Your Guide to CNA Training and Certification in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale’s CNA training options span from a $250, 24-hour exam-prep course (designed for students with prior healthcare coursework) to a 600-hour comprehensive program costing $1,984. Choosing means balancing how much guided clinical practice you need before testing.

The metro’s hospitals and nursing facilities continue to hire newly certified nursing assistants, but employer preferences for hands-on experience vary widely. A program’s length and cost directly affect your immediate job readiness and long-term earning potential in a region where median CNA pay sits near $37,700.

The ranked programs below reflect the range most accessible to Broward County residents, all approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.

Fort Lauderdale's Healthcare Landscape: Why CNAs Are in Demand

Which Fort Lauderdale employers are actively hiring CNAs right now, and why is demand for nursing assistants so dependable in this region?

The metro area's mix of large hospital networks, a growing retiree population, and a wide network of long-term care facilities creates a consistent need for certified nursing assistants. With 60 open CNA positions in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach area as of August 2026, and over 460 statewide¹, the job market rewards candidates who complete a solid CNA training program and earn state certification.

Major Employers for CNAs in Fort Lauderdale

Hospitals are among the most visible employers, but the landscape also includes skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies. Active CNA hiring happens across:

• Hospitals: Holy Cross Health (a Trinity Health affiliate), Baptist Health South Florida, Broward Health, HCA Florida Westside Hospital, and Memorial Healthcare System.
• Long-term and post-acute care: Wilton Manors Health and Rehabilitation Center, Plantation Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Broward Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and The Palace Group.
• Home care and hospice: FCP Live-In, Forrester Homecare, Interim HealthCare, Aviata Health Group, and hospice support roles such as the Hospice Aide (CNA) PRN opening in Fort Lauderdale¹.

These providers post for patient care tech and clinical partner CNA roles year-round, often with schedules ranging from full-time days to weekend shifts³.

Incentives That Signal Demand

When employers compete for talent, they add perks that benefit new graduates. Baptist Health South Florida advertises a sign-on bonus of up to $2,500 for CNA-adjacent roles², and multiple hospital systems host monthly hiring events. Beyond initial hiring bonuses, some employers offer tuition reimbursement for CNA-to-LPN or CNA-to-RN bridge programs, with a common ceiling of $5,250 per year tax-free. While no single “earn-while-you-learn” program dominates the Fort Lauderdale market, the presence of bonuses and tuition support signals that facilities are eager to fill patient care roles.

Why Training Quality Matters Locally

Florida’s aging population and reputation as a retirement hub fuel the need for nursing assistants across all care settings. CNAs in Florida work under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, carrying out hands-on duties such as bathing, repositioning, feeding, and vital-sign monitoring. This scope of practice means that employers look for graduates who have completed rigorous classroom and clinical training, not just a quick test-prep course. Strong training leads to better patient outcomes and smoother job placements inside one of the state’s busiest healthcare corridors.

Online & Hybrid CNA Classes Serving Fort Lauderdale Students

While a completely online CNA program doesn’t exist, CNA classes in Florida require at least 40 hours of supervised clinical experience in a healthcare facility, so several schools have adapted by offering hybrid models. These hybrid CNA programs pair online theory coursework with in-person clinical rotations, giving you flexibility without skipping the essential hands-on practice.

Hybrid CNA Programs Accepting Fort Lauderdale Students

• CNA Training and Testing Center: This self-paced hybrid option combines online learning with a clinical externship at an AHCA-licensed skilled nursing facility. Choose a 4-week day cohort (Mon, Thu 8:30am, 2:30pm) or a 5.5-week evening track (Mon, Thu 6, 10pm). Total cost, including background check and testing fees, is $875.¹
• ccCNA: The 100-hour hybrid course offers entirely self-paced online theory, then three 9-hour in-class days and three 8-hour clinical days at a local facility. The program costs $550 and you can start anytime. Note: clinical shifts run 6am, 2:30pm, so early mornings are required.²
• Center for Career Training: Located right in Fort Lauderdale/Lauderdale Lakes, this program runs 4 weeks for day students (Mon, Thu 8:30am, 2:30pm) or 5.5 weeks for evening students (Mon, Thu 6, 10pm) with weekend flexibility. While the school advertises a hybrid format, call to confirm exactly what portion is completed online versus in person.³
• Stone Academy Plus: This 16-week hybrid Patient Care Technician program bundles CNA with EKG and phlebotomy training. The tuition is higher at $6,150, and clinical sites are arranged by the school. It’s a longer commitment but provides multiple certifications in one track.⁴

