Given the aging nature of the population of Florida, the demand for CNAs in Jacksonville will continue to increase over the next 5 to 10 years. CNA classes in Jacksonville are available through a variety of educational institutions, community colleges, and hospitals. These CNA classes provide extensive instruction on the skills that CNAs need to be successful in their profession. CNA classes cover topics such as medical terminology, nutrition, safety procedures, and patient care techniques. There are several schools in Jacksonville that offer CNA classes with varying formats, program timelines, and costs.
Highlights
- There are an estimated 6,810 CNAs working in Jacksonville. With 22 local hospitals and several senior living centers and assisted living facilities, there are plenty of job opportunities for CNAs.
- CNAs in Jacksonville can earn $38,500 per year or more depending on their employer and experience level.
- With several fast-track, accelerated one and two-week CNA classes in the area, you can quickly pass a CNA course, take your exam and be on the track to being employed in the healthcare industry.
- There are nearly 20 CNA programs in the Jacksonville area to choose from and meet your specific needs
CNA Requirements in Jacksonville
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Jacksonville does not necessarily require a state-approved training program prior to the examination. However, there are specific requirements that applicants must meet to qualify for the examination.
Applicants seeking to become a CNA through the Examination route must first pass a required background screening. To be eligible, they must meet one of the following criteria:
- Successfully completed an approved training program and attained a minimum score on the nursing assistant competency examination. This examination comprises a written portion and a skills-demonstration portion, both of which are approved by the board. The exam is administered at an authorized site by personnel approved by the department.
- Achieved a minimum score on the nursing assistant competency examination, consisting of both written and skills-demonstration components, which is approved by the board and administered at an authorized site by department-approved personnel. To meet this requirement, the applicant must either possess a high school diploma or its equivalent or be at least 18 years of age.
- Completed the curriculum developed under the Enterprise Florida Jobs and Education Partnership Grant and attained a minimum score on the nursing assistant competency examination. The exam includes both written and skills-demonstration portions and is approved by the board. It is administered at a designated site by personnel approved by the department.
An applicant who fails to pass the nursing assistant competency examination in three attempts will not be eligible for reexamination unless they successfully complete an approved training program. This implies that passing the exam is critical for achieving certification as a CNA in Jacksonville.
Programs will either consist of crash-course style programs to help students pass the exam (ideal for those with some healthcare experience) or a more comprehensive program that meets the education requirements in other US states. Comprehensive programs typically last at least 4 weeks. Total hours time is broken down into:
120 total hours
- 80 hours of classroom time
- 40 hours of clinical time
Additional requirements for being a certified CNA in Florida include:
- basic reading and comprehension skills
- minimum age of 18 years
- background screening for criminal record
- complete immunization records
- testing for tuberculosis and drug use
- physical examination
- ability to lift up to 40 pounds unaided
Top CNA Classes in Jacksonville
Are you tired of sifting through endless options for the perfect CNA program to fit your hectic schedule? Look no further! We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up a list of the top programs in the Jacksonville region. But wait, there’s more! We’ve also highlighted the best online and totally free CNA classes, so you can easily find the right fit for you.
1. Acumen CNA Training **Affordable CNA classes in Jacksonville
Acumen CNA Training in Jacksonville provides a comprehensive and dynamic program for those seeking to become a certified nursing assistant. The 100% hands-on training is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pass the Florida Nurse Aide Exam with confidence. With small class sizes, students receive personalized attention and instruction from experienced instructors.
This one-week course is offered Monday through Thursday and is fast-paced, ensuring students receive the education they need in a short amount of time. The course fee of $250 includes a comprehensive training manual and access to a practice quiz portal with over 300 practice questions.
To ensure a successful learning experience, students are required to wear scrubs, socks, and sneakers to class. The program is open to anyone over the age of 18, with no high school diploma required.
To secure a spot in the program, a $100 fee is required, with the remaining balance of $150 due on the first day of class.
Price: $250
Address: 5820 Normandy Blvd.
Jacksonville, Florida 32205
Phone: 904.786.6047
URL: https://acumenmedicalservices.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Accelerated CNA classes can be completed in only four days. Students have a 98% passing rate on the Florida CNA exam.
2. One Week CNA Training **Accelerated One-Week CNA Program
One Week CNA Training in Jacksonville offers a fast and efficient way to obtain your CNA license in Florida. With a 98% success rate and a guarantee to pass or retake the course for free, attendees are given the necessary tools to pass the state CNA exam without attending traditional school. The program is 100% hands-on, spanning only 3 days, and priced at $225, including study materials and clinical skills training.
