Start Your Health Career with Premier Nursing Academy
Our candidate support team takes pride in helping connect each of our candidates with both training and employment in healthcare positions. Find answers to your questions below.
How do I get started in your CNA training program?
Our support team is here to help make the process as easy as possible. Our team is prepared to help candidates understand how the program at Premier Nursing Academy works, coordinate interviews with our employer partners, and assist in submitting your application.
Begin the application process by filling out our inquiry form here: https://www.premiernursingacademy.org/admissions/apply/
How much does CNA training cost?
Our training program is free. Your employer sponsor will pay for the cost of your training.
How long is the CNA training program?
Our CNA program is four or six weeks long, depending on your class schedule. Our day classes run Monday through Thursday for 4 weeks. Our night classes run Monday through Friday for 6 weeks. Find upcoming class schedules for our location near you:
CNA Training in Tampa / St. Petersburg (Pinellas Park campus)
CNA Training in Bradenton / Sarasota (Bradenton campus)
CNA Training in Jacksonville / Palatka (Jacksonville campus)
What can I do with a CNA license?
Candidates with a CNA license are qualified to work in a number of entry-level healthcare positions. Premier Nursing Academy places students in various roles, including certified nursing assistants, patient care technicians, and home health aides. The more experience a candidate has in a healthcare setting, the more job opportunities they’ll have. Hospitals, for example, often prefer patient care technicians to have a CNA license and at least one year experience in a healthcare role. Learn more about various CNA career paths.
What happens after I apply?
Once you fill out an inquiry form, someone from our support team will reach out with an invite to an upcoming employment workshop. Attending one of these workshops is required to move forward in the process.
After going through an initial assessment, our support team will provide you with an application form. The application requests information about your education and employment background that is important for our employer partners.
Are there any requirements to be accepted into the program?
State regulations require that all applicants be at least 18 years old and have completed a high school diploma or GED equivalent. To work as a CNA, PCT, or other entry-level healthcare worker, employers will require any candidates to pass a background check and complete a tuberculosis test, along with any other requirements they have for new employees. New employees will also need to complete a drug screen. Other requirements may apply. For more information, visit our program requirements page.
Do I get to choose which employer sponsors me?
Depending on your location, there may be multiple facilities to choose from. You can fill out our inquiry form to speak with a representative and find out which options are available for you.
Do I have a guaranteed job after completing the program?
Yes. As a part of our program, all candidates are interviewed and those that are accepted to receive sponsorship will have a conditional offer for employment to work once they complete the training program. Upon completing our program, you will be able to begin work immediately with your employer.
You have 120 days after completing the training program to pass the CNA exam and complete the licensing requirements.
What conditions must be met for employer sponsorship?
To obtain free training and guaranteed employment you must commit to working for the sponsoring employer for a pre-determined amount of time. This period can vary by employer but is typically 6 to 12 months. You must complete all training and pass the required state exams in order to obtain employment.
Will I become a CNA after completing your training program?
After completing our training program, you will be provisionally able to work for your matched employer. Once you pass the Nurse Aide exam and complete other background requirements for the state, you’ll be a fully licensed CNA. Earning your CNA license qualifies you to work in a number of entry-level healthcare positions, such as nursing assistant, patient care technician, home health aide, and more.
How much does the CNA exam cost?
The standard fee for the Nurse Aide Exam is typically $155. The cost of the CNA exam is fully covered by your employer for your first attempt. The exam may be retaken up to two more times at the candidate’s cost.
Do you offer online CNA classes?
At this time, we are not offering online CNA classes. We do offer online resources for students during the program as well as to review to assist them in passing their certification examinations.
What are CNA classes like?
Our CNA program includes classroom-based instruction and clinical-based instruction. Class size ranges from 15 – 20 candidates, creating an engaging and interactive learning environment with enough time for individualized instruction.
Over the course of your CNA training, expect to learn basic nursing and personal care skills, infection control, basic restorative care, patient rights, communication skills, and more.
Due to COVID-19, we are requiring that students and staff wear masks at all times in the classroom and remain socially distanced. For more information, please review the CDC guidelines.
Can’t find an answer? Reach out through our contact form.