Applying for a free/paid training CNA program

[camci]

So I did allot of research and got lucky and found a local nursing home that does free and paid CNA training. They told me the next class was June 1st, and that I should fill out an application if I'm interested.

I asked what the competency rate was and how they choose applicants, she told me they choose ten applicants out of thirty usually, and that I need a high school diploma and pass a drug/criminal check; piece of cake.

I'm just really nervous about getting accepted. I'm taking a risk here. My local community college has a CNA program starting June 1st as well that's about $500, however taking this nursing home route would guarantee me employment and also get paid as soon as classes start. But if I don't get accpeted, I'll miss out on the college's program, and have to take a minimum wage job this summer. :/

Does anyone have any advice? My partner just had a baby and I'm going to try and apply for an LVN program for next fall and really need a job that gives experience and money.

Is it worth the risk? Is there a good chance i would be accepted?

[dicecream]

If you're willing to stay and work at the facility for a year after you certify, you'll have a better chance. Especially if you're willing to work evening or night shift, and very high if you're a nursing student.

[camci]

Thank you for the reply, I'm definitely willing to work a year for them and any shift they want me in. Will I be able to tell them that in the application?

[dicecream]

Try to see if you can get an interview with the teacher or whoever's running the program. The more they see you, the more they'll remember you out of the other applicants.

[caliotter3]

Will the community college class give you any advantages when you apply to the LVN program? Will it give you college credit? If you can afford the tuition, this might be your better bet. You might get a chance to favorably impress an instructor that you could ask to provide a reference when you apply to nursing school. You might go the nursing home route and see that the place is not where you want to be working. That is the downside of many of the nursing home CNA courses.