South Florida State College Nursing Assistant Program

SFSC structures the course in a hybrid format, with online learning combined with in-person clinicals and labs. Evening and weekend classes are the norm, making the schedule manageable for those working full- or part-time jobs. Classes are offered five times per year, and you can become certified in under 3 months.

Internet access is required for the online components, and students must use a device with a working camera, microphone, and stable connection. For in-person days, clinicals are typically scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:30–9:00 p.m., with Sundays from 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. devoted to hands-on skills training.

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The base tuition for the program is $1,696.10, which includes lab supplies, fees, and uniforms. Additional required expenses include:

• Textbooks: $217.85
• BLS/CPR Training: $65
• Background Check: $55.32 (non-refundable)
• Drug Screening: $42.99 (non-refundable)

While this may seem like a significant investment, SFSC has several partnerships in place to help many students attend for free or at very low cost.

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If you meet certain criteria, you may qualify for free tuition through one of several regional and state workforce programs. These include:

• CareerSource Heartland – Serves unemployed or underemployed adults in Highlands, Hardee, DeSoto, or Okeechobee counties.
• Panther Youth Partners – Supports individuals under the age of 24 who are unemployed or underemployed.
• Farmworker Career Development Program – Assists those who have worked in agriculture in the past two years (or their family members).
• Vocational Rehabilitation – Assists people with disabilities who want to find or retain employment.
• Military and Veteran Benefits – Tuition assistance for eligible service members and veterans.

Each program has its own eligibility requirements. SFSC encourages prospective students to contact the relevant offices directly for assistance.

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To enroll, students must meet a few baseline qualifications:

• Be 18 years or older
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Have proficiency in English
• Pass a criminal background check
• Pass a drug screening
• Have internet access and basic tech for hybrid learning
• Be seeking employment

Students must also complete and submit a set of enrollment forms (including health history and technical standards) before placement is finalized. These forms can be notarized on campus.

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Graduates of SFSC’s Nursing Assistant program are trained to:

• Assist with personal care, mobility, nutrition, hydration, toileting
• Take and record vital signs
• Assist with medical equipment and provide postmortem care
• Recognize and report patient symptoms
• Communicate clearly with nursing staff
• Perform basic CPR and emergency care

This well-rounded training lays the groundwork for immediate employment or continued education. Many students go on to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs) after gaining experience and certification.

The college partners with multiple healthcare employers in the region, including Advent Health, HCA Florida Highlands Hospital, Royal Care of Avon Park, and The Palms of Sebring. This connection may help with job placement support, though formal placement services are not guaranteed.

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Students in the program benefit from individualized attention due to small class sizes. There are multiple support contacts at the college for academic advising, technical questions, and funding assistance. Staff are accessible and responsive, guiding students from enrollment to graduation.

For program-specific questions, Renee LaDue (Program Coordinator) can be reached at 863-784-7034 or by email at renee.ladue@southflorida.edu. You can also drop by her office at the University Center, Room 116, on the Highlands campus.

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The program is designed to run multiple cohorts throughout the year, generally on a rolling basis. Once eight students are registered, a new class is scheduled. This allows for a quicker turnaround from application to start date than some traditional academic programs.

The actual course duration is about 12 weeks, but the schedule can vary slightly depending on start date and calendar constraints. All students receive a “handy checklist” to help them stay on track with forms and deadlines.

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