FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about programs, cost, schedules, and enrollment at Coastal Technical Institute in Palm Bay, FL.
General questions
What programs does Coastal Technical Institute offer?+
CTI offers seven career programs in two tracks. Healthcare: Practical Nursing (LPN), Nursing Assistant (CNA), Home Health Aide, and Phlebotomy. Skilled Trades: HVAC Technology, Electrical Technology, and Welding Technology.
Is Coastal Technical Institute accredited?+
Yes. Coastal Technical Institute is accredited by ACCET and licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education (License #5973).
Do you offer financial aid?+
CTI does not participate in federal Title IV financial aid programs, so FAFSA, Pell Grants, and federal student loans are not available. Payment plans are available on most programs. Ask our admissions team about your options.
How much does tuition cost?+
Tuition ranges from $745 for Home Health Aide to $13,640 for Practical Nursing (LPN). See the tuition page for every program's cost, clock hours, and length.
When do classes start?+
New classes start throughout the year. Visit the start dates page for the next available cohort for each program, or call admissions to reserve your seat.
Where is the campus?+
Our campus is at 1470 Treeland Blvd SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
I have something that may show up on my background check. Can I still enroll?+
Healthcare licensing boards review criminal history on a case by case basis, and you may be asked to submit documents to the Florida Board of Nursing. Talk with our admissions team privately before you enroll so we can explain what to expect for your program.
Can I tour the campus before I apply?+
Yes. Schedule a campus tour online and we will confirm your visit within one business day.
How do I apply?+
Complete the online application or call admissions at (321) 914-3041. An admissions advisor will contact you within one business day to walk you through enrollment.
Practical Nursing (LPN)
Do I need prior healthcare experience to enroll?+
No. The LPN program is designed for beginners and career changers. A strong work ethic and a genuine desire to care for people is the real prerequisite.
Is this program licensed in Florida?+
Yes. CTI is fully licensed by the Commission for Independent Education (CIE) and approved by the Florida Board of Nursing (BON) to offer this program.
How long does the program take?+
Approximately 13 months with full-time attendance. The program is 1,354 clock hours of combined classroom instruction and clinical training.
Will I be prepared for the NCLEX-PN exam?+
Yes. NCLEX-PN preparation is woven throughout the curriculum. Our graduates passed at a 94.12% rate on the first attempt, well above the national average of 86.06%.
Can I work while attending the program?+
Many students hold part-time jobs while enrolled. Talk to an admissions advisor about scheduling options that fit your situation.
What will I earn after graduation?+
The median salary for LPNs in Florida is $52,270 per year (BLS, May 2023). Starting salaries in Brevard County typically range from $42,000 to $62,000.
Where can I work as an LPN?+
Hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, rehab centers, home health agencies, schools, and physician offices throughout Brevard County and beyond.
Does CTI offer financial assistance?+
CTI does not participate in federal Title IV financial aid. Flexible payment plans are available. Contact admissions to discuss your options.
Nursing Assistant (CNA)
How long is the CNA program?+
The program is 6 weeks — 120 clock hours including 40 clinical externship hours in real healthcare settings.
What is CTI's CNA exam pass rate?+
CTI's CNA graduates passed the Florida Prometric exam at 89.06% on the first attempt (128 test-takers, 2025).
Will this prepare me for the state certification exam?+
Yes. State exam prep is built into the curriculum, and we help schedule your exam before graduation.
Do I need any prior healthcare experience?+
None at all. This program is designed for complete beginners.
Where can I work after becoming a CNA?+
Hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, rehab centers, and home health agencies throughout Brevard County.
Can I keep working while taking this program?+
Many students work part-time. Our schedules are built with working adults in mind.
Can a CNA become an LPN later?+
Absolutely. Many CNA graduates enroll in CTI's LPN program directly. It's the most common career pathway here.
Does CTI offer payment plans?+
Yes. Contact admissions to discuss flexible payment options.
Home Health Aide
How long is the Home Health Aide program?+
3.5 weeks — 91 clock hours of focused, practical training.
Will I be ready to work after graduation?+
Yes. You'll meet Florida state standards for employment as a Home Health Aide and be ready to work immediately.
Do I need previous healthcare experience?+
None. This program is built for complete beginners.
Where can I work as an HHA?+
Home care agencies, hospice services, assisted living facilities, and directly with private clients throughout Brevard County.
Can I move into other healthcare programs after this?+
Yes. Many HHA graduates enroll in our CNA or LPN program next. It's a natural career progression.
Does CTI offer payment plans?+
Yes. Contact admissions to discuss what fits your budget.
Phlebotomy
How long is the phlebotomy program?+
6 weeks — 148 clock hours of training including hands-on blood draw practice.
What certification will I prepare for?+
The MedCA Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam, which is nationally recognized and accepted in Florida.
Do I need experience to enroll?+
None. This program is designed for complete beginners.
Where can I work after certification?+
Hospitals, diagnostic labs, plasma centers, outpatient clinics, physician offices, and mobile blood draw services.
What does a phlebotomist earn in Florida?+
The median salary for phlebotomists in Florida is $38,200 per year (BLS, May 2023).
Does CTI offer payment plans?+
Yes. Contact admissions to find what fits your budget.
HVAC Technology
How long is the HVAC program?+
600 clock hours over 36 weeks — just under a year. Day and evening class options are available.
Do I need prior experience?+
No. The program is built for people entering the trade for the first time.
What will I earn after graduation?+
The median salary for HVAC technicians in Florida is $48,590 per year (BLS, May 2023). Experienced techs earn significantly more.
What does EPA 608 certification cover?+
EPA 608 certifies you to handle refrigerants — a legal requirement for most HVAC work. Prep is built into the curriculum.
Is HVAC work available year-round?+
Yes. Florida's climate means HVAC systems run year-round. It's one of the most stable trades in the state.
Are payment plans available?+
Yes. Contact admissions to find what fits your situation.
Electrical Technology
How long is the Electrical Technology program?+
600 clock hours over 36 weeks. Flexible scheduling available for working students.
Do I need prior electrical experience?+
No. The program starts at fundamentals and builds to real-world job readiness.
What will I earn after completing the program?+
The median salary for electricians in Florida is $50,410 per year (BLS, May 2023). Experienced electricians earn significantly more.
What types of jobs can I get?+
Residential wiring, commercial construction, industrial maintenance, and more across Brevard County and beyond.
Can I advance to journeyman or master electrician?+
Yes. This program gives you the foundational training to pursue your apprenticeship and eventual journeyman or master license.
Are payment plans available?+
Yes. Contact admissions to find what fits your situation.
Welding Technology
Do I need prior welding experience?+
None. The program starts at the fundamentals. If you like hands-on, precision work, you're already a good fit.
What types of welding will I learn?+
SMAW (Stick), MIG, TIG, fillet welding, structural welding, and pipe welding in 2G, 5G, and 6G positions.
What will I earn as a welder?+
The median wage for welders in Florida is $47,980 per year (BLS, May 2023). Pipeline and shipbuilding welders earn more.
What are AWS certifications?+
AWS (American Welding Society) certifications are the industry standard for demonstrating welding proficiency. CTI graduates may be eligible to sit for them.
Where can welders work?+
Construction sites, shipyards, manufacturing plants, fabrication shops, pipeline companies, and infrastructure projects throughout Florida and nationally.
Are payment plans available?+
Yes. Contact admissions to discuss what works for your budget.