No prior medical experience or training is required, and the program accommodates individuals with learning difficulties or language barriers. Attendees do not need a high school diploma or GED, and the training is accessible to all, regardless of background.
Throughout the training, attendees will be guided through the entire application process for the state exam with Prometric, including electronic fingerprinting and Level 2 background check (priced at $80), which can be completed before, during, or after the program.
Price: $225 – does not include state exam and fingerprint/background check.
Address: 934 Arlington Road N.
Jacksonville, FL 32211
Phone: 904.651.1420
URL: https://www.oneweekcna.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Available to non-Florida residents.
3. A+ CNA Training **Online CNA Classes in Jacksonville
A+ CNA and Phlebotomy Training in Jacksonville offers a comprehensive and updated training program for individuals seeking to obtain their CNA license. With proper documentation and state-of-the-art materials, students receive the most detailed and accurate education.
Classroom and clinical education are at the forefront of the program, with instructors demonstrating hands-on skills and providing updated techniques to ensure success on the CNA exam. The dedicated staff provides ongoing support and empowers students throughout the test preparation process, ensuring they are fully prepared to pass the exam with confidence.
Price: $250 -$350
Address: 7235 Bentley Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Phone: 904.554.5601
URL: https://www.apluscnatraining.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Immediate employment opportunities available for all students.
4. First Coast CNA
First Coast CNA in Jacksonville offers a comprehensive and thorough certified nursing assistant training program, designed to help individuals begin their careers in nursing. With day or evening classes available, students can choose the schedule that works best for them.
The program consists of 120 hours of accredited CNA classes, using the American Red Cross training curriculum and approved by the Florida Department of Education and Florida Board of Nursing. In just 3 weeks for day classes or 5 weeks for evening classes, students receive 80 hours of theory and hands-on training, taught by highly experienced and professional nurses with a small student-to-instructor ratio. In addition, 40 hours of clinical rotations provide practical experience at well-established nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
For those needing assistance with financing, First Coast CNA offers options to help make their training accessible. Additionally, help with job placement is provided to graduates of the program. The registration fee also includes the required Level 2 Live Scan Background Check, AHA BLS/CPR certification, and a CNA Study Guide.
Price: $1,100
Address: 3728 Philips Highway #13
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904.778.5547
URL: https://firstcoastcna.com/
Job Placement: Hybrid-online CNA courses available.
Additional Features: Exam prep training classes also available for a fee.
5. Florida State College at Jacksonville **Classroom and Online Hybrid CNA Courses Available
At Florida State College at Jacksonville, the Nursing Assistant (CNA) program provides aspiring healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge required to start a successful career in the field. The program is designed to give students hands-on training and real-world experience, taught by experienced instructors in both a classroom and online hybrid setting.
The program is divided into two separate courses, Basic Healthcare Worker and Nursing Assistant, which must be completed to receive a FSCJ Certificate of Completion and eligibility to sit for the Florida Board of Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification Exam.
Price: $1,228
Address: 101 W State St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: 904.646.2300
URL: https://www.fscj.edu/academics/workforce-education/cwe/health/hed0101
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Grant programs available.
6. Affordable Training
Affordable Training in Jacksonville offers Nursing Assistant (CNA) training to equip students with the necessary skills to pass the Florida state exam and provide quality care to patients. The program focuses on important areas such as multi-tasking, medical teamwork, bedside manner, infection control, health promotion, and creating a safe and effective environment.
The training program includes two options, with a 120-hour program being the recommended option. This full class provides students with both theoretical and clinical skills to enter the professional field of nursing assistant. Upon completion, students will receive certificates in various areas such as CPR/Basic Life Support, HIPAA, First Aid, Alzheimer’s/Dementia, HIV/AIDS, Med Records Documentation, Medical Error Prevention, and Infection Control, among others.
Price: $1,105
Address: 7867 Lakeland Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32221
Phone: 904.378.0102
URL: https://www.cnaat.org/
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: Students have the option to take the Medication Administration/Observation certificate for an additional fee during the externship week.
7. Florida Training Academy
Florida Training Academy, formerly known as Perfect CNA, offers a quick and cost-effective solution to prepare individuals for the State Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam. The academy offers hands-on tutoring for both the written and clinical portions of the exam in just one week or less.
