All CNA Classes Created Equal

[Satori77, ADN]

Ok, somehow I am going to sign up for a CNA class. Most classes I found don't work around my job schedule (many are nights, and I work nights). I found two that will work, but not sure which one to take. One is less thatn 2 months in duration. It starts in April and ends the beginning of June. The total cost is about $300, not including the books and supplies (I have many of these things, like scrubs, updated vaccines, watch with second hand, etc). It is at a vocational school with a good reputation. The other class is at a community college, and doesn't start until June becuase it is on a semester schedule. It is almost 4 months in length and costs over $800 (again, without books and supplies). Is there really a difference? My brain is telling me the community college class is better since it is longer. I know someone who took the CNA class there and loved it, she got a job right away in a hospital on a med-surg unit. But I would rather take the other class. It starts sooner, I will get done sooner, plus, it is much more cost effective. I can swing a couple hundred dollars...over $800 I am not so sure. Which class would you take??

[Katie89]

I would go for the shorter class if that's what feels best for you. I don't think that most hospitals and nursing homes care where you took your class, as long as you're state certified. Frankly, my CNA class (which was about three months and which I took at a technical college) was good for helping me pass my state exam--but most of the skills I use at work are ones I've learned through working. Class is so different from actually being a CNA, especially if you work in a hospital (most classes tend to focus on nursing home training.)

So I would opt for the shorter, more convenient class. It sounds totally sufficient to me and in the long run, it probably doesn't make that big of a difference.

Just my 2cents. : )

[casi, ASN, RN]

Go with the class that is the best fit for you. Employers don't care where you took your classes or how long they were. Most just care that you are on the state registry and that you can pass a background check.

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

I agree. I wanted to take the CNA course @ my CC, but I went to the orientation & was disappointed We had to submit all this paperwork & then wait to see if we would get in the class, because they only take 10 people each semester. And there were a lot of people applying! Plus it was almost $1300 & it was four months long. I did some research on my state BON website & found a school that is 4 weeks long & a lot cheaper :) I got accepted instantly & so far its going great! In the end its up to you, but imo I think CC programs are overpriced & dragged out too long.

[a "too caring" c]

classes here in nc are 6 months. That is two nites a week, 5 hrs each class. I was glad to get the experience of a longer class because the skills test is very precise. The state written test is easy, but the skills is not. Some of my classmates failed the skills. I happen to have a very caring instructor for the state skills testing. She made it very precise but was kind. Made a big difference. I had only 2 min. left after doing the skills because I knew I didn't put on gloves when doing nail care, so you have to go back where u made your mistake and do it over, the instructor doesn't tell you when you make the mistake you gotta figure it out. But she stated at the beginning that she was there to make sure everyone passed the class, that made me feel very good. I am working now at an assisted living, don't pay much but it's more like a home setting. If you smoke they have smoking areas and a nice place to eat, meals are free and it's close to home, so I will prob. stay there other than a hospital where you are so uptight. Just my experience. Love my job!

[ctmed]

I would take the shorter, less expensive class. CNA doesnt pay much starting

out to justify large amounts. The school in any nursing field doesnt seem

to matter as much as the liscense itself, no felonies, and experience as to

getting a job.

Good luck.

[Satori77, ADN]

That is what I was thinking. I just worried that the shorter class had less clinical hours, so I wouldn't learn all the skills that I needed to. Or wouldn't feel confident in them after the class is over. That is my concern. I think I will go down to both schools and talk with them about their classes, but I am leaning towards the shorter, less expensive one. CNA's don't make a lot, so I don't want to spend a lot on the class. Thanks everyone