CNA Classes & Programs in Jacksonville, Florida

Get Information from CNA Programs in Jacksonville and Nearby

Jacksonville offers 6 CNA programs for those seeking entry into the nursing field in this vibrant Florida city. Whether you are starting a new career or looking to build on existing healthcare experience, CNA classes here provide a direct path toward state certification and hands-on patient care roles. The city’s healthcare sector supports a consistent need for well-trained certified nursing assistants.

Training options in Jacksonville include free CNA classes and several accelerated choices, giving students flexibility to complete requirements efficiently. Local CNA training programs are designed to prepare individuals for the Florida certification exam and develop practical skills that support patient care in real-world settings. Graduates can expect career opportunities across hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies throughout the area.

In Jacksonville, CNAs earn around $36,770 annually according to the latest local data. These salary figures reflect earnings within the Jacksonville region and may vary with experience or facility type. CNA programs in Jacksonville help meet ongoing demand for qualified caregivers in diverse healthcare environments.

Quick Facts About Jacksonville

  • Population
    950,203
    Residents
  • CNA Programs
    6
    State-approved Programs
  • Median Income
    $64,138
    Median Annual Income
  • CNA Hourly Rate
    $17.68
    Median Hourly Rate
  • CNA Yearly Salary
    $36,770
    Median Annual Salary
  • Facilities
    79
    CMS Healthcare Facilities
    33 Nursing Homes β€’ 9 Hospitals β€’ 37 Home Health Agencies

Get Information from CNA Programs in Jacksonville and Nearby

Schools in Jacksonville and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.

You'll receive information about:

  • Upcoming start dates & schedules
  • Tuition costs & financial aid options
  • Class locations & formats
  • Program details & requirements

βœ“ Free Service β€’ βœ“ No Obligations β€’ βœ“ Compare Multiple Programs β€’ βœ“ Accredited Schools Only

Browse CNA Classes in Jacksonville

Students in Jacksonville can choose from 6 CNA programs, including free CNA training and 3 accelerated options designed for Florida state certification. Each CNA training program prepares students with the knowledge and clinical skills needed to qualify for certification and start working as a nursing assistant. Local demand for CNAs supports strong employment prospects throughout Jacksonville’s healthcare community.

Types of Classes Available

Free programs: available in Jacksonville through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: available in Jacksonville and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs not available in Jacksonville but are offered in other cities throughout Florida.

Westside High School

βœ… State Approved 🏫 High School
πŸ“ Jacksonville, 5530 Firestone Rd, Florida 32244

Program Details

Westside High School’s Nursing Academy provides classroom, lab, and clinical experiences at local facilities to prepare students for CNA certification as part of a multi-year CTE pathway. The program features CPR training and supervised clinical rotations.

Sharron Nursing Academy

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Career School πŸ™ Faith-Based Institution
πŸ“ Jacksonville, 5045 Soutel Drive, Suite 13, Florida 32208

Program Details

Sharron Nursing Academy’s Nursing Assistant Program totals 165 hours, including at least 80 classroom hours, 20 skills lab hours, and 40 clinical hours with 20 hours of direct resident care in a licensed facility. Cohorts are offered full or part time.
Total Cost: $1,675 Total Hours: 165

First Coast Nursing Assistant Training Center

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Career School ⚑ Accelerated Program 🀝 Job Placement Help πŸ•’ Evening & Weekend Classes Available
πŸ“ Jacksonville, 3728 Philips Highway, Ste #2, Florida 32207

Program Details

First Coast CNA runs a 120-hour nurse assistant program with day (about 4 weeks) or evening (about 5 weeks) cohorts plus clinical rotations; small classes and optional exam-prep are offered. The day cohort meets Mon–Fri and the evening cohort includes weekend clinicals.
Total Cost: $1,100 Total Hours: 120 Duration: 4 weeks

Baptist Health Clinical School

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Educational Entity ⚑ Accelerated Program ✨ Free Program 🏒 Employer Sponsored 🀝 Job Placement Help
πŸ“ Jacksonville, 3563 Philips Highway Bldg A, Suite 106, Florida 32207

