How to Become a Patient Care Technician in Florida

You can become a Florida patient care technician in less than a year.

A patient care technician, also known as a certified nursing assistant, or CNA, is an integral part of any health-care system. A patient care technician assists nurses and doctors to care for patients in a hospital, home, office or assisted living facility. With Florida's high concentration of elderly residents, obtaining a patient care technician license may open the door to numerous job opportunities that provide an above-average hourly wage, room for advancement and job security.

Instructions

1. Complete the requirements for a high school diploma or a general education diploma (GED). While you may be qualified to enter a patient care technician training program without your high school diploma or GED, most employers will require you to have one.

2. Enroll in a patient care technician or certified nursing technician certification program. The required certification program can be completed at a number of technical and community colleges throughout Florida. A complete list of accredited programs can be found on the Florida Department of Health website.

3. Pass the required Prometric CNA Examination. The examination contains two parts -- a written and a performance skills section. Information on how to register for the examination can be found on the Prometrics website.

4. Complete the certified nursing assistant application found on the Florida Department of Health website.

Tips & Warnings

• Completion of a CNA certification course is not technically required in order to sit for the examination; however, it is strongly recommended by the Florida Department of Health.

• Prior criminal convictions can prevent approval of a CNA license. Some convictions will require a review by the Florida Board of Nursing. A candidate is not automatically disqualified for any previous conviction; however, serious convictions could be a reason for denial of a license by the Board.

References

• Florida Career College: Patient Care Technician
• Florida Department of Health: Conviction Record Guidelines

Resources

• Florida Department of Health: CNA School Information
• Florida Department of Health: CNA Apply for a License
• Prometric: For Test Takers -- Florida
• Florida Department of Health: Apply for Initial Licensure