Jacksonville is home to a growing population of seniors, fueling demand for quality Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). To meet this need, Jacksonville offers many accredited training programs equipping students with essential caregiving skills. This definitive guide provides an in-depth look at the top CNA schools in Jacksonville.
Why Quality Training Matters
With over 115,000 current job openings for nursing assistants nationwide, becoming a CNA represents an excellent career path especially in Jacksonville. As the elderly population grows, CNAs fill a vital role delivering hands-on care under nursing supervision in settings from hospitals to private homes.
While no two CNA training programs are identical, the best provide the full suite of knowledge and experience needed to pass state certification exams and flourish in the role. So what should prospective students look for? The top schools described below excel in elements like:
- Comprehensive Curricula: Covering everything from patients‘ rights to taking vital signs.
- Experienced Instructors: With real-world insight into healthcare environments.
- Hands-On Training: Developing the muscle memory needed to work efficiently.
- Clinical Opportunities: Getting direct patient care experience in facilities.
- Job Placement Assistance: Helping graduates find the right fit opportunities.
Using these criteria, here are the top recommended CNA programs in Jacksonville today:
1. First Coast CPR
Highlights
- 120 hour training
- Weekday, weekend and accelerated courses
- 98% first-time exam pass rate
- Clinicals at area nursing homes
- Payment plans from $250 down
First Coast CPR has trained over 7500 students for CNA certification over 20 plus years. The school uses the latest curriculum approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Students get exposure to topics like infection control, ambulation, feeding, hygiene care and taking vital signs.
The course includes 100 hours of theory/lab instruction and 20 clinical hours at area nursing homes. Hands-on labs utilize specialized mannequins and equipment for skills like bedmaking, transfers, range of motion exercises and catheter care.
Instructors have at least 5 years of experience in fields like emergency medical services, healthcare administration and operating nursing facilities. The 12:1 student-teacher ratio ensures plenty of individual coaching and feedback.
First Coast‘s exam pass rate beats the state average of 92% — key for launching a career right after graduation.
Certifications Awarded
- Florida Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Cost
- $1250 standard tuition including textbooks, scrub uniform and exam voucher
Schedule Options
- Day and evening/weekend sessions fitting all schedules
- Accelerated 1 or 2 week bootcamp
Payment Plans From
- $250 down, balance financed interest-free
Job Placement Assistance
- Resume/interview prep and partnerships with area providers
Contact
- 3728 Philips Hwy Suite 13, Jacksonville, FL 32207
- (904) 778-5547 | firstcoastcpr.com
2. Soul Saver CPR
Highlights
- Small 4:1 student-teacher ratio
- Unlimited review of course content
- Assistance with clinical placement
- 94% first-time test passers
- Financing from $300 down
Soul Saver CPR takes a boutique approach to CNA education with intensive focus on learner outcomes. The school maintains a lean 4:1 student-instructor ratio ensuring personalized coaching. Unlimited access to course materials and review also gives enrollees an extra edge.
The 140-hour course includes classroom and laboratory instruction, plus 40 hours of clinical experience across two Jacksonville facilities over two weeks. Skills training utilizes specialized mannequins allowing extensive hands-on practice of day-to-day CNA responsibilities like feeding, ambulating, bed making, PPE procedures and catheter care.
Soul Saver‘s exam first-time exam pass rate of 94% outpaces Florida‘s 92% benchmark. The course covers all key exam topics in depth including ethics, patients rights, skin care, vital signs monitoring, Alzheimer‘s care basics and maintaining patient safety standards.
Certifications Awarded
- Florida Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Cost
- $1500 full tuition with financing from $300 down
Schedule Options
- Weekday accelerated and evening sessions lasting 4-6 weeks
Payment Plans From
- $300 upon enrollment, balance financed interest-free
Job Placement Assistance
- Interview and resume coaching
- Relationships with area providers
Contact
- 9951 Atlantic Blvd #466, Jacksonville, FL 32225
- (904) 760-1512 | soulsavercpr.com
3. Cardi Beats Health Care Training Center
Highlights
- 84 hour accelerated course
- Instructors averaging 10+ years field experience
- Modern training complex with dedicated nursing lab
- Simulated clinical environment
- Job placement partnerships with Jacksonville providers
Cardi Beats is focused on ensuring students start working as nursing assistants in just weeks with their accelerated CNA program. Over just three weeks, enrollees complete 84 classroom and lab hours plus the state-required clinical hours.
Instructors like RN Clarice Waldon and LPN Tameka Bryant average 10+ years of field experience across nursing, long-term care and emergency medicine. Students work one-on-one with instructors in the EKG monitoring, phlebotomy and nursing assistant training lab outfitted with the latest specialized mannequins and simulation equipment.
The course delivers key background including legal/ethics training, infection prevention, ambulation techniques, dressing, feeding, skin care, data collection and communications. Graduates report feeling ready to pass certification exams and hit the ground running in provider settings right after graduation.
