Need some advice on CNA class

U.S.A. Arizona

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Hi everyone,

I'm a newbie to the board. Just wanted to get some advice from AZ nurses/nursing students on the easiest way to solve my predicament. Here's the situation: I'm currently working as an exercise physiologist in an outpt physical therapy clinic. Already have a BS in biology and exercise science. But, want to make the change from PT to nursing. Current goal is to get RN (as quickly as possible, if there is such a thing, lol) and eventually work toward BSN. Thank goodness my transcripts from my BS degree cover just about all the pre-reqs. The only thing holding me back from being able to apply to MCC's RN program is the CNA class. My non-flexible work schedule/employer has left me unable to take the class at MCC for the last 3 semesters. Had a patient (who is a nurse) in PT the other day who told me to check out RSAA...that they offer a 4-5 wk CNA class...anyone heard of it?? Any other suggestions how to fulfill this requirement ASAP?

Thanks, upfront, for the help! :)

Hi there. I am taking the CNA class at PV community college and am taking it during the week at night and then have clinicals on saturday. Dont know if that would be workable solution for you.

Susan

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I work on the Telemetry Floor at Chandler Regional Hospital, and they offer a program that will pay for your tuition in Nursing School and offer you a position on the floor as a Nurse Extern. I would recommend doing whatever it takes to get the CNA Pre-req out of the way, as they are a lot of great opportunities once you are in the Nursing Program. I also know that some Nursing Homes offer the CNA program free, but then you have to work for them for six months. You will have to check around, I'm not sure which ones are offering the program.

Another idea - check to see if Chandler is hiring PT at this time. If so, then they would pay for your CNA program as long as it is on the way to the RN. Also ask Banner, they might do the same thing.

Banner Health has a couple of different programs to help their employees with educational costs. To check them out, go to http://www.bannerhealth.com/channels/careers/Locations/arizona/special+programs.asp

They also formed an agreement with selected Maricopa Community Colleges re: nursing. To read the article about that, visit http://www.bannerhealth.com/channels/media/in+the+news/working+to+ease+nursing+shortage.asp

I hope this helps!

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I work on the Telemetry Floor at Chandler Regional Hospital, and they offer a program that will pay for your tuition in Nursing School and offer you a position on the floor as a Nurse Extern. I would recommend doing whatever it takes to get the CNA Pre-req out of the way, as they are a lot of great opportunities once you are in the Nursing Program. I also know that some Nursing Homes offer the CNA program free, but then you have to work for them for six months. You will have to check around, I'm not sure which ones are offering the program.

Another idea - check to see if Chandler is hiring PT at this time. If so, then they would pay for your CNA program as long as it is on the way to the RN. Also ask Banner, they might do the same thing.

What a coincidence, I was just looking at Chandler Regional's listings before I read your message. They did not have any job postings for support staff in PT. Still keeping my fingers crossed that Banner will offer me the job I interviewed for earlier this week. It's in PT. But, at least a way to get my foot in the door. That way I can start trying to get in to their nursing program. Still considering Red Cross as quickest way to get the CNA pre-req out of the way. In the meantime, need to contact MCC's Nursing Advisor to see if that's an acceptable substitution for taking their class. Thanks for all the info you guys!
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Just wanted to add that I picked up the Red Cross CNA packet today. The class is $605 for daytime option but $641 for the weekend option. It also says tuition will increase on Sept. 1. The Red Cross CNA class does NOT include CPR certification and you have to have that in order to apply for the class. I'm assuming that costs an additional $100 or so. You probably already have it, but if not, the phone # for info. is (602) 336-6676.

Good Luck!

Hi everyone...I'm new here, and can feel all your frustrations! I am also in pre-nursing at MCC, and they are saying the waiting list for the CNA program is about 2 years! I'm taking my EMT class now, so I can at least get a job in the medical field while I am waiting to get into the program. I personally think that EMT should be an option to CNA, since you get a lot more medical experience...I was a nursing assistant about 7 years ago, and other than vitals and charting, most of the stuff I was taught I had already learned in life, as a wife, mother, and as a caring person in general.

Anyway, I posted here to tell you that the Mesa Firefighters Association has a Healthcare provider CPR class weekly, and the cost is $25. They have classes in Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix. Here's the link to get information on the classes http://members.cox.net/dmartineau6/mesa.html

Hope this helps!!!! Good luck to all of us pursuing nursing as a career and a life!!!!

Terre

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Specializes in cardiac/education.

Is the wait longer at MCC? I noticed another post asking about wait times for CNA classes. When I was accepted at GCC, the registrar told me I should be proud because it was hard to get in. Is anyone on the "wait list" there? I applied and got in right away.????

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Just a FYI..you can get CPR and first aid training at heart savers. They offer classes Monday through Sunday, all hours, many locations..Also they give a discounts for CNA students, it's $30.00 total..the website is: heartsaversinc.com

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Hi - I'm in a similar position regarding CNA classes. It is the last-pre-req I need before applying to nursing program (Maricopa Community College) I was not able to get into the CNA program thru MCC this fall and was looking at other options. I will probably look into the Red Cross's programs. Pima Medical Institute also offers CNA classes but it's about $800. I know that nursing homes sometimes offer CNA classes for free if you agree to work for them. I would love to do something like that! If anyone has anymore ideas about CNA class options in Arizona, please let me know!

By the way, I was wondering what "RSAA" stands for?

RSAA stands for Real Sucess through Academic Achievement..

I just signed up for their June evening class..I'm so excited!

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