Top 4 CNA Programs in Jacksonville

Are you looking for information about how to become a CNA, or Certified Nursing Assistant, in Jacksonville? The first thing you should know is that you must complete an approved CNA program before doing anything else. That's because to become certified as a nursing assistant, you must pass the certification exam. However, you can't sit for the exam without having completed an authorized program. Therefore, before you can move forward, you must find a CNA program in your area that suits your requirements. Whether you have a lot of flexibility or have specific needs when it comes to scheduling and costs, some of the popular CNA programs in Jacksonville are sure to work perfectly for you.

Undergoing CNA learning is a crucial step in the process of becoming one of these in-demand healthcare professionals. Like many people, you may feel a little intimidated at the prospect of zeroing in on the right program. There are many in the Jacksonville area, and they vary wildly in terms of cost, duration, and other attributes. A great way to go is to take a closer look at some of the popular programs in the area. Four particular notable examples include:

Florida State College

Conveniently, this school is located right in Jacksonville. It offers a Nursing Assistant Program that is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and by the Florida Department of Education. The program is designed to prepare you for the certification exam, which is administered by the Board of Nursing and consists of a written portion and a practical skills portion. For the latter, you must demonstrate proficiency with a variety of crucial CNA skills. Luckily, Florida State College's program includes 40 hours of clinical experience, so you will know just what to do when that part of the test begins.

First Coast Technical College - St Augustine Campus

If you are relatively close to Saint Augustine, which is about 30 miles from downtown Jacksonville, take a look at First Coast Technical College. The school's Nursing Assistant Program is among the popular ones in the region. Part of the reason for that is that it only takes nine weeks to complete, so you will be ready to sit for your exam just a few months after enrolling. The typical tuition cost for Florida residents is around $1,200, but financial aid may be available. To graduate, you must complete a theory portion and a clinical portion that takes place at local nursing homes.

St Johns River State College

Known also as SJR State, this school is located in Palatka, which is about 40 miles away from downtown Jacksonville. Its Nursing Assistant Program is a standout because it offers 165 hours of learning, which is a bit more than similar programs in the area. As a result, you may feel like you are better prepared for your exam and for your subsequent career as a CNA by completing this program. Upon completion, you will be eligible to sit for the NNAAP exam, which is the national nurse assistant exam. To enroll, you must complete a drug screen and a criminal background check.

First Coast Technical College - Palatka Campus

First Coast Technical College also operates a campus in Palatka, so if that city is more convenient for you, you might consider taking a closer look at the CNA program that's offered here. It is modeled exactly after the one that's offered in St. Augustine, so it takes about nine weeks to complete your program. You can expect tuition to cost around $1,200 as long as you are a resident of Florida. The program is approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing, so you can rest assured that you'll be fully prepared to take and pass the exam when the time comes.

Right now, it may seem like you're in for a lot of work to become a CNA. That's true, but it will all pay off after you complete your Jacksonville CNA program, pass the certification exam, receive your CNA license, and are ready to apply for jobs as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Your license applies to the entire state of Florida, so this is a great way to open up all kinds of career opportunities.