Scheduling That Fits a Busy Life

Many programs recognize that students are balancing work and family. Evening and weekend classes are common, so check with schools like Center for Career Training or CNA Training and Testing Center for their next evening cohort start dates. Self-paced online options like ccCNA let you complete the reading and quizzes on your own time before attending scheduled clinical days. If weekends are your only free time, call ahead to ask whether a weekend-only clinical rotation is available.

Verifying Your Clinical Placement Location

When comparing programs, the most important question to ask is: where will I complete my clinicals? Some schools, like CNA Training and Testing Center, partner with specific nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. Others require you to find and secure your own clinical site. Always confirm that the facility is within a reasonable commute from your home or workplace in Fort Lauderdale. A program that’s perfect on paper may not be practical if clinical rotations are 40 miles away.

Common Questions About CNA Training in Fort Lauderdale

Prospective students often have questions about scheduling, duration, and format. Below are clear answers based on current local offerings and Florida regulations.

1. How long does it take to become a CNA in Fort Lauderdale?

   Typical programs run 4-12 weeks, with accelerated full-time tracks as short as 4-6 weeks.¹ For example, Center for Career Training offers a 4-week day program and a 5.5-week evening program.² Part-time options may extend several months. All must meet Florida's 120 training hours requirement.³

2. Are there evening or weekend CNA classes in Fort Lauderdale?

   Yes, some schools offer evening and flexible weekend schedules. Center for Career Training has an evening class Monday-Thursday 6:00-8:30 PM and flexible weekend options.² Other local providers also offer flexible schedules.

3. Can I take CNA classes online in Fort Lauderdale?

   No program is fully online because Florida requires supervised clinical hours.³ Some state-approved programs may offer online coursework for theory portions, but you must still complete hands-on clinical training in person to meet the 120-hour rule and be eligible for certification.³

CNA Programs Within Commuting Distance of Fort Lauderdale

Broward County's dense network of private training schools and public technical centers means most Fort Lauderdale residents can find a state-approved CNA program within a 30-minute drive, often with evening or weekend schedules built for working adults. Below is a city-by-city look at confirmed programs, what each one offers, and a few details worth knowing before you enroll.

Fort Lauderdale Proper

Several Florida Board of Nursing-approved programs operate inside city limits:

• Ankod Technical Institute: Located at 4960 North Pine Island Road. Contact them at 954-776-4110 for current tuition, start dates, and schedule options.
• Coral Ridge Training School: Found at 2121 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Suite 8. Reach admissions at 954-561-2022.
• Florida Nursing Assistance Academy: Situated at 5460 North State Road 7, Suite 101. Call 954-733-5334 for enrollment details.
• Marlene's Training Center: Shares the same 5460 N. State Rd 7 address (Suites 113-114). Phone: 954-533-9608.
• Stranahan High School: Located at 1800 SW 5th Place, this school may offer CNA training for high school students, providing a lower-cost path; contact them directly for program availability.

Tuition and program length are not consistently published online for most of these schools, so a quick phone call is the fastest way to get current pricing.

Oakland Park, Lauderdale Lakes, and Plantation

• Caregivers of Broward Training Institute (2700 West Oakland Park Blvd. #24, Oakland Park; 954-733-7211) appears in training directories, though prospective students should confirm its current Board of Nursing approval status before registering.
• Center for Career Training (Lauderdale Lakes) stands out for its flexible scheduling: evening classes run Monday through Thursday from 6:00 to 8:30 PM, and weekend sessions are also available.¹
• Safety Keeper Career Training Institute (4121 NW 5th Street, Suite 216-A, Plantation; 954-584-5862) is another nearby option worth contacting for updated enrollment information.

