If you’re ready to start a CNA career quickly, several accelerated programs in the Miami area can have you certified in under six weeks — and all of them meet the minimum requirement of 120 clock hours of training. Whether you’re looking for in-person, hybrid, or budget-friendly options, these programs each offer a unique path into the healthcare field:
1. Palmetto Medical Institute
The Nursing Assistant program at Palmetto Medical Institute runs for 5.5 weeks and includes 125 total clock hours. Students can choose between morning (9 AM–2 PM) or evening (4 PM–9 PM) weekday schedules. A weekend option is also available and lasts 10 weeks, with classes held Saturdays and Sundays from 8 AM to 4 PM.
The program covers patient care fundamentals, medical terminology, infection control, CPR, and first aid. Training includes a 40-hour clinical practicum at a long-term care facility under the supervision of a registered nurse. Course modules are split into lecture, lab, and clinical segments, such as CNA I and II, HIV/AIDS and OSHA compliance, and hands-on CPR.
The total cost is $1,065, including tuition, books, and a registration fee. Additional out-of-pocket costs may include a uniform, background check, and required medical clearances. New sessions start every other month for weekday classes and quarterly for weekend classes.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | 5.5 weeks (weekday program), 10 weeks (weekend program), 125 total clock hours |
| Price | $1,065 total ($900 tuition, $100 registration, $65 books & supplies) |
| Format | In-person with classroom, lab, and clinical training |
| Schedules | Morning: Mon–Fri 9 AM–2 PM; Evening: Mon–Fri 4 PM–9 PM; Weekend: Sat–Sun 8 AM–4 PM |
| Address | 9245 SW 157th Street, Suite 209, Miami, FL 33157 |
2. Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology
The Nursing Assistant program at Cambridge’s Miami campus runs for 5 weeks and includes 120 total hours of training. Students complete 80 hours of classroom instruction followed by a 40-hour externship at a local healthcare facility.
The program covers essential topics such as taking vital signs, patient care, medication assistance, and documentation. Classes are led by experienced instructors and take place at the campus’s hands-on training lab equipped with up-to-date medical equipment.
Externship placements offer practical experience in long-term care or hospital settings. Students receive support in preparing for the Florida CNA exam, including one-on-one coaching and practice tests.
Graduates earn a certificate and are eligible to sit for the Florida Nursing Assistant certification exam. The program is located at 1000 Park Centre Boulevard in Miami Gardens and is accessible by public transportation.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | 5 weeks (120 total hours) |
| Price | Not publicly listed; contact school directly for current tuition details |
| Format | Hybrid (in-person classroom instruction + local externship) |
| Schedules | Varies; includes classroom instruction and a 40-hour externship arranged by the school |
| Address | 1000 Park Centre Boulevard, Suite 112, Miami Gardens, FL 33169 |
3. South Florida Health Care Institute
The Nursing Assistant program at South Florida Health Care Institute lasts 5 weeks and includes 120 total hours of hybrid training. Students complete 40 hours of online theory during the week and attend in-person labs and clinicals on weekends—labs run 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and clinicals are held 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM at a local hospital.
The $1,750 tuition includes textbooks, uniforms, supplies, BLS/CPR certification, and state exam fees. Eligible students may qualify for full tuition coverage through Futuro Health, MorseLife Health System, or Boca Helping Hands.
The program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and emphasizes skills such as infection control, vital signs, communication, and legal responsibilities. Students must complete a background check, drug screening, and health clearance before beginning. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the Florida CNA exam and may be exempt from the clinical skills portion of the test. Monthly start dates are available.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | 5 weeks (120 total hours) |
| Price | $1,750 (may be free through Futuro Health, MorseLife, or Boca Helping Hands) |
| Format | Hybrid (40 hours online theory, 40 hours in-person lab, 40 hours clinicals) |
| Schedules | Online theory: self-paced weekdays; Labs: Saturday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Clinicals: Saturday–Sunday, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM |
| Address | 901 West Yamato Road, Suite 150, Boca Raton, FL 33431 |
🎯 Find Your Perfect Fit
Explore top-rated programs in your area—online, accelerated, and part-time options included—so you can choose what works best for you, faster.
4. Abba Health Care Training
Abba Health Care Training offers a 2-week CNA program with pricing starting at $575. The program is 100% in-person and focuses on fast-paced review and prep to help students pass the Florida CNA exam.
Class times are flexible, with options for morning, evening, and weekend schedules. Students receive instruction in key CNA skills, including patient care, recording vital signs, and clinical procedures, followed by exam preparation and tutoring support.
Additional fees apply for processing, background checks, and the state exam, though pricing varies and must be confirmed directly with the school. The training is located in Pembroke Pines and serves students from across South Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Miramar.
