What is a certified nursing assistant?

A Certified Nursing Assistant is responsible for the routine care and treatment of sick, disabled, and terminally ill patients under the direct supervision of nurses in nursing homes, rehabilitation, hospitals, hospices, home health agencies and private homes.

C.N.A.s engage in tasks such as transferring and transporting patients, giving bed baths, giving back rubs, making up hospital beds, and monitoring vital signs.

Certified Nursing Assistants are qualified for employment as entry level care givers in hospitals, long term care agencies, clinics, physician offices, and clients’ homes. Many C.N.A.s continue with education that leads to certification as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.
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How is Florida Training Academy different from other local C.N.A. exam prep schools?

Florida Training Academy is owned by Eunice Mathis, RN, BSN. A native of Jacksonville, Florida who has been a nurse for over 15 years. Ms. Mathis and her staff have helped THOUSANDS of students advance their careers.

Did you know that ANYONE can open an Exam Preparation business? This is exactly what many of our competitors have done! They are not patient care advocates and many have NEVER worked in a healthcare setting. We are owned and operated by local medical professionals who are dedicated to the services that they provide to their students and to the community.

We are not simply administrators who run a training facility. We are professionals who live and care for actual patients and residents of this great community!

Each instructor at FTA holds an active medical license for the State of Florida.  Therefore, we prepare our students for the exam and for the "real world".

We go above and beyond by offering our students a online training and documentation of their hardwork and effort. We also keep our class sizes small and allow for time between classes so that we can focus and individualize the education we provide based on each student's needs.

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Do I need to take a course in order to take the State Exam?

No, you are not required to take any course prior to challenging the exam. However, even if you have experience as a nurse assistant, challenging the exam can prove quite difficult. You will be assigned to perform 3 of the skills and be observed by a nurse evaluator. Successful completion of each skill is required in order for you to pass, miss one thing and you will fail. Our prep course will teach you the skills required to pass the State's C.N.A. exam.

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How do I register for your course?

Applications are accepted at any time and students are accepted on a first come, first served basis. If you are not able to come to the school in advance, you will be given an application and brief questionairre on the first day of class. Your full payment or down payment can be made on-line securely via our Register On-Line page to reserve your seat.

Additionally, please present a copy of your Photo Identification card (license or state issued ID only) on the first day of class.

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What do you mean by "Challenge" the exam?

Anyone who is at least 18 years of age may take the state exam, with or without formal training. A challenger of the State exam is a person who has not completed an 120 hour State approved course. A Challenger takes the same State exam as the other students who attended longer programs and are issued the same Florida C.N.A. license if they can successfully pass the examination.

Candidates will be given 3 attempts to pass both portions of the C.N.A. examinaton before they are required to attend an 120 hour State approved C.N.A. training program.

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Will I receive a diploma after completing your program?

No. You will receive documentation of attendance upon completion.We will document your training with the Florida Board of Nursing by issuing CEU and Inservice credits once you are licensed..

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How do I become a  C.N.A. in Florida?

You may challenge the state exam without taking a prep course. However, a CNA Prep Course will instruct you on what to study and how to do the skills. If you attempt to take the C.N.A. exam without any training and fail the exam, you have to wait 30 days before you can test again and repay fees to the State! Therefore, a C.N.A. Prep Course is highly beneficial. We offer the Prep Course and help you to fill out the application so that you can get an examination date and time. Please note that only the State of Florida can certify you as a C.N.A. in Florida.
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Where will my State examination be held?

There are 2 regional test sites in Jacksonville. There are also test sites in Tallahassee, Gainesville and Lake City. We discuss test site locations and walk you through the application process during our class.

By choosing our program, you receive a quality education and save money. Also, you will be prepared to test at the local State test site that is most convenient for you!  Remember the State test site/location is not the most important factor. If you do not know your the skills, you will fail the examination (regardless of the test site location)! We prepare you so that you will be able to confidently take your exam at the test site that has the quickest test date available.
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What do I need to know about the Florida C.N.A. exam?

Candidates, both first-time and re-certifying, must pass the CNA Examination which is a 2 part examination, consisting of a written and a performance (skills) section.

The Written Test is a 90 minute test with sixty (60) multiple-choice questions written in English. An "Audio" test in English or Spanish may be requested for the Written Test if you have difficulty reading or understanding English. If English is your second language or if you have difficulty reading English, please request the English or Spanish audio test when you submit your application.

During the clinical (skills) portion of the test, you will be assigned to perform 3 of skills and be observed by 2 nurse evaluators. Successful completion of each skill is required in order for you to pass, miss one thing and you will fail. Our prep course will specifically train you to pass the state CNA exam.
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Do I need a GED or highschool diploma to take the course?

