Cape Coral Technical College runs a state-approved Nursing Assistant program geared toward entry-level healthcare roles. It’s structured as a slower-paced, part-time evening course that may appeal to working adults. However, the program is longer than many others, which may be a drawback for students looking to start working sooner. Tuition is $1,123, and the course includes 120 clock hours spread over four months. Graduates are eligible to sit for Florida’s CNA exam and receive BLS certification from the American Heart Association.
Program Format and Schedule
This long-term care Nursing Assistant course meets twice a week in the evenings, specifically on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. This schedule can be beneficial for students who need to work during the day or have other obligations. However, if you’re hoping to complete your training quickly, this may not be the best fit. The course takes about 4 months to complete, even though the total clock hours are only 120—a workload many other programs cover in just 4 to 6 weeks.
You’ll also complete clinical hours in both long-term care and acute care environments. This dual exposure can be helpful for students who want a broader experience, working with patients in both nursing home settings and hospitals.
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Program Curriculum
The program includes instruction in areas such as basic patient care, care for the elderly, restorative skills, legal responsibilities, and safe working practices. These are foundational areas all CNAs must understand, and you’ll get both classroom learning and clinical training. The curriculum meets the Florida Board of Nursing’s requirements, so once you finish the course, you’ll be eligible to take the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam.
In addition to the state certification, students also earn a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association, which can be a valuable add-on when applying to healthcare jobs.
Instructor and Class Size
The instructor for the course is Marybeth Weissberger, and class sizes are intentionally kept small. This could mean more one-on-one attention and personalized instruction—something that’s especially helpful when learning hands-on skills like patient care, infection control, and vital sign monitoring. For students who are new to healthcare, this kind of environment can ease some of the anxiety that comes with performing clinical tasks for the first time.
Where Graduates Work
Graduates of this program often find jobs in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Assisted living facilities
- Long-term care centers
- Adult day care centers
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Home health care services
These are all common work environments for CNAs, and the mix of clinical settings in your training should help you adapt to whichever one you choose to work in.
Admissions and Prerequisites
Cape Coral Technical College requires all Nursing Assistant students to meet the following admission requirements:
- Be 18 years old or older, or have a high school diploma or equivalent by the first day of class.
- Provide proof of immunizations including MMR, Varicella, and the flu vaccine.
- Complete a two-step TB test.
- Complete a Level 2 background check and drug screening.
- Attend a required information session (offered weekly on Tuesday and Thursday).
- Submit all transcripts (high school, GED, or college).
- Pay an application fee.
- Complete and submit the program application packet.
Students are also required to either get vaccinated for hepatitis B or sign a declination form stating they choose not to. The cost for the immunization is approximately $175.
Financial Aid and Payment Options
Cape Coral Technical College does not accept federal student loans, which could be a barrier for some students. However, they do accept Pell Grants, Florida Bright Futures Scholarships, and Florida Prepaid. Additionally, the school participates in several state-based grant programs including:
- Florida Postsecondary Career Education Student Assistance Grant (FSAG-CE): For programs with 450+ clock hours (note: this program may not qualify due to its 120-hour length).
- Fee-Generated Post-Secondary Tuition Assistance Grant (PTAG): For programs with 120+ hours. Students must have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 14,000 or less and cannot be fully funded from other sources.
- CareerSource Southwest Florida: May provide funding for books, uniforms, and tuition for eligible students.
If you’re planning to apply for financial aid, be sure to fill out the FAFSA and use school code 031583.
Application Process
Here’s a quick look at what the enrollment process looks like:
- Attend an information session on a Tuesday or Thursday.
- Collect and submit your transcripts.
- Complete the FAFSA for financial aid eligibility.
- Submit your residency documentation and application packet.
- Pay the application fee and wait for enrollment confirmation.
It’s important to complete your health requirements (vaccinations and screenings)at least two weeks before the start date. Missing this step will delay your ability to begin the program.
Facilities and Support Services
Cape Coral Technical College offers student support services including:
- Transcript request processing
- Veteran support
- Learning center services (for basic skills assessment)
- Dedicated admissions specialists
If you’re new to school or haven’t attended in a while, this support structure could help ease the process of returning to a classroom setting.
Certification and Career Readiness
Once you’ve successfully completed the program, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. You’ll then be eligible to sit for the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam, which is required for employment in many healthcare settings in the state. The program also certifies you in Basic Life Support (BLS), which is another commonly required credential for CNA roles.
Program Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Evening classes allow for working adults to participate.
- Hands-on clinical experience in both long-term and acute care settings.
- Small class sizes for more personalized instruction.
- Eligible for the Florida CNA exam and BLS certification.
- Tuition is relatively affordable at $1,123.
- Accepts Pell Grants and other Florida-based aid.
Cons:
- Program length is long (4 months) for only 120 clock hours. Many other CNA programs complete the same training in 4–6 weeks.
- No federal student loan option.
- Clinical time is scheduled separately and may vary.
- Must handle immunizations and screenings independently before the program starts.
Who Should Consider Cape Coral Technical College
This program is a good fit for students who need to keep their days open for work or family obligations and prefer a slower, more flexible learning pace. It’s also ideal for those who value hands-on instruction in small classes and want clinical exposure in both nursing homes and hospital settings.
However, if your goal is to finish quickly and enter the workforce within a couple of months, the 4-month timeline may feel unnecessarily drawn out. Also, if you’re relying on student loans to cover tuition, this school won’t be able to help. Overall, this is a solid choice for students who need flexibility and are willing to take their time, but it’s not ideal for someone looking for an accelerated path into healthcare.
| Category | Details |
| Cost: | $1,123 total |
| Duration & Clock Hours: | 4 months; 120 clock hours |
| Evening/Weekend Classes?: | Yes; evening classes twice a week (Tues & Thurs, 5–9 PM); clinical hours vary on weekends |
| Online Classes?: | No |
| Job Placement?: | Not explicitly stated, but program preps students for CNA roles |
| Requirements: | • 18+ years old or HS diploma/GED• Hep B immunization or declination ($175)• MMR, Varicella, Flu vaccines + two-step TB ($45)• Drug screen & level 2 background (~$100)• Attend info session, submit transcripts, residency docs, application fee |
| Address: | 360 Santa Barbara Blvd N, Cape Coral, FL 33993 |
| Phone: | (239) 574-4440 |
| Website: | capecoraltech.edu/course/nursing-assistant-long-term-care/ |
Other Class Providers:
We’ve assembled a list of every CNA program in South Florida