Program Overview
- Free CNA training offered in partnership with local employers, with guaranteed job placement after graduation.
- Flexible class schedules including morning, afternoon, and evening options, ideal for working adults or caregivers.
- 6-week accelerated format that combines classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training in a real healthcare setting.
Program Format and Schedule
Premier Nursing Academy’s CNA program in Jacksonville is designed for fast, efficient training with a direct link to employment. The course lasts just six weeks and includes 120 instructional hours: 80 hours of classroom learning and 40 hours of clinical instruction conducted on-site with local employer partners. Classes are held Monday through Thursday, and students can choose from three different time slots to best suit their schedule:
- Morning: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Afternoon: 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Evening: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
This level of scheduling flexibility is ideal for students who are working, raising families, or juggling other obligations. Unlike many traditional CNA programs, Premier Nursing Academy provides both a structured class environment and access to hands-on clinical learning from day one.
Admissions Requirements
Students must meet one of the Florida Board of Nursing’s CNA certification eligibility pathways, which include:
- Completing a state-approved CNA training program and passing the certification exam
- Being at least 18 years old with a high school diploma (or equivalent) and passing the exam
- Completing the Enterprise Florida Jobs and Education Partnership Grant curriculum and meeting the testing benchmark
Those who fail the CNA exam three times are required to complete a training program like Premier’s before they can test again, making this course a wise first step for anyone entering the field without prior healthcare training.
Cost and Financial Support
A standout feature of the Premier Nursing Academy CNA program is that it is completely free for students. The cost of tuition is covered through partnerships with local employers, who guarantee job placement upon successful program completion. This makes the program not only accessible, but also highly practical for those who want to begin working right after training without taking on debt.
Accreditation and Instruction
Premier Nursing Academy is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, ensuring that students meet all regulatory standards to sit for the CNA certification exam in Florida. The Jacksonville campus is modeled after the academy’s successful Pinellas Park and Bradenton locations, which are known for their high standards of instruction and student success. Instructors are licensed nurses with hands-on experience in patient care and training, offering students mentorship and insights into the realities of the healthcare profession.
Job Placement and Career Outlook
Graduates of Premier Nursing Academy benefit from a direct employment pipeline, as each student is matched with an area employer before even beginning the program. This unique model ensures that students have a job lined up and can begin working as provisionally certified CNAs immediately after completing their training, even before passing the state exam.
In Jacksonville, CNAs are in high demand due to the city’s large population and healthcare infrastructure, which includes 19 hospitals and over 70 assisted living and nursing home facilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth for CNAs in Florida, with an 11% increase expected between 2018 and 2028—outpacing the national average.
What to Expect
Students can expect a fast-paced, immersive experience combining textbook knowledge with hands-on clinical skills such as assisting patients with daily care, repositioning and lifting, and taking vital signs. The clinical training is primarily conducted at a partnered healthcare employer’s facility, offering students the chance to learn and build relationships in a real workplace setting.
After graduation, students may work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, or home healthcare environments. Many CNAs also use this entry-level training as a springboard to further nursing education, such as LPN or RN programs.
Program Information | Details |
Cost | Not specified |
Program Duration | Not specified |
Class Schedules | Day and evening options available |
Prerequisites | No high school diploma required |
Certification Eligibility | Yes, includes preparation for state and national certification exams |
Location | 7235 Bonneval Rd suite 223, Jacksonville, FL, USA |
Phone | (904) 554-5601 |
[email protected] | |
Website | apluscnatraining.com |
Job Placement | Yes |
Online Classes? | No |
Free Classes? | No |
This program is a good fit for:
- Job-seekers looking for free CNA training that leads directly to guaranteed employment
- Career changers and recent high school graduates wanting fast, no-debt entry into healthcare
- Adults with busy schedules who need flexible class times and accelerated course completion
- Students looking for hands-on experience with immediate workforce integration
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