Cardi Beats enjoys strong relationships with major area providers and assists newer graduates with resume building and job placement.
Certifications Awarded
- Florida Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Cost
- $799 tuition with interest-free installment plans
Schedule Options
- Accelerated weekdays over 3 weeks
Payment Plans From
- $350 upon enrollment, balance financed
Job Placement Assistance
- Partnerships with Jacksonville area providers
Contact
- 1068 Arlington Rd N, Jacksonville, FL 32211
- (904) 760-2559 | cardibeats.com
More Top Jacksonville Programs
While the above profiles cover our top recommended picks, Jacksonville hosts many additional reputable programs. Here is a snapshot of other excellent area schools:
Florida Training Academy
Longtime Jacksonville provider offering weekend CNA programs with competitive tuition rates around $600. Also offers phlebotomy technician training.
One Week CNA Training
Accelerated 7-day CNA bootcamp model in an intimate 4:1 learner/teacher environment. Nursing home clinicals included along with state exam voucher.
A+ CNA Training and Phlebotomy
CNA and phlebotomy combo training program available. 10-year track record focused on convenient accelerated courses.
North Florida Medical Institute
CNA program with 100+ hours classroom instruction plus clinicals at Jacksonville and Orange Park long-term care facilities.
Jersey College
Nationally accredited and licensed Jacksonville college providing an 120-hour CNA course blended with in-person labs/clinicals.
Excel C.N.A & CPR Training
Lem Turner Road CNA training outfitted with a simulation apartment training students on providing at-home care.
Additional Options
Dozens more accredited CNA schools can be found across the greater Jacksonville/First Coast region. Be sure to verify proper licensure, credit-earning potential and relationships with area employers.
Choosing the Best Training Program
While Jacksonville hosts many respectable CNA schools, identifying the right option for your goals takes some homework. Here are key factors to weigh:
Schedule and Location
Make sure class meeting times work with existing responsibilities. Also look at program length, with accelerated courses finishing faster but covering substantial daily hours. Convenience of the training location is also key – opt for minimized commute times.
Hands-on Training
Look for opportunities to practice skills during labs and offsite clinicals. Most programs integrate skills practice into classes. Be sure to inquire about the number of hours spent applying knowledge on specialized mannequins and/or with actual patients.
Instructor Quality
Ask about instructor qualifications like years working in healthcare settings, nursing/medicine backgrounds and regular continuing education. More experienced teachers tend to produce better first-time test passing rates.
Cost and Financing
Jacksonville CNA programs range from about $600 to $1500+ depending on included items like textbooks. Most schools offer installment plans breaking costs down to more affordable monthly payments. Individual facilities may also offer tuition reimbursement for employees after certification.
Job Placement Assistance
Some schools actively coordinate graduates with area employers needing CNAs. Look for application and interview coaching, employer introductions and insight into high-demand specializations.
While cost and duration should be weighed, avoiding "quickie" programs with less than 80 classroom hours is advised. Investing in quality comprehensive education better prepares graduates for certification testing and workplace success.
Job and Salary Outlook for Jacksonville CNAs
With demand for nursing assistants and orderlies projected to grow 7% in Florida by 2026, becoming a CNA represents an excellent career path – especially in the Jacksonville area. Here‘s a snapshot of realities after graduation:
Key Employers
CNAs find employment in diverse healthcare settings including:
- Hospitals
- Nursing care facilities
- Assisted living communities
- Rehab centers
- Hospice agencies
- Private homes
Jacksonville nursing facilities with above-average staffing levels actively recruit new CNAs. Opportunities also exist with providers like UF Health Jacksonville, Ascension St. Vincent‘s HealthCare, Baptist Health and Brooks Rehabilitation.
Average Local Wages
Florida CNAs earn median annual wages of $28,000 translating to $13.46 hourly. Pay scales above this baseline with certifications, experience and employer type. For example, Jacksonville nursing care facilities currently offer average starting wages of $15 hourly.
Continuing Education
While not required, CNAs expand responsibilities and pay potential by adding certifications in specialized skills like dementia care, EKG tech and phlebotomy. Many Jacksonville employers help cover costs of continuing CNA education.
Next Steps as a Prospective CNA
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Compare area training programs using guidance above and choose the right fit based on cost, quality and convenience.
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Apply for financing if needed through choice school or other sources like scholarships and stipends.
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Graduate and pass state testing – Florida CNA exam fees run around $140. First-time pass rates at quality schools typically exceed 90%.
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Engage career placement assistance to find the best job fit from among many area providers.
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Consider specialized dementia/EKG certifications to increase duties and earnings.
Much more than "grunt work," becoming a CNA represents a richly rewarding initial career in delivering empathetic, skilled care. Equipped with quality education and a compassionate spirit, Jacksonville graduates find ample opportunities to grow, advance and make a real difference throughout the local healthcare system.