South Florida Health Care Institute CNA Program

Key Takeaways:

South Florida Health Care Institute offers a 5-week hybrid Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program combining 40 hours of online coursework with 80 hours of in-person lab and clinical training. The program is state-approved, licensed by the Florida Department of Education, and designed to prepare students for the Florida CNA exam. The total cost is $1,750, but full tuition coverage is available through partnerships with Futuro Health, MorseLife Health System, and Boca Helping Hands. Weekend-only in-person sessions make this program ideal for working adults.

Program Overview: Hybrid Flexibility, In-Person Skill-Building

South Florida Health Care Institute’s Nursing Assistant Training Program takes a balanced approach with blended learning. Students complete the theory portion online at their own pace during the week, then attend in-person lab sessions on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Clinical rotations are also held on weekends, running from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM at local skilled nursing or hospital facilities.

This hybrid format is ideal for people with weekday obligations, and it allows students to keep up with family or job responsibilities while still gaining the in-person training required for CNA certification.

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What’s Covered in the Curriculum

The program totals 120 hours, split into three equal parts:

40 hours online theory
40 hours in-person lab
40 hours clinical experience

The curriculum is structured to emphasize practical knowledge, safety, and compassionate care. Topics covered include:

Basic patient care
Taking and recording vital signs
Infection prevention and control
Emergency response
Legal and ethical responsibilities
End-of-life care
Communication and documentation
Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and stroke care

Online modules are broken into themed sections with case-based learning focused on real-life caregiving situations, such as working with challenging residents or supporting patients with HIV, cancer, or disabilities. These modules are thorough and structured to keep learners engaged throughout the five weeks.

Cost and What’s Included

The total program cost is $1,750, which includes:

Tuition and online program access
Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care: The Basics textbook & workbook
Uniform (1 set)
Blood pressure cuff and stethoscope
Liability insurance
Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification
State CNA exam fee

The only significant out-of-pocket costs are for the registration fee ($450, nonrefundable) and the Florida state background check (~$75). Drug screening and health exam requirements must also be fulfilled using approved labs or vendors.

Financial Aid and Free Tuition Options

For eligible students, the program can be completely free. South Florida Health Care Institute partners with several organizations offering tuition assistance:

Futuro Health provides full tuition coverage to qualifying residents of Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.
MorseLife Health System offers free tuition in exchange for a one-year employment commitment at their facility.
Boca Helping Hands supports students based on financial need.

These partnerships are a strong point for this program, as they allow many students to access a high-quality training opportunity with little or no out-of-pocket cost.

Admission Requirements

To enroll, students must meet several health and administrative criteria:

General Requirements:

Attend an orientation
Meet with a program advisor
Complete enrollment agreement
Secure funding or payment

Health & Background Requirements:

Physical exam and TB test (PPD or chest X-ray)
Drug screening (authorized lab only)
Level 2 background check
Required immunizations (COVID, flu, Hep B, Varicella, etc.)
All white uniform shoes, socks/hose, and white fleece or lab jacket

This program requires a level of commitment and preparation, especially when it comes to documentation and meeting clinical health clearance.

Lab and Clinical Training

The hands-on portion of the program is structured and well-supervised. Lab sessions help students master the technical skills of CNA work, from safely transferring patients to assisting with personal hygiene and performing basic assessments.

The clinical practicum takes place in local healthcare facilities, offering real-world experience with patients under the guidance of licensed nursing staff. This exposure is vital for building confidence and familiarity before sitting for the state exam or entering the workforce.

Attendance at all in-person sessions is mandatory. Missing a lab or clinical day could delay your certification or graduation, so this is something to plan for ahead of time.

Certification and Testing

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant examination through Prometric. Because South Florida Health Care Institute is an approved training provider, students are exempt from the clinical skills portion of the exam—this is a major benefit, as it lowers the pressure of testing and simplifies the certification process.

Once the written portion is passed, graduates receive their CNA license from the Florida Department of Health/Board of Nursing, allowing them to work in a wide range of healthcare settings.

Job Opportunities and Career Outlook

The program prepares students for roles such as:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Home Health Aide
Patient Care Assistant

CNA jobs are available in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehab centers, and private homes. The school offers career readiness support, and many students who receive tuition assistance through MorseLife or Futuro Health transition directly into employment after graduation.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Hybrid format: Great for working adults or parents
Full tuition coverage available through partners
All-inclusive pricing (books, supplies, CPR, exam fee included)
Exemption from clinical skills exam portion
Approved by Florida Board of Nursing and Florida Department of Education
Rolling admissions allow for frequent start dates

Cons:

Mandatory weekend attendance may not work for all schedules
$450 registration fee is nonrefundable
Additional health screenings and immunization costs not included
No mention of guaranteed job placement (though support is provided)

Who Should Consider South Florida Health Care Institute

This program is ideal for people who want to enter the healthcare field quickly but still need flexibility. The hybrid format makes it suitable for full-time workers or caregivers, and the financial aid partnerships dramatically reduce the cost barrier for many students. If you’re detail-oriented, motivated, and able to commit to weekend in-person sessions, this program offers excellent value and well-rounded training.

However, it may not be the best fit for those who can’t attend in person on weekends or are looking for full-time weekday instruction. It’s also important to be ready for the upfront organization needed to complete health clearances and meet documentation requirements.

If you’re serious about becoming a CNA in South Florida and want a high-quality, affordable training option with strong community partnerships, South Florida Health Care Institute is a solid choice worth your consideration.

Category	Details
Cost:	$1,750 (or free through Futuro Health, MorseLife Health System, or Boca Helping Hands)
Duration & Clock Hours:	5 weeks, 120 total hours (40 hours online theory, 40 hours lab, 40 hours clinical)
Evening/Weekend Classes?:	Yes – in-person lab and clinical sessions held on Saturdays and Sundays
Online Classes?:	Yes – theory portion is online and self-paced
Job Placement?:	No formal job placement, but employment support and pathways available through partner organizations
Requirements:	– Orientation attendance- Meet with advisor- Physical exam and TB test- Level 2 background check- Drug screening- Immunizations (COVID, flu, Hep B, etc.)
Address:	901 West Yamato Road, Suite 150, Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone:	800-816-3489
Email:	info@sflhealthcareinstitute.com
Website:	https://www.sflhealthcareinstitute.com