroe Regional Homecare Llc2201 Se 30Th Avenue Suite 301(352) 351-7222Map | 4.0/5 |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
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.
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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Ocala.
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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. The shortest published length here is 4 weeks, at Marion Technical College.
How much does CNA training cost in Ocala?
Marion Technical College lists a price of $818. Ask the other programs in Ocala for theirs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Ocala?
No program in Ocala is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other Florida cities. 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?
Yes. Marion Technical College offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Ocala?
Yes. Marion Technical College is an accelerated program. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 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. CMS lists 10 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 11 home health agencies in Ocala. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.