Abba offers short-term, four-week, and longer-term training formats for students who prefer more time. Graduates are prepared to work in hospitals, assisted living centers, private homes, and rehab facilities.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | 2 weeks (short-term option) |
| Price | $575 (additional fees for processing, background check, and exam not included) |
| Format | 100% in-person training |
| Schedules | Morning, evening, and weekend classes available |
| Address | 269 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 |
Below is our breakdown of the key options and our recommendations to help guide your decision.
🏆 Fastest & Most Affordable Option: Abba Health Care Training
- Length: 2 weeks
- Cost: Starts at $575
- Format: 100% in-person (day/evening/weekend options)
- Standout Feature: Extremely fast and budget-friendly with flexible scheduling
Why Choose Abba:
Abba offers the quickest path to test eligibility, with training as short as two weeks. The cost is significantly lower than other programs, making it ideal if you’re on a tight budget and want to enter the workforce fast. However, it’s a prep-style program rather than a comprehensive curriculum, so it’s best for self-starters or those with some prior healthcare exposure.
What to Watch For:
Abba’s program prepares students to “challenge” the state exam, rather than providing full board-approved training with guaranteed clinicals. Some employers may prefer grads with hands-on experience from longer programs.
💻 Most Flexible with Online Option: South Florida Health Care Institute
- Length: 5 weeks (120 hours)
- Cost: $1,750 (or potentially free through partnerships like Futuro Health)
- Format: Hybrid – Online theory + Weekend in-person labs & clinicals
- Standout Feature: Fully online weekday theory + generous financial aid options
Why Choose South Florida HCI:
This is the only program offering online classes, which is perfect for students who work weekdays or prefer learning from home. It includes a thorough online curriculum, hands-on lab training on weekends, and a full 40-hour clinical practicum at a hospital or skilled nursing facility.
Big Bonus: Many students qualify for 100% tuition coverage via partners like Futuro Health or MorseLife, which could make this the most affordable option if you qualify.
Best Fit For:
Working adults, parents, or those who need weekday flexibility and prefer structured support through a board-approved program.
🧑⚕️ Best All-Around Traditional Program: Palmetto Medical Institute
- Length: 5.5 weeks (125 hours full-time; 10 weeks weekends)
- Cost: $1,065
- Format: In-person morning, evening, or weekend options
- Standout Feature: Strong curriculum with 40-hour clinical + low cost
Why Choose Palmetto:
Palmetto offers a well-rounded CNA training experience at one of the lowest prices for a fully in-person, board-approved program. It covers more clock hours (125) than others, includes a 40-hour supervised clinical, and offers excellent scheduling flexibility (including full-time and weekend options).
Best Fit For:
Students who want a balance of affordability, structure, and in-depth training, and value in-person instruction with a clear path to state exam eligibility.
🎓 Best for Career Support & Professional Environment: Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology
- Length: 5 weeks (120 hours)
- Cost: Not publicly listed (call to inquire)
- Format: In-person, structured classes with externship
- Standout Feature: Career services, exam prep, and modern facilities
Why Choose Cambridge:
Cambridge stands out for its career coaching, job placement help, and industry-current labs. This program may be ideal if you’re aiming for long-term growth in healthcare and want a polished, campus-based learning environment with externship opportunities.
What to Know:
Cambridge’s tuition may be on the higher side, and it doesn’t offer online classes. But the value may be worth it for those who want professional guidance and are thinking ahead toward RN or LPN advancement.
🗣 Final Recommendation: Reach Out and Ask Questions
Before committing to any program, we strongly recommend that you contact each school directly and speak with a representative. Here’s why:
- Ask about hidden costs (like background checks, supplies, or exam fees)
- Confirm if clinical hours are included or if you’ll be “challenging” the exam
- Learn about job placement support and pass rates
- Find out which schedules fit your life (some may fill up quickly!)
Talking to a real person can also help you get a feel for the school’s support, responsiveness, and overall culture — all crucial when you’re making a big investment in your future.
📊 Quick Comparison Snapshot
| School | Duration | Format | Approx. Cost | Online Option | Clinical Hours | Standout |
| Abba Health Care | 2 weeks | In-person only | $575 | ❌ | ❌ (prep only) | Fastest, cheapest |
| South Florida HCI | 5 weeks | Hybrid | $1,750 (or free) | ✅ | ✅ (40 hrs) | Online + funding |
| Palmetto Medical | 5.5 weeks | In-person | $1,065 | ❌ | ✅ (40 hrs) | Best overall value |
| Cambridge College | 5 weeks | In-person | Call for info | ❌ | ✅ (40 hrs) | Career coaching & externship |
🧭 Bottom Line
- Fast-track your career? 👉 Choose Abba
- Need flexibility or tuition help? 👉 Choose South Florida HCI
- Want the most balanced, affordable program? 👉 Choose Palmetto
- Planning a long-term healthcare career with support? 👉 Choose Cambridge
Each program has merit — the right one for you depends on your budget, schedule, and learning style. Take the time to compare options and talk to the schools. It’s the best way to set yourself up for success.