No. If you are 18 years old or over you do not need a GED or high school Diploma. If you are under 18 years old then you will need a GED or Highschool Diploma to take the State (CNA) Test.

What if I did not take your tutoring program and have failed one portion of the exam?

We offer a Clinical Skills Video for those who have failed the clinical portion of the examination. We also offer a two hour competency review for those who have failed the written portion of the exam. Contact our office for more information.
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What is included in the fee? What do I get out of the C.N.A. Exam Prep Course?

All CNA exam prep course fees include 24/7 access to clinical skills videos, practice written exams, your CNA Exam Prep manual, 2-3 days of hands-on skills review before your test and 24 hours of Nursing Assistant CEU's / Inservices. You will get hands on training for the skills portion and written materials to Prep for the State test. We will go over all materials in a classroom setting and skills in a lab setting to simulate a hospital room.

How soon can I test?

You will be given an application to apply for the State test during the course.  We assist you in filling out the application and direct you where to send the money for testing. You then either complete the testing application on-line or you can also email/fax it in when you have the money to pay for it.

You will receive an admission letter with  your testing date and time mailed back to you usually within 4 weeks from the date of receipt of the application. We cannot control the time frame the State takes to get you a test date and time. So we encourage you to pay for and schedule your test date before or shortly after you enroll in our Exam Prep course.

How do I hold my seat in the class?

You may pay the applicable deposit with a credit or debit card on the Register On-line page of our website. You do not have to have a Paypal account.  We just secure your payment this way to ensure the safety of your credit/debit card.

You may also make arrangements to pay the deposit in person by  money order. Sorry no personal checks are accepted! The remaining balance of the course is then due the first day of class.
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What to bring to class? What to wear?

Bring a high-lighter, a POSITIVE attitude and a willingness to learn.  Our dress code is casual dress that is appropriate for a classroom setting. Please have athletic shoes or non slip shoes available during clinical practice.
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How much are the State Fees to test? Who gets the money?

As of summer 2016, the testing and background fees total  $240.00. The State's testing fees are made payable to Prometric. These fees include your  clinical and written exam, FBI background screening and a mandatory processing fee.

The State's fees are subject to change without notice. Our program updates our information regularly. However, we are not responsible for changes in the amount that the State charges. Thank you for understanding.

You will receive an application from us that you can mail into the State to get a test date and time to test. We will go over the application process step by step in class and assist you in filling it out. We do not arrange test dates and times as this is controlled by the State Testing program itself.

If you are not enrolled in our program we do not provide applications and information booklets to you. These are for our students only. Please contact the State directly. Thank you for your understanding.
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Will I be able to work immediately?

Persons taking an exam preparation course will need to take and pass the exam before beginning working the capacity of a C.N.A. This does not preclude the facility from hiring you in another role until you, take the exam. According to Florida law, you do not need to be certified to work in a hospital or assisted living facility, but the facility itself may require you to be certified.

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As a CNA can I work as a HHA (Home Health Aide)?

Once you become a certified nursing assistant you will be able to work as both a CNA and HHA with private pay clients, without further training. The exception to this statement applies to those persons who work for care agencies that receive reimbursement from Medicare/Medicaid. Those persons are required to have a home health aide certification.
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What if I have been convicted of a crime?

Pursuant to Section 456.0635, Florida Statutes, effective July 1, 2009, health care boards and/or the department shall refuse to issue a license, certificate or registration and shall refuse to admit a candidate for examination if the candidate has a conviction based on this new statute.

As of August 2010, Prometric is now required to collect a FBI background screening and fingerprinting from all candidates prior to scheduling  their exam date.

Depending on the age, types and seriousness of the offense(s), your case may go before the Board of Nursing; you will also be notified of this meeting. If the Board denies your certification, you will receive an official Intent to Deny Order and will have right of appeal. We can provide direction regarding the appeals process.

You can find out more information by visiting the Florida Department of Health at this link: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/cna/cna-faqs.htm
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Can I still sit for the exam even though there’s something in my background?

You will need to complete an application, have a FBI background check and fingerprinting completed in order to be absolutely sure that you are eligible to receive your nursing assistant license based on the 2010 changes.
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Is a background check required when entering a C.N.A. exam prep program or C.N.A. school?

We do not require a background check for entrance into our program. However, we have a duty to inform and educate the candidate of the requirement and the process for background screening prior to the certification.

If you have a previous charge, we prefer for you to submit your application to the State first. You can pay for the C.N.A. Exam Prep Course after your application is reviewed by the Board of Nursing and you are sure that the State will issue you a license once you pass the test.
 

Ready to register for your CNA exam?

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