Jefferson State Community College CNA Program

The Certified Nursing Assistant Preparation program at Jefferson State Community College prepares students to deliver essential direct patient care. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, this program serves as an excellent entry point into the healthcare industry for both career changers and new graduates. Students develop a valuable skill set needed to supplement staffing in the community while receiving appropriate training for successful completion of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). If you’re considering CNA classes in Birmingham, this program offers a solid foundation that can serve as your first step into the healthcare field.

The Jefferson State CNA program emphasizes hands-on skills development alongside theoretical knowledge, preparing you to become an important part of healthcare delivery teams. Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to sit for the state certification exam, opening doors to employment opportunities in various healthcare settings.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: Specific length not stated, but includes classroom instruction plus 20 hours of clinical rotations
• Cost of Program: $899 (additional costs for materials and requirements)
• Accreditation: Part of Jefferson State Community College, accredited by the Alabama Community College System
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for more information
• CNA Program Schedule: Courses are offered on an ongoing basis with open enrollment

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The Jefferson State CNA program covers comprehensive topics focused on developing essential skills for patient care. Key classroom learning objectives include:

• Effective communication with patients and coworkers
• Safety and standard precautions
• Proper body mechanics
• Identification of changes in the aging process
• The cause and effect of multiple diseases
• The death and dying process
• Effective demonstration of additional healthcare skills listed in the textbook

Clinical Experience

Students must complete 20 hours of clinical rotations as part of the program requirements. Important clinical details include:

• Clinical sites are assigned by the Clinical Coordinator
• Refusal of an assigned clinical site may result in failure of the program
• Clinical rotations may be conducted during typical clinic hours (7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.), evenings, or weekends
• The last two weeks of the program are reserved for completing the required clinical hours

Exam Preparation

The program prepares students for successful completion of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). Successful candidates will:

• Receive a certificate of completion from Jefferson State Community College
• Have the option to sit for the National Nurse Aide A state certification exam
• Be prepared for the certification assessment through comprehensive classroom and clinical training

Admission Requirements

The Jefferson State CNA program has several important requirements for admission:

• Successful completion of random drug screening and background check (failure to pass results in immediate dismissal without refund)
• Required health immunizations including:
  • TB Skin Test
  • MMR (two are required within lifetime)
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B
  • Flu
  • Tetanus (optional but recommended every ten years)
• Clear Health Form including updated immunization record signed by healthcare provider (due by week 4 of the program)

Please note that clinical partners may have different health and vaccination requirements. These are the responsibility of the student and the cost is not included in the registration fee.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Jefferson State Community College offers flexible scheduling for its CNA program:

• Courses are offered on an ongoing basis with open enrollment
• The program features hybrid learning options
• Students must attend 100% of total clock hours based on State Nurse Aide education requirements
• Clinical rotations are typically scheduled during the final two weeks of the program

For a complete and current schedule of classes, students should visit the Jefferson State website or contact the program directly.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Program Tuition Fee

• Base program cost: $899

Additional Expenses

• Textbook: approximately $150
• Drug Screen: $50
• Criminal Background Check: $20
• Malpractice Insurance: $15
• CPR Certification Card: $10
• Student ID Badge: $5
• Health Immunizations: Cost varies based on individual’s immunization status
• Optional State Certification Exam Fee: approximately $100-155

Financial Assistance Opportunities

Jefferson State offers several scholarship opportunities for qualifying students:

• Career Pathways Program: Provides tuition assistance for qualifying Adult Education students
• WIOA Scholarships: Local Alabama Career Centers provide Workforce Investment Opportunity Act scholarship opportunities to qualifying students based on various factors, including income

For more information about WIOA opportunities, students can contact the Birmingham Career Center at 205-582-5200 or Ken King at Jefferson State’s on-site career center at 205-856-8029.

How to Apply

To register for the Jefferson State CNA program:

1. Visit the Jefferson State website and select the “Click Here To Register” link for the CNA program
2. Complete the online registration form
3. Pay the program fee to secure your spot (you are not officially enrolled until payment is made)

If you need assistance with registration, Jefferson State offers in-person support at both the Jefferson and Shelby campuses during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.).

For students interested in scholarship opportunities through Career Pathways, you can apply through the dedicated application link on the Jefferson State website.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Jefferson State Community College
• Jefferson Campus Address: 2601 Carson Road, Birmingham, AL 35215 (George Wallace Hall, Office 202)
• Shelby-Hoover Campus Address: 4600 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35242 (Health Science Building, Office 432)
• Phone Number: 205-856-7710
• Website: https://www.jeffersonstate.edu/certified-nursing-assistant-prep/

Additional Resources

For additional information about the CNA program and related resources:

• Complete course schedule: Available on the Jefferson State website under Fast-Track Course Information & Registration
• Career Pathways application: Available online for qualifying Adult Education students
• Financial aid information: Contact the Birmingham Career Center or Jefferson State’s career center

Summary and Next Steps

The Certified Nursing Assistant Preparation program at Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham, Alabama provides a solid foundation for your healthcare career. With a focus on developing essential patient care skills and preparing for national certification, this program helps you take that crucial first step into the healthcare industry.

Whether you’re looking to enter healthcare for the first time or exploring new career paths, Jefferson State’s CNA program combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience to prepare you for success. With flexible enrollment options and potential financial assistance available, now is the time to begin your journey toward becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
Compare multiple schools, costs, and start dates near you.