CNA Classes & Programs in Tampa, Florida
Get Information from CNA Programs in Tampa and Nearby
Tampa is home to 3 CNA programs offering aspiring nursing assistants direct access to state-approved education within this vibrant Gulf Coast city. Students benefit from hands-on learning that supports both certification success and skill development required by employers throughout Tampa’s active healthcare sector.
CNA courses here focus on preparing candidates for Florida’s certification process while building foundational knowledge needed for real-world patient care roles across various settings—including hospitals, long-term care centers, and home health organizations serving Tampa residents daily.
In the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater region—which includes Tampa—CNAs earn around $36,580 annually according to recent regional data. Tampa’s available programs help meet steady demand for skilled caregivers within one of Central Florida’s leading medical markets.
Quick Facts About Tampa
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Population388,768Residents
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CNA Programs3State-approved Programs
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Median Income$66,802Median 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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Facilities92CMS Healthcare Facilities18 Nursing Homes • 6 Hospitals • 68 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Tampa and Nearby
Schools in Tampa 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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- Upcoming start dates & schedules
- Tuition costs & financial aid options
- Class locations & formats
- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Tampa
Tampa provides 3 CNA training programs designed to qualify students for Florida state certification while building essential practical skills through classroom instruction and clinical experiences. Each program prepares candidates thoroughly to succeed on certification exams and pursue rewarding work in healthcare settings. Career opportunities are available throughout Tampa, where CNAs play an important role supporting patient care needs daily.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Tampa, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Florida.
Accelerated programs: not available in Tampa but are offered in other cities throughout Florida.
Online programs not available in Tampa but are offered in other cities throughout Florida.
Wharton High School
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Tampa Bay Technical High School
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Finlay Institute Of Nursing
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Tampa
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 Tampa are supported by approximately 14,780 certified nursing assistants employed across diverse clinical environments in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater region, demonstrating ongoing need for trained CNAs throughout Tampa Bay’s hospitals and long-term care providers.
The CNA salary in Tampa stands at a median annual wage of $36,580, or roughly $17.59 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) statistics. This closely tracks with—but slightly exceeds—the statewide median salary of $36,340 reported for all Florida CNAs. Actual compensation may vary depending on employer type or professional experience within this large regional market.
Tampa’s major employers include HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital and St Josephs Hospital. Local long-term care centers such as Canterbury Towers (60 beds), Elon Manor Nursing And Rehabilitation Center (96 beds), and Palm Garden Of Tampa (120 beds) are CMS-certified with significant resident populations. Agencies like Ambiance Home Health Care also create additional opportunities among more than ninety CMS-recognized facilities citywide.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Tampa? Explore CNA programs and jobs in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Riverview, and Lakeland, 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 Tampa (18 facilities)
18 nursing homes in Tampa providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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St. Andrew Post-Acute Rehabilitation Center
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Tampa (6 facilities)
6 hospitals in Tampa offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
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St Josephs Hospital
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Tampa (68 facilities)
68 home health agencies in Tampa providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Ambiance Home Health Care Inc
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Healthy Services Of Tampa Inc
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Making Memories Home Health Inc
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Southeast Homecare
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Tampa, FL
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Tampa, 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 Tampa 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 Tampa
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Tampa?
Most CNA programs in Tampa 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 Tampa?
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 Tampa?
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 Tampa?
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 Tampa?
Yes, some schools in Tampa 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 Tampa there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Riverview, and Lakeland. 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 Tampa?
CNAs in Tampa 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.