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! :)

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I know that the Red Cross offers CNA certification classes. i just picked up the packet from them for the Phoenix area. The classes cost around $600 plus some supplies and they offer full-time, part-time, evening, and weekend-only options, so you should be able to find one that matches your schedule. Contact the Grand Canyon area Red Cross or the Phoenix local and they can tell you where to get info. The classes are offered on an ongoing basis. Hope this helps. I will be trying to get into MCC's CNA class in Spring but I hear it fills up fast and it is my last pre-req before I apply to the RN program too.

Good luck.

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Never heard of a nursing school requiring students to have completed a CNA class but what a great idea!

Get those skills before you ever hit the classroom. Hope that's an idea that spreads....

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I know that the Red Cross offers CNA certification classes. i just picked up the packet from them for the Phoenix area. The classes cost around $600 plus some supplies and they offer full-time, part-time, evening, and weekend-only options, so you should be able to find one that matches your schedule. Contact the Grand Canyon area Red Cross or the Phoenix local and they can tell you where to get info. The classes are offered on an ongoing basis. Hope this helps. I will be trying to get into MCC's CNA class in Spring but I hear it fills up fast and it is my last pre-req before I apply to the RN program too.

Good luck.

Thanks for the info. I'd heard about the Red Cross offering classes...but didn't know they had so many options. Is the $600 due in full up front? Just curious because I'm a newlywed and money is kind of tight. Some good news since my original post though. I have an interview with Banner Baywood next week. If I can get my foot in the door there, they have a program that pays for nursing school. Keeping my fingers crossed!

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Thanks for the info. I'd heard about the Red Cross offering classes...but didn't know they had so many options. Is the $600 due in full up front? Just curious because I'm a newlywed and money is kind of tight. Some good news since my original post though. I have an interview with Banner Baywood next week. If I can get my foot in the door there, they have a program that pays for nursing school. Keeping my fingers crossed!

How do the hospital programs work? How long of a committment do you have to make to work for them in order for them to pay for your nursing program? Also- I am not sure how the payment through the Red Cross works, maybe they'd let you make installments. If you can give me any info on the hosital program, I would appreciate it. We just moved from California and have to pay out-of-state tuition- so my A&P class is costing me $1500!!! for one class . Ridiculous.

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How do the hospital programs work? How long of a committment do you have to make to work for them in order for them to pay for your nursing program? Also- I am not sure how the payment through the Red Cross works, maybe they'd let you make installments. If you can give me any info on the hosital program, I would appreciate it. We just moved from California and have to pay out-of-state tuition- so my A&P class is costing me $1500!!! for one class . Ridiculous.
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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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?

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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?

Glad to know I'm not alone. It gets frustrating knowing that this is the one thing that stands between me and being able to apply. I requested info from the AZ Red Cross. Will let you know the specifics when I get it in the mail. As for PMI, yipes, $800. Sounds like a lot of money to a newlywed on a tight budget. :o

I will have to get back to you on the RSAA question....because I'm wondering the same thing. I did a search for it online, including the Mesa, AZ yellow pages, and came up with absolutely nothing. So, I will talk to my patient at her next appt and get the full name of the place. Until then, keep your heads up guys, we will make it through these "CNA class blues" one way or another! :)

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Glad to know I'm not alone. It gets frustrating knowing that this is the one thing that stands between me and being able to apply. I requested info from the AZ Red Cross. Will let you know the specifics when I get it in the mail. As for PMI, yipes, $800. Sounds like a lot of money to a newlywed on a tight budget. :o

I will have to get back to you on the RSAA question....because I'm wondering the same thing. I did a search for it online, including the Mesa, AZ yellow pages, and came up with absolutely nothing. So, I will talk to my patient at her next appt and get the full name of the place. Until then, keep your heads up guys, we will make it through these "CNA class blues" one way or another! :)

Here is a link on RSAA. http://www.ade.state.az.us/arizonaheat/providers/provider_information.asp?ID=359&returnP=1

It is a training center of some sort. But the red cross is so convenient. I am going to do the weekend option. And they do have some payment plans from what I am told.

Good luck.

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Thanks for listing the RSAA website! I just called them and I guess it's $750 :o Bummer. I was hoping to get into one for cheaper too. Their next class start Sept. 20 (I guess one just started yesterday)

My situation is that I just found out my husband and I are going to have our first baby (not really unplanned), and I wanted to get my pre-reqs out of the way before he/she comes in early April. However, it is a little hard to spend that much money when there are so many things we want and need for the baby. I do plan to continue with school, but obviously it won't be at the same pace...

I'm still going to consider taking these classes even though they're expensive.

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I'll second that thanks to Andrea for posting the website. Also agree that it's a bummer that it's just as expensive as the rest. Weekend option sounds more do-able with Red Cross.

Congratulations on your pregnancy Bekah. I hope all is well. Hang in there and stick with it. My mom earned her bachelor's and attended MBA classes with three young children. Obviously, not full time. But, it can be done. :)

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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!

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