CNA Classes & Programs in Sarasota, Florida
3 state-approved CNA programs in Sarasota, including free, online, 4-week and evening options.
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CNA training in Sarasota
- Programs
- 3
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $37,800
- $18.17 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 4,430
- in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton region
- Healthcare facilities
- 38
- 23 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 13 home health agencies
- Population
- 55,508
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Sarasota offers 3 CNA programs that equip students with core skills necessary to become Certified Nursing Assistants in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metro area. Situated along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sarasota provides access to quality healthcare education in a vibrant regional setting where both traditional and flexible learning paths are available.
Aspiring CNAs in Sarasota can benefit from online classes and accelerated options among local training programs. These diverse offerings prepare graduates for certification while addressing different scheduling needs and learning preferences. Students can expect instruction tailored toward practical skills development and successful entry into patient care roles at area hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies.
In the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton region, CNAs earn around $37,800 annually—a figure above the statewide median—making Sarasota an appealing location for those pursuing this vital healthcare profession.
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Browse CNA Classes in Sarasota
Sarasota provides 3 CNA training programs that enable students to pursue Florida CNA certification while gaining practical experience needed for success in local healthcare roles. Online CNA classes and accelerated programs are available to accommodate different schedules and learning needs. Graduates are prepared for state registry placement with career opportunities in healthcare facilities throughout Sarasota where certified nursing assistants are consistently hired.
Program Types in Sarasota
| Type | In Sarasota | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 3 programs | See them ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Meridian West Central College ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 3 CNA programs in Sarasota
Lowest published cost first.
Meridian West Central College
CostFreeHours120Weeks9
- Address
- 201 Montgomery Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34243
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (941) 917-0000
- Schedule
- Evening classes
Tuition-free hybrid CNA training offered with CareerEdge and Dwyer Workforce Development features 120 hours over about nine weeks with day or evening options and online theory plus in-person labs and clinicals. Includes job placement support and wraparound services for eligible Sarasota/Manatee residents.
Visit websiteSuncoast Technical College
CostFreeHours–Weeks6
- Address
- 4748 Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34233
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (941) 924-1365
STC partners with CareerEdge to offer a tuition-free CNA FastTrack that runs about 6 weeks with classroom instruction and one week of clinicals to quickly prepare students for entry-level roles.
Visit websiteSarasota Memorial Healthcare System (Smhcs)
Cost–Hours–Weeks4
- Address
- 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (941) 917-9000
SMH offers a 4-week accelerated CNA training program for current employees featuring online didactic coursework, in-person skills in the simulation lab, and clinical experience on hospital units.
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.
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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 Sarasota
| Median annual pay | $37,800 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.17 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 4,430 |
| Salary region | North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton region, approximately 4,430 Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) work within hospitals, long-term care centers, and home health settings. Local demand remains steady as healthcare providers seek trained professionals capable of delivering quality support to patients across multiple care environments.
The CNA salary in Sarasota aligns with regional figures: In the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metro area, CNAs earn around $37,800 annually or $18.17 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This is higher than Florida’s statewide median salary of $36,340 for CNAs—reflecting competitive compensation within this coastal metropolitan area.
Sarasota features a range of notable CMS-certified employers including Bay Village of Sarasota (a nonprofit facility with 95 beds), Sunnyside Nursing Home (60 beds), and Glenridge on Palmer Ranch Inc., known for its nonprofit status and commitment to elder care. Major acute-care employers include Sarasota Memorial Hospital—a government hospital district entity recognized locally—and HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. Leading home health agencies such as Enhabit Home Health and Sarasota Memorial Homecare provide additional employment avenues for certified nursing assistants seeking flexible or community-based positions.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Sarasota (23 facilities)
23 nursing homes in Sarasota 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bay Village Of Sarasota8400 Vamo Road(941) 966-5611Map | 95 | 4.5 |
| Inn At Sarasota Bay Club1303 North Tamiami Trail(941) 953-6949Map | 44 | 3.9 |
| Glenridge On Palmer Ranch Inc.7333 Scotland Way(941) 552-5300Map | 61 | 3.4 |
| Sunnyside Nursing Home5201 Bahia Vista Street(941) 371-2729Map | 60 | 3.1 |
| Plymouth Harbor Incorporated700 John Ringling Blvd(941) 365-2600Map | 56 | 3.0 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Sarasota (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Sarasota offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Sarasota Memorial HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 1700 S Tamiami Trl(941) 917-9000Map | 5/5 |
| Hca Florida Sarasota Doctors HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 5731 Bee Ridge Rd(941) 342-1100Map | 4/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Sarasota (13 facilities)
13 home health agencies in Sarasota 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 |
|---|---|
| Enhabit Home Health2201 Cantu Ct Ste 202(941) 955-4600Map | 5.0/5 |
| Sarasota Home Health Care Agency Llc8051 N Tamiami Trail Unit E3(941) 306-4347Map | 5.0/5 |
| Sarasota Memorial Homecare6075 Rand Blvd Suite 3(941) 917-7730Map | 5.0/5 |
| Centerwell Home Health100 Paramount Dr Ste 102(941) 363-4590Map | 4.5/5 |
| Concierge Home Care6003 Honore Ave Ste 201(941) 342-9400Map | 4.5/5 |
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 Sarasota? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Bradenton, Port Charlotte, Bartow, Arcadia, and Clearwater, 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 Sarasota, FL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Sarasota, 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Sarasota
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Sarasota?
Most CNA programs in Sarasota 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 Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System (Smhcs).
How much does CNA training cost in Sarasota?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Sarasota directly for their current costs. 2 programs are free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Sarasota?
Yes. 2 programs in Sarasota are free or employer-paid: Meridian West Central College and Suncoast Technical College. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may also offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Sarasota?
Yes. 2 programs in Sarasota offer hybrid options, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Sarasota?
Yes. 3 programs in Sarasota are accelerated. 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 Sarasota there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Bradenton, Port Charlotte, Bartow, Arcadia and Clearwater. 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 Sarasota?
CNAs in Sarasota are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 23 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 13 home health agencies in Sarasota. 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.