Baptist Health Clinical School

Program Overview

15-week CNA program with real hospital-based clinical rotations and acute care experience
Affordable tuition with small class sizes for personalized instruction
Licensed by the Florida Board of Nursing and the Florida Department of Education

In-Depth CNA Training with Hospital-Based Experience

The Baptist Health Clinical School Nurse Assistant Training Program offers a uniquely structured and immersive 15-week course for aspiring CNAs. Located in Jacksonville Beach, the program stands out for its acute care focus, giving students the chance to train in both hospital and long-term care settings. With small cohort sizes, individualized instruction, and hands-on learning in a respected healthcare system, the Baptist Health program is designed to thoroughly prepare students for Florida certification and real-world practice.

Curriculum and Program Structure

Students in this CNA program receive instruction through a blend of classroom lectures, skill labs, and clinical experiences. Each class day includes both academic and practical instruction, ensuring that concepts are immediately reinforced through hands-on training. The curriculum is focused on preparing students to provide patient care in a variety of environments, especially acute care settings like hospitals, a feature that sets this program apart from many others that focus only on long-term care.

During the program, students will learn to assist with activities of daily living, monitor patient intake and output, document in electronic medical records, and maintain safe patient environments. The final portion of the program is dedicated to clinical rotations in both hospital and nursing home settings.

Class Schedules and Cohorts

Students can choose from two cohort options to fit their schedules:

Tuesday Cohort: Classes held every Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday Cohort: Classes held every Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Both groups complete the same 15-week curriculum, concluding with a comprehensive review day to help prepare for the Florida CNA certification exam.

Clinical Training and Hospital Rotations

Baptist Health places strong emphasis on clinical training. During the final two weeks, students rotate through both long-term care and acute care environments. Clinical days include:

Two 10-hour days at a long-term care facility (6:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Two 10-hour days at Baptist Medical Center Beaches
Three 12-hour hospital-style shifts (6:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
This hands-on experience allows students to become confident in patient care across a variety of clinical settings.

Admissions Requirements and Application Process

Applicants should be prepared for a competitive admissions process that includes interviews and TABE testing. A background check is also required. Students will be guided through orientation and pre-clinical preparation by program coordinator Sheyla Braddock, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, who brings advanced nursing credentials and leadership experience to the program.

While the program does not list specific prerequisites, prospective students are expected to complete the TABE test and participate in an admissions interview.

Program Cost and Financial Considerations

This is one of the most affordable CNA training options in Jacksonville. Total costs break down as follows:

Application fee: $25
Tuition: $600
Books and lab supplies: $120
Total: $745
Students who are current employees of Baptist Health may be eligible for LEAP funds, which can cover the cost of the program. Students are encouraged to email the program coordinator for more information about eligibility.

Accreditation and Instructional Quality

The Nurse Assistant Training Program is fully licensed by both the Florida Board of Nursing and the Florida Department of Education. Students benefit from small class sizes, capped at just 12 students per cohort, which ensures more one-on-one instruction and close supervision during clinicals. Clinical education is led by CNA preceptors and instructors with experience in both acute and long-term care settings.

Support and Facilities

Students have access to computer labs at the Wilson Epstein Building across from Baptist Medical Center Beaches, eliminating the need for personal computers. A public bus stop is located just a few blocks from the classroom, making transportation convenient for students who rely on public transit.

Program Information	Details
Cost	$745
Program Duration	15 weeks
Class Schedules	Tuesdays or Thursdays, 8 am – 4:30 pm
Prerequisites	No
Certification Eligibility	Yes, prepares for CNA certification
Location	Wilson Epstein Building, 1320 Roberts Drive, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Phone	(904) 202-2000
Email	[email protected]
Website	Baptist Health Clinical School
Job Placement	No
Online Classes?	No
Free Classes?	No

This program is a good fit for:

This CNA training program is ideal for students who want to learn in a hospital environment and get hands-on experience in both acute and long-term care. It is especially well-suited for individuals who value personalized instruction, are interested in working in hospital settings after certification, or are current Baptist Health employees looking to advance their careers through an affordable, high-quality training experience.