Program Details

Baptist Health’s Nurse Assistant Training Program emphasizes acute care with classroom, skills lab, and clinical rotations in both hospital and long‑term care settings.
Total Cost: Free Duration: 14 weeks

Atlantic Coast High School

βœ… State Approved 🏫 High School
πŸ“ Jacksonville, 9735 R.G. Skinner Parkway, Florida 32256

Program Details

The Medical Academy at Atlantic Coast High offers a pathway where students can train as nursing assistants and complete clinicals with Mayo Clinic partners. Local news confirms ACHS students can earn the CNA while in high school.

Affordable Training

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Career School ⚑ Accelerated Program πŸ’΅ Financial Aid Available πŸŒ™ Evening Classes Available
πŸ“ Jacksonville, 7867 Lakeland Street, Florida 32221

Program Details

120 hour CNA program completed in 5 weeks with classroom, lab, and externship; day or night cohorts meet Monday through Friday.
Total Cost: $930 Total Hours: 120 Duration: 5 weeks

CNA Employment Opportunities in Jacksonville

CNA Salary Information

  • Annual Salary
    $36,770
    Median Yearly Pay
  • Hourly Rate
    $17.68
    Median Per Hour
  • Available Jobs
    7,030
    CNA Positions
Data for the region: Jacksonville area

CNA jobs in Jacksonville are supported by a workforce of approximately 7,030 certified nursing assistants, reflecting strong demand across local hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. With a population exceeding 950,000 and a robust healthcare system, employment prospects remain steady for those entering the field.

The CNA salary in Jacksonville stands at a median annual wage of $36,770, or about $17.68 per hour, according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure is slightly above the Florida statewide median of $36,340. Local salaries may vary depending on experience and facility type but generally provide stable earning potential for entry-level caregivers in this market.

Jacksonville’s healthcare sector includes major facilities such as Mayo Clinic and Baptist Health Medical Center - Jacksonville. Large nursing homes like University Crossing (111 beds) and River Garden Hebrew Home For The Aged (180 beds) serve diverse patient populations. Home health agencies including All At Home Healthcare and Precise Home Care further expand job opportunities for CNAs among the city's 79 CMS-certified facilities.

Sources

Working in Nearby Cities

Looking beyond Jacksonville? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Gainesville, Palm Coast, Lake Butler, St. Augustine, and Yulee, or browse the Florida CNA programs page for more options.

Working in Other States

Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.

Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA

If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.

Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Jacksonville (33 facilities)

33 nursing homes in Jacksonville providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)

πŸ“Š Showing top 5 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data).

University Crossing

Nursing Home
πŸ“ 6210 Beach Blvd

Facility Details

Beds: 111 CNA Hours: 3.2 per day

River Garden Hebrew Home For The Aged

Nursing Home
πŸ“ 11401 Old Saint Augustine Rd

Facility Details

Beds: 180 CNA Hours: 3.0 per day

Park Ridge Nursing Center

Nursing Home
πŸ“ 730 College Street

Facility Details

Beds: 104 CNA Hours: 2.8 per day

Cypress Village

Nursing Home
πŸ“ 4600 Middleton Park Cir E

Facility Details

Beds: 100 CNA Hours: 2.7 per day

Shands Jacksonville Medical Center

Nursing Home
πŸ“ 580 W 8Th Street

Facility Details

Beds: 56 CNA Hours: 2.5 per day

Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Jacksonville (9 facilities)

9 hospitals in Jacksonville offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)

πŸ“Š Showing top 5 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data).