Florida Training Academy’s Fast Track Nursing Assistant training program offers a smarter solution for aspiring CNAs who desire quick and affordable hands-on training prior to taking the state exam. The program provides training by experienced nurses, patient care technicians, and nursing assistants who speak English fluently. It also includes a CNA Exam Preparation manual, hands-on training, free online videos and practice written exams, exclusive Fast Track study tips, and discounted CPR and BLS classes.
Price: $250
Address: 2253 Cassat Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32210
Phone: 972.863.7144
URL: https://perfectcna.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Exam prep course also available. Online clinical skills videos available to students 24/7.
8. Diligent Hands
Diligent Hands in Jacksonville offers CNA Prep & CPR Training classes designed to prepare students for the Florida Board of Nursing exam. During the two-day, 20-hour intensive training, candidates will learn the essential skills needed to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. The rigorous curriculum covers 22 skills, including hand washing, taking and recording vital signs, and evaluating a patient’s overall condition.
Students will also learn and practice daily living skills such as bedside and personal care, bathing and dressing, and feeding. Throughout the program, students will take quizzes and mock written exams to review their skills. Upon completion, candidates will be well-prepared to challenge the state exam. Diligent Hands also offers open self-practice lab sessions and free refresher classes to maintain skills. Graduates who pass the exam will receive assistance in finding employment through professional partner connections.
Price: $220 – does not include state exam fee or background check
Address: 2050 Art Museum Drive, Suite 104
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904.414.6800
URL: https://www.diligenthandstraining.com/
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: Fingerprints and background checks are not required before taking the course.
9. American Red Cross
The CNA program at the American Red Cross of Northeast Florida consists of three components, including theory, lab, and clinical, that must be successfully completed to graduate. The theory portion covers the fundamentals of patient care, including patient communication, safety, and providing care. The lab component allows students to practice in-person skills with the assistance of the instructor and fellow students.
The clinical component provides hands-on experience working with residents of a long-term care facility under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Classes are available at different times, including day, evening, and weekend options, and are offered year-round, including summer.
Price: Call to inquire on current fees.
Address: 751 Riverside Ave.
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: 904.358.8091
URL: https://www.redcross.org/local/florida/north-florida/about-us/locations/northeast-florida.html
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Flexible day, evening, and weekend courses available.
10. PRN Pro Training **CNA Test Prep Training
PRN Pro Training offers a hands-on approach to prepare candidates for the Florida CNA exam. The classes take place over the course of 4 hours per day, Monday through Thursday, and the course fee is $150. The fee includes access to a training manual and a practice quiz portal with over 300 questions.
Classes are taught by experienced instructors who aim to equip students with the knowledge and confidence to pass the Florida Nurse Aide Exam. The class size is limited to 2 to 10 students, allowing for individualized attention and support. PRN Pro Training offers a fast-paced course and recommends scheduling a test date with Prometric before registering for the class.
Price: $150
Address: 4251 University Boulevard South Suite 201
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Phone: 904.404.9193
URL: https://prnprotraining.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Test prep training only.
How Much Do CNAs Get Paid in Jacksonville?
The average salary for nursing assistants in Jacksonville at $33,250 annually, or $15.99 per hour according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That is slightly lower than the Florida state average of $33,390 per year and $16.05 per hour and is lower than the U.S. average of $36,220 annually and $17.41 per hour.
How Much Do CNA Courses Cost in Jacksonville?
The cost of CNA courses in Jacksonville ranges from $225 to $895, depending on the school or program you choose. Nearly all programs in Jacksonville offer financial aid assistance packages. Additionally, employers may offer sponsorship programs for tuition assistance.
Job Opportunities for CNAs in Jacksonville
There are approximately 83,010 CNAs working in Florida and 6,700 of them work in the Jacksonville area. That’s a high concentration of CNA jobs and with growing healthcare demands for an aging population, it’s estimated that the demand for CNAs is going to grow substantially over the next decade. As a CNA, this means job security and the possibility to earn a strong wage. But where are CNAs working in Jacksonville? Let’s look at the top industries.
| Industry Type | Jacksonsville Total Employment |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 2,401 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 1,970 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 718 |
| Home Health Care Services | 426 |
| Employment Services | 198 |
| Individual and Family Services | 185 |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 133 |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 132 |
| Offices of Physicians | 89 |
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