CNA Classes and CNA Training Programs in Jacksonville, Florida (FL)

We all know that Florida is a primary retirement location, and this tells us one major thing – a lot of people with medical and healthcare needs live there. Perhaps this is why the state added more than three thousand CNA jobs last year alone! When we factor in the expected rate of growth anticipated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (around 20% to 34%) we know that Florida, and the booming city of Jacksonville, is a great place to become a certified nursing assistant through CNA classes in Jacksonville.

Information about CNA Jobs in Jacksonville

So, how does one get into this amazing job market? There are two very wise paths to follow. The first is to use the most common national CNA employment portals. We have them listed below, along with the link to the region’s Indeed.com postings for CNA work as well.

Using portals is a DIY approach because you have to fill out and submit applications, go to interviews, and a lot more. The best engines tend to be the ones that mention CNA in their URLs, and include sites such as CNA.Jobs-to-Careers.com.

These types of sites let you see the number of jobs in the general market, and this can often be a bit overwhelming. If you don’t want to tackle the market on your own, and you have already done all of your CNA training and certification, you can use the following recruiting and staffing sites to streamline the entire process. One top name for CNAs in Jacksonville is ArborStaff.com.

Using this method for finding work as a CNA in Jacksonville means that you still have to have your credentials. In other words, you need to be sure you have taken the right CNA classes, training, and become certified.

Details about CNA Classes and Licensing  Requirements in Jacksonville

The Florida State Board of Nursing regulates the registry for certified nurse assistants or aides throughout the state, and there are four ways to become certified:

• Challenge exam and pass
• Attend and pass one of the state approved CNA programs and pass exam
• Complete one of the available nursing home CNA programs and pass exam
• Reciprocity from another state and be approved by the Board of Nursing

Standard CNA programs in Jacksonville demand from two weeks to an entire semester in a community college. This is because Florida does have specialization. Regardless of the specific CNA training program, you must take the course and pass the Competency Exam in order to be listed on their registry. This has 50 multiple choices and a manual test that asks you to demonstrate three skills from the 19 taught in your classes and training. You will also need to get a criminal background check, and after that, you can become a working CNA in Jacksonville.

Key CNA Training Programs in Jacksonville

There are many ways to get your training as a CNA in Jacksonville, but the following list of schools and programs is a great place to start looking for CNA classes:

• A. Philip Randolph Health Academy
• South Florida State College

Information about Key Employers

With only 17 hospitals in Jacksonville and the surrounding suburbs, and with a large number of basic nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities, you will find all kinds of job opportunities for those hoping to become a CNA in Jacksonville. We suggest the following hospitals as good places to consider working at entry or advanced levels:

• Baptist Medical Center – #1 in the state it is a major employer for the region.
• Shands Jacksonville Medical Center – allied to the University of Florida this is a top facility with an enormous staff.
• Memorial Hospital – as a leading provider of healthcare to the entire community it is a great employment option.

Jacksonville is going to remain far above average in terms of growth. CNAs will be able to enjoy good pay and lots of opportunities throughout 2020, and well beyond. The anticipated rate of growth also means that you can quickly find work using any of the resources above.

Salary Information for Certified Nursing Assistants in Jacksonville

With the need for so many CNAs, it means that competition for work is not so high, and this means salaries that are a bit low. The median annual Nursing Assistant salary in Jacksonville, FL is $27,593, as of August 18, 2020, with a range usually between $25,302-$36,516 (Salary.com).

Key Skills Learned In Jacksonville CNA Training Programs

Most of the skills that a CNA must learn through classes and training are nearly identical to a first year nursing student. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics strongly recommends that along with CNA classes in Jacksonville, a student consider their level of skill with patience, compassion, and good language because these are just as important as their training in:

• Basic Nursing Skills
• Communication
• Ethics
• Medical and Anatomy Terminology
• Observation
• Patient Rights
• Reporting, and
• Safety

Working as a CNA in Jacksonville is a growth industry, and the more training and education you get along the way, the farther you can go.