Nursing Assistant (CNA)

The mission of the Palm Beach Career (PBC) – School of Allied Health Sciences CNA program is to provide quality education and practical training to people desiring a new entry-level healthcare profession. Our CNA program forms the basis for continuing educational and career opportunities into the Patient Care Technician program, into the Hemodialysis Care Technician program, or into a Nursing Degree, such as LPN, RN, etc.

Basic Nursing Assistants are entry-level professionals who work in a variety of healthcare settings under the direction of a licensed nurse. They play a crucial role in direct patient care, such as assisting with personal hygiene and grooming, mobility, nutritional and elimination needs, and comfort activities. The role of a CNA includes assessment and care planning, taking patient vital signs, collecting specimens, recording/reporting observations, maintaining safety and environmental cleanliness, transporting residents, and assisting with special procedures. CNAs are employed in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, retirement/assisted living facilities, adult family homes, and in-home health care.

For the convenience of our students, the CNA program is offered during the day, evenings, and during weekend hours. The program consists of classroom theory hours that involve lecture and lab sessions with specific clinical applications, and clinical hours at acute-care hospitals or nursing facilities completed under the supervision of an instructor.

Due to the global pandemic, the nursing assistant program at Palm Beach Career (PBC) – School of Allied Health Sciences is also being offered through a hybrid modality, with lectures and training held online and in-person.

To obtain a CNA diploma from PBC, students must pass all coursework with a “C” average (75%) or above and achieve satisfactory completion of clinical skills. To become a Certified Nursing Assistant, students must take the Florida state board exam, demonstrating competence in all 21 skills as well as passing a written competency examination.

The median salary for a Certified Nurse Assistant in Florida is $ 34,163 plus $4,125 overtime per year. On average a CNA will make anywhere from $ 15.12/hour to $20.00/hour, depending on your location. Other benefits of becoming a CNA are medical benefits, vacation/sick time, paid holidays, etc.

Currently, we do not offer financial aid through FASFA. However, you can contact your local Florida Works, and if you qualify, they may assist you with paying for some of our courses.

We do accept payment plans. If you are interested in a payment plan, please contact us for more information.

Please see student handbook or call us for more information regarding tuition and fee.

Note: Prior to taking the Florida state exam, applicants need to have a level II criminal background. Students are advised that having a violation in their background may limit their employment possibilities. It is the students’ responsibility to inquire with the Florida Board of Nursing as to their ability to apply for licensure. Nursing assistant students must receive a license from the Florida Board of Nursing in order to seek employment.

To register for the nurse assistant class, we require a deposit to secure your spot plus the registration fee. At the time of registration, you will be required to fill out a registration packet as well as place your deposit. The remaining balance is due on or before the first day of class. You can register online or in person.

The dress code:

1. Solid color blue scrub uniform (top and bottom), face mask, & sneaker
2. Only religious head dressing allowed during class.

*Schedule and or program subject to change without notice.

• To prepare students to meet the requirements of the State of Florida for the training of Nurse Assistant.
• To be prepared to assist patients in the home, clinics, nursing homes, rehab settings, offices, adult living facilities, and hospital settings.
• To prepare students to successfully obtain and maintain employment in a variety of health care settings.
• To prepare students for an effective job search.

The program is designed to teach students hands-on care to residents of long-term care facilities. The student will be trained in the classroom, laboratory and clinical settings in order to learn how to meet the resident’s physical and psychosocial needs, and to provide a safe environment for the residents. The program also provides the training in effective communication and interpersonal skills before they are placed in any clinical setting. Through laboratory/clinical experiences and under the supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN), students will continue to develop skills to identify basic residents’ needs and provide basic nursing skills according to Nursing Assistant’s scope of practice.

In order to be admitted in the Nursing Assistant Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 17 years of age.
• Have signed permission from a parent or guardian if less than 18 years old.
• Submit a signed enrollment agreement.
• Have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Complete a Personal Interview with the program Director.

• DAY CLASSES – 6 weeks:
  • Monday – Friday: 10 am – 2 pm
• EVENING CLASSES – 8 weeks:
  • Monday – Thursday: 5 pm – 9 pm
• WEEKEND CLASSES – 17 weekends:
  • Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
• ONLINE CLASSES:
  • Please call for more information.