Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide Program

When you successfully graduate, you’ll be prepared to care for clients in a variety of settings. You may assist with health-related services and daily requirements including the following: 

• Working with nurses and other medical practitioners to help with patient care, cleanup, preparation, and other tasks around the hospital or medical facility that requires an extra pair of hands
• Assisting clients with their daily personal tasks, like bathing and dressing
• Shopping for groceries and preparing meals that meet your clients’ dietary needs
• Organizing your clients’ schedules and appointments
• Providing basic health services, like administering prescription medication at certain times or checking vital signs
• Arranging transportation for your clients

As a nursing assistant/home health aide, your responsibilities encompass a wide array of vital tasks focused on ensuring the well-being and comfort of patients. You will play a crucial role in the healthcare team, providing hands-on assistance and support under the guidance of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. Some of the tasks and responsibilities you can expect to undertake include:

• Personal Care Assistance: Assisting patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, and dressing, promoting their dignity and independence.
• Mobility Support: Helping patients move around safely, whether it’s transferring them from bed to wheelchair, assisting with walking, or repositioning them to prevent pressure sores.
• Vital Signs Monitoring: Recording and reporting vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate to the healthcare team, alerting them to any significant changes in a patient’s condition.
• Nutritional Support: Assisting with feeding and ensuring patients receive proper nutrition and hydration according to their dietary needs and restrictions.
• Emotional Support: Providing companionship, actively listening to patients, and offering empathy and reassurance to alleviate anxiety and promote emotional well-being.
• Assistance with Medical Procedures: Helping healthcare professionals during medical procedures such as wound care, catheterization, and specimen collection, ensuring patient comfort and safety.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintaining accurate records of patient care activities, observations, and interactions, and effectively communicating with the healthcare team to ensure continuity of care.
• Safety and Infection Control: Adhering to strict protocols and procedures to maintain a clean and safe environment, including proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and infection prevention measures.

By mastering these responsibilities and demonstrating dedication to compassionate care, you’ll not only enhance the quality of life for your patients but also forge a fulfilling career path dedicated to serving others in their time of need

Get started by connecting with our Admissions team by phone, in person, or through an online form. As part of the application process, you’ll complete a short interview, provide a government-issued photo ID, and finalize your enrollment documents. Applicants must be at least 17 years old (those under 18 will need a parent/guardian signature).

The program can be completed in just 9 instructional weeks (180 clock hours), which includes a 40-hour supervised clinical experience in a real healthcare setting.

We offer flexible scheduling with both day classes (8:30 am–1:30 pm) and evening classes (5:30 pm–10:30 pm), Monday through Friday, so you can choose what best fits your lifestyle and responsibilities.

This program is delivered fully in-person (residential). Classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and clinical experiences are all completed on site.

No. This program is on-campus only, with required in-person labs and a supervised clinical externship.

For the HHA/Nursing Assistant program, the Miami campus offers bilingual Spanish/English instruction, while the Miramar campus provides instruction in English.

Graduation does not guarantee employment. Graduating from the program earns you a diploma, but to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Florida, you must pass the state CNA exam administered by Prometric. The CNA is a state-recognized credential that proves you are qualified to provide direct patient care under the supervision of licensed nurses. It is required for employment as a CNA in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.

Our program fully prepares you to challenge the Florida CNA exam, though passing is not guaranteed.  Qualified graduates who the lead instructor and test approve within 90 days of graduation may also receive a voucher covering the exam fee (up to $155).

Florida does not issue a separate state license for Home Health Aides. However, completion of this program prepares you for employment as an HHA with agencies approved by Medicare and Medicaid, subject to employer requirements. Graduation does not guarantee employment.

Graduates of the program are prepared to challenge the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam, administered by Prometric. The program also includes completion of all state-required in-service training topics, such as infection control, elder abuse, Alzheimer’s care, HIPAA compliance, and medical error prevention. These trainings are essential for employment as a Nursing Assistant or Home Health Aide in Florida, particularly with Medicare- and Medicaid-approved agencies. In addition, students earn CPR/BLS certification, which is another common requirement for healthcare employment.

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a state-credentialed role that requires passing the Florida CNA exam. CNAs typically work under the supervision of licensed nurses in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. A Home Health Aide (HHA) does not require a separate state license in Florida. Instead, HHAs are trained to provide personal care and support with daily living activities in clients’ homes, often through agencies approved by Medicare and Medicaid.

The FVI Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide diploma program equips you with the knowledge and skills to pursue both career paths.

To see the total cost of the program please review the Tuition & Fees section on our Consumer Information page.

Many graduates start their careers in long-term care, hospitals, or home health agencies. From there, you can advance by training for roles such as Patient Care Technician, Medical Assistant, or Registered Nurse (via FVI’s ASN program). Our Career Services team is available to guide you through your next steps and connect you with local job opportunities.