Two additional programs operate in Lauderdale Lakes at 3050 NW 41st Street and 3286 North State Road 7. Contact each directly, as school names and approval details are not fully listed in public directories.

Davie and Coconut Creek

• McFatter Technical Center (6500 Nova Drive, Davie; 754-321-5700) is a well-known Broward County public technical school offering CNA training alongside dozens of other career programs.
• Broward College (Central Campus, Davie) has historically offered CNA coursework through its continuing education division. Public college pricing is generally among the most affordable in the area.
• Atlantic Technical College (Coconut Creek), roughly 15 miles north of downtown Fort Lauderdale, is another public option with a reputation for competitive tuition.

Clinical Partnerships Worth Noting

Baptist Health South Florida offers a hospital sponsored CNA training program, the Clinical Partner CNA Prep Program, with cohort-based classes at its Boca Raton campus (660 Glades Road, Suite 130), about 40 miles north. The 2026 session dates are January 26 through March 9, April 27 through June 8, July 13 through August 24, and October 11 through November 23. Because Baptist Health is one of South Florida's largest hospital systems, graduates are positioned for direct hiring consideration within their facilities. Contact Andra O. Demorizi at 786-594-6309 or [email protected] for details.

Bilingual and Spanish-Language Options

South Florida's large Spanish-speaking population means some private CNA schools in the Fort Lauderdale area advertise bilingual instruction. Program names and availability shift often, so if you need classes taught partly or fully in Spanish, ask each school on this list whether they currently offer that option.

A Quick but Important Reminder

Program availability, tuition, and approval status can change between enrollment cycles. Before you pay any deposit, verify that your chosen school is currently listed on the Florida Board of Nursing's approved CNA training program roster. A program that was approved last year may not be approved today, and graduating from a non-approved program means you will not be eligible to sit for the Florida CNA competency exam. A few minutes of verification can save you months of frustration.

Florida CNA Certification: Steps After Your Fort Lauderdale Training

Finishing your Fort Lauderdale training is the first milestone, not the finish line. Before you can work as a CNA in Florida, you must clear a Board of Nursing background screening, pass the Prometric competency exam, and be listed on the Florida Nursing Assistant Registry.

Eligibility and Background Screening

To test, you need documented completion of a state-approved nursing assistant program (typically 75+ hours of classroom and clinical instruction) and the CNA background check requirements from the Board. The screening fee runs around $105 in 2026 and must be finished before you register with Prometric. Local providers, including Beacon Hill Career Training at 201 W. Sunrise Blvd #2C in Fort Lauderdale (954-719-6767), can walk students through this sequence.

The Prometric Exam and Registry Application

You submit the Florida CNA application (with fee, currently $155) through Prometric. The Board reviews your file, confirms training and screening, then notifies Prometric to schedule you. Plan for eligibility to be approved at least 5 business days before your test date.³ The 2026 exam includes a written knowledge test (around 60 questions) and a skills evaluation (five demonstrated skills).¹ Passing alone doesn't make you a CNA: the Board must post you to the Florida Nursing Assistant Registry (850-245-4125).² For scheduling questions, Prometric candidate support is 888-277-3500.

Renewal and Recertification

Florida renewal runs on a 2-year cycle, and 24 in-service hours are commonly requested during that period, though specific hour rules can vary by employer. If your certification lapses through inactivity, 2026 guidance indicates you'll need to retake the competency examination to return to active status. Confirm current requirements directly with the Florida Board before renewing.

CNA Salary and Job Outlook in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale Area

Certified nursing assistants in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area earn wages that reflect the region's cost of living and healthcare demand. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual salary is $37,690, with the middle 50% of CNAs earning between $35,550 and $43,360. Local job sites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter report slightly higher typical hourly rates, often in the $18-$25 range, while specialized staffing agencies may offer premium pay for per-diem shifts. Total employment in the metro area stands at 22,640 nursing assistants, underscoring the scale of opportunity for new graduates.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Fort Lauderdale's Top-Ranked CNA Programs

Below are the top CNA programs serving Fort Lauderdale students, ranked by affordability, accreditation, and outcomes. These campus-based options are within commuting distance of Fort Lauderdale and prepare students for Florida's CNA certification process.

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