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How Long Does CNA Training Take in Orlando? A Complete Timeline

Time Is Everything When You’re Building a New Life

When you're ready for a new career, time matters. Maybe you're balancing a job, kids, or another degree. Maybe you just want to get certified fast and start working. The good news? Becoming a CNA in Orlando can take as little as 3 weeks — or as long as 6 weeks, depending on the path you choose.

At Gabriel Health Institute, we offer two state-approved training pathways that fit your schedule and your goals:

  • A Fast-Track CNA Exam Prep Program

  • A Comprehensive 120-Hour CNA Course

In this guide, we’ll break down how long each program takes, what to expect during each week, and how long it takes from start to certification. Whether you want speed or depth, this timeline will help you plan your journey with clarity.


📑 Index

  1. The Two CNA Training Options in Orlando

  2. Fast-Track CNA Exam Prep Timeline

  3. Full 120-Hour CNA Training Timeline

  4. What Happens After Training: Testing & Certification

  5. How Long to Get Your CNA License in Florida

  6. Can You Start Working Before You’re Certified?

  7. What’s the Fastest Path to Becoming a CNA?

  8. What If You Have No Experience in Healthcare?

  9. Which Timeline Is Right for You?

  10. Start Your Timeline Today at GHI


1. The Two CNA Training Options in Orlando

At GHI, we offer both:

Path Duration Best For
Fast-Track CNA Exam Prep 2.5–4 weeks Self-motivated, experienced learners
120-Hour CNA Course 4–6 weeks Beginners, career-changers, students

Both paths prepare you for the Florida CNA State Exam, and both are taught at GHI—an approved regional testing site, so you can test where you train.


2. Fast-Track CNA Exam Prep Timeline (2.5–4 Weeks)

This program is all about speed and focus. You’ll master the 22 essential CNA skills required by the state exam through hands-on labs, practice sessions, and test prep strategy.

Weekly Breakdown:

Week 1:

  • Orientation & CPR certification (optional)

  • Intro to state exam & 6–8 core skills

  • Practice: Handwashing, PPE, indirect care

Week 2:

  • 8–10 more hands-on skills

  • Written exam test prep

  • Skills like ambulation, feeding, catheter care

Week 3:

  • Mock exams & performance coaching

  • Confidence building under test-like conditions

Week 4 (optional):

  • Final reviews or rebooking of test dates

➡️ You’re ready to test as soon as you pass your GHI mock exam.


3. 120-Hour CNA Course Timeline (4–6 Weeks)

This program is state-approved and includes classroom instruction, lab time, and a clinical externship. It prepares you not just to pass—but to thrive on the job.

Weekly Breakdown:

Week 1:

  • Intro to CNA role, HIPAA, infection control

  • CPR certification

  • Beginning of textbook study & quizzes

Week 2:

  • Hands-on lab skills begin

  • Skills: Hygiene, vital signs, body mechanics

  • Professional communication

Week 3:

  • Midterm review

  • Advanced skills: catheter care, transfers, feeding

  • Clinical scenarios, patient rights

Week 4:

  • Clinical externship in local nursing facility

  • Real-world application of your skills

  • Written assignments + lab validations

Week 5 (optional):

  • Extra clinical hours, test coaching, practice

Week 6:

  • Final lab checkoffs + mock state exam

  • Graduation & exam registration

🕐 Most students complete this program in 5–6 weeks total, depending on attendance and schedule.


4. What Happens After Training: Testing & Certification

Once you complete your training (either program), your next steps are:

  1. Register for the Florida CNA State Exam (Prometric)

  2. Test at GHI, which is a Regional Exam Site in Orlando

  3. Pass the Written & Skills Exam

  4. Get listed on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry

Testing Wait Times in 2025:

  • Average wait: 2–3 weeks after registration

  • GHI students often test faster because we host the exam onsite


5. How Long to Get Your CNA License in Florida?

Here’s a realistic timeline from Day 1 to CNA license in hand:

Program Training Time Test Registration Total Time
Fast-Track 3 weeks 2–3 weeks 5–6 weeks total
120-Hour 5 weeks 2–3 weeks 7–8 weeks total

💡 Some GHI students have completed training and passed their exam in just 30 days. It depends on your availability, test slots, and readiness.


6. Can You Start Working Before You’re Certified?

Yes—Florida allows you to work as a CNA under supervision if you’ve completed training and are waiting to take your exam, especially in long-term care or home health settings.

Employers will require:

  • Proof of course completion

  • Scheduled test date

  • CPR certification

GHI provides you with all the necessary documentation to help you land a job even before you’re officially licensed.


7. What’s the Fastest Path to Becoming a CNA?

Here’s what you need for the fastest possible timeline:

  1. Enroll in GHI’s Fast-Track CNA Exam Prep

  2. Attend all sessions (flexible schedules available)

  3. Practice daily at home or at our skills lab

  4. Test at GHI (no travel delays)

  5. Get results in 1–2 weeks

  6. Apply to CNA jobs immediately

⏱️ Fastest GHI student to date completed training, passed the test, and got hired in 28 days.


8. What If You Have No Experience in Healthcare?

If you’ve never worked in a hospital, nursing home, or clinic, we recommend the 120-Hour Course.

Why?

  • It builds your foundation: legal, ethical, emotional

  • It includes clinical experience that employers respect

  • It makes you a better communicator and care advocate

Our admissions officers will guide you based on your background, learning style, and goals.


9. Which Timeline Is Right for You?

Question If Yes, Choose:
Are you in a hurry to get certified and start working? Fast-Track Exam Prep
Are you new to healthcare and want full preparation? 120-Hour Course
Are you comfortable learning under pressure? Fast-Track
Do you want clinical hours and externship experience? 120-Hour
Do you want a competitive advantage for top jobs? 120-Hour

No matter which path you choose, GHI gives you:

  • Skills Lab access

  • Dedicated instructors

  • Flexible schedules (day, night, weekend)

  • Resume support + employer connections


10. Start Your Timeline Today at GHI

If you're asking, "How long does CNA training take in Orlando?" — the answer is, not long at all when you're learning with the right partner.

At Gabriel Health Institute, we make the journey as fast or as thorough as you need. Whether you need flexibility or full immersion, your timeline starts now—with us by your side.

📍 GHI is proud to be:

  • A State Approved CNA School

  • A Regional Exam Site for the Florida CNA State Exam

This means we train you and test you—in the same building, on your schedule.

📞 Ready to start your CNA journey?
Speak with an admissions officer today and find the timeline that fits your life and goals.


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