Job market for a CNA in florida, Want to relocate from Chicago

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Hi, guys, I am currently attending a CNA program in Chicago and will be finishing up in March 24, yay!!, I have lived in Chicago for many years and I am tired of the snow already. I know that Florida is one of the most affected states from the economy, but I think it eventually will get better:).

My question to you you guys is: how is the CNA job market RIGHT NOW, because I know there are previous posts asking the same question, but they are a year or two old and would like something more recent:rolleyes:. (I dont have CNA experience, but work in a doctors office as a medical assistant, but I learned it on the job, so not certified)

I also know that Florida's payscale is less than Chicago, but I really want to relocate:crying2:, but would not be relocating until next year, (if I dont get accepted into the nursing RN nursing program this coming August, wich I applied to). Unfortunately, here in Chicago the RN nursing programs start only every Fall, so If I dont get accepted, I will probably be moving to Florida and do apply over there, cause I read on some Florida posts that some programs start twice a year!!, i dont want to wait another year if I dont get accepted:crying2:

One more question, I was thinking, to move to Tampa, or central Florida, is the RN programs very hard to get in? and how many times a year do they start? I have all my prerequisites already for Chicago completed (Anatomy and physiology, math, chemistry, microbiology, etc.) what are the prerequisites in the Tampa area for RNs at the city colleges?

I really want to move there:), and will appreciate your help on my questions:o Thank you!!

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Specializes in Home Care.

The job market here in Tampa Bay is tight for everyone in healthcare, new and experienced.

Community colleges are very competitive for acceptance, the private no so much.

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Hi! Itsmejuli, thank you so much for replying, I really appreciate it!! Do you know by any chance how much the privare RN programs run for? Or the name on some so I can look them up on line?

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The majority of CNA jobs here in Florida require 1 year of CNA experience. You might want to get one year of CNA experience before you move. Good luck.

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Thanks itsmejuli for the link, it was very helpful;)

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The majority of CNA jobs here in Florida require 1 year of CNA experience. You might want to get one year of CNA experience before you move. Good luck.

Thank you Blackcat99, I will stay here for my 1 year CNA experience. How is the job market for CNAs(with 1 year experience)? are they hard to find? do you think being bilingual (spanish/English) will help me a little? :)

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I see more ads for CNA's then for nurses here in Florida. However, the pay is not so good.:crying2: I have seen ads for about $8.50- $9 an hour for CNA's. Being bilingual will be very very helpful here in Florida.;)

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Hi, guys, I am currently attending a CNA program in Chicago and will be finishing up in March 24, yay!!, I have lived in Chicago for many years and I am tired of the snow already. I know that Florida is one of the most affected states from the economy, but I think it eventually will get better:).

My question to you you guys is: how is the CNA job market RIGHT NOW, because I know there are previous posts asking the same question, but they are a year or two old and would like something more recent:rolleyes:. (I dont have CNA experience, but work in a doctors office as a medical assistant, but I learned it on the job, so not certified)

I also know that Florida's payscale is less than Chicago, but I really want to relocate:crying2:, but would not be relocating until next year, (if I dont get accepted into the nursing RN nursing program this coming August, wich I applied to). Unfortunately, here in Chicago the RN nursing programs start only every Fall, so If I dont get accepted, I will probably be moving to Florida and do apply over there, cause I read on some Florida posts that some programs start twice a year!!, i dont want to wait another year if I dont get accepted:crying2:

One more question, I was thinking, to move to Tampa, or central Florida, is the RN programs very hard to get in? and how many times a year do they start? I have all my prerequisites already for Chicago completed (Anatomy and physiology, math, chemistry, microbiology, etc.) what are the prerequisites in the Tampa area for RNs at the city colleges?

I really want to move there:), and will appreciate your help on my questions:o Thank you!!

Tampa, fl

County, community college

www.hccfl.edu

Hillsborough community college, nursing program at dale mabry (main campus- evening and day program), plant city (evening and day program) and Southshore - just day program

competitive to get in but if your average is around 3.3-3.4 good chance to get in or alternate

ap 1 and 2 and lab, microbiology and lab, sociology or gen psych, college algebra, english 101,and one more course, i forgot, lol!

about $100/credit- totaly program less than 7k including books- 24mths but summers are off

CNA- I hafe a friend who got hired straight out of cna school but it was a reputable school and she had all pre reqs for the RN program from a college so it's doable- starting wages not that great- i believe she said around $9.50-$10 with weekend differential of $2 but no evening differential

I don't think that you need one years experience especially if you have medical assisting exp- i would say if you could get 6mths experience that's great.

In addition, here in tampa, after passing your first semester in nursing school, you are eligible to apply as a nurse tech at many of the hospitals- closest equivalency is that of patient tech and it's usually $1-$2 higher pay so there are several avenues for you to consider.

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Tampa, fl

County, community college

www.hccfl.edu

Hillsborough community college, nursing program at dale mabry (main campus- evening and day program), plant city (evening and day program) and Southshore - just day program

competitive to get in but if your average is around 3.3-3.4 good chance to get in or alternate

ap 1 and 2 and lab, microbiology and lab, sociology or gen psych, college algebra, english 101,and one more course, i forgot, lol!

about $100/credit- totaly program less than 7k including books- 24mths but summers are off

CNA- I hafe a friend who got hired straight out of cna school but it was a reputable school and she had all pre reqs for the RN program from a college so it's doable- starting wages not that great- i believe she said around $9.50-$10 with weekend differential of $2 but no evening differential

I don't think that you need one years experience especially if you have medical assisting exp- i would say if you could get 6mths experience that's great.

In addition, here in tampa, after passing your first semester in nursing school, you are eligible to apply as a nurse tech at many of the hospitals- closest equivalency is that of patient tech and it's usually $1-$2 higher pay so there are several avenues for you to consider.

Thank you so much NewGoalRN for the valuable information:). I will definitely look into HCC college. But I dont know what is my GPA for the pre-requisites, or how do they calculate them :confused:, but sounds like a good idea if I dont get accepted this Fall 2011 here in Chicago:rolleyes:.

I am planning on going on vacation for spring break(4-11-11) to Orlando and go to Clear water beach as well(we went two years ago and I loved it):D. I was thinking on visiting HCC college to get info, but I think is going to be spring break as well right?:eek:. oh well, I do want to thank you for all the info you just provided me with, maybe as you say, probably with 6months CNA experience will be ok:rolleyes:

by any chance, do you know how they calculate the prereqs GPA?

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