Mayo Clinic

Hospital 🚨 Emergency Services
πŸ“ 4500 San Pablo Rd

Facility Details

Type: Acute Care Hospitals Rating: 5/5 ⭐ Emergency: Available

Ascension St Vincent'S Southside

Hospital 🚨 Emergency Services
πŸ“ 4201 Belfort Rd

Facility Details

Type: Acute Care Hospitals Rating: 4/5 ⭐ Emergency: Available

Baptist Health Medical Center - Jacksonville

Hospital 🚨 Emergency Services
πŸ“ 800 Prudential Dr

Facility Details

Type: Acute Care Hospitals Rating: 4/5 ⭐ Emergency: Available

Shands Jacksonville

Hospital 🚨 Emergency Services
πŸ“ 655 W 8Th St

Facility Details

Type: Acute Care Hospitals Rating: 3/5 ⭐ Emergency: Available

Ascension St Vincent'S Riverside

Hospital 🚨 Emergency Services
πŸ“ 1 Shircliff Way

Facility Details

Type: Acute Care Hospitals Rating: 2/5 ⭐ Emergency: Available

Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Jacksonville (37 facilities)

37 home health agencies in Jacksonville providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)

πŸ“Š Showing top 5 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data).

All At Home Healthcare

Home Health Agency βœ… CNA Services πŸ† Top Quality
πŸ“ 4130 Salisbury Rd.

Facility Details

Quality: 5.0/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Confident Care Of Florida Corp

Home Health Agency βœ… CNA Services πŸ† Top Quality
πŸ“ 9428 Baymeadows Rd Ste 230

Facility Details

Quality: 5.0/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Precise Home Care Llc

Home Health Agency βœ… CNA Services πŸ† Top Quality
πŸ“ 8659 Baypine Road Suite 200 Bldg 3

Facility Details

Quality: 5.0/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Ascension Health At Home Of Florida 1 Llc

Home Health Agency βœ… CNA Services πŸ† Top Quality
πŸ“ 7235 Bonneval Rd Ste 236

Facility Details

Quality: 4.5/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Centerwell Home Health

Home Health Agency πŸ† Top Quality
πŸ“ 10161 Centurion Pkwy North Ste 320

Facility Details

Quality: 4.5/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Not Available Nursing: Available

Requirements to Work as a CNA in Jacksonville, FL

To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Jacksonville, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Florida. These include completing a Florida Board of Nursing–approved Nursing Assistant Training Program, passing the state-approved competency exam administered by Prometric, and being listed on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry.

  • At least 120 total hours of training (80 classroom/lab and 40 clinical hours, including a minimum of 20 hours in long-term care)
  • Completion of 16 hours of required OBRA instruction before any direct patient contact
  • Passing both the knowledge test (60 questions, 90 minutes) and the skills evaluation (five randomly selected skills)
  • Up to three attempts per exam section before retraining is required
  • Level II criminal background screening under Chapter 435, Florida Statutes
  • Placement on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry after passing both exam components

Once certified, you may work in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and rehabilitation centers throughout Jacksonville and across Florida. Licensed healthcare facilities may employ nurse aide trainees for up to 120 days while training and testing requirements are completed.

Already certified in another state? Florida offers certification by endorsement (reciprocity) for out-of-state CNAs who are active and in good standing. Applicants must meet Florida’s background screening requirements and may be required to pass the Florida competency exam if documentation is incomplete. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Florida guide.

For complete details on training, testing, renewal, and maintaining certification, see our full CNA License & Registration in Florida guide.

Career Growth & Advancement

Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:

  • Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
  • Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
  • Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
  • Opportunities in healthcare administration or education

Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Jacksonville

How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Jacksonville?

Most CNA programs in Jacksonville can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.

How much does CNA training cost in Jacksonville?

Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.

Are there free CNA classes in Jacksonville?

Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.

Are there online CNA training options available in Jacksonville?

Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.

Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Jacksonville?

Yes, some schools in Jacksonville or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.

Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?

Near Jacksonville there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Gainesville, Palm Coast, Lake Butler, St. Augustine, and Yulee. You can also look at the Florida state page to find more.

How do I get listed on the Florida CNA registry?

To work as a CNA in Florida, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Florida CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.

Where do CNAs work in Jacksonville?

CNAs in Jacksonville are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.

Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.