Do you think I should take a semester off of school and take a CNA or PCA program?

nursingstudent221 · Mar 22, 2010

I dont have a answer but I am in the same boat as you. I am thinking the same thing as you. I too am taking my prereqs right now for RN and am thinking about taking a semester off to take a cna or pct course because i too need a job and money! Hope you get some good answers on here cause i need help makeing this decision too!

Good luck!

Jennacoh · Mar 22, 2010

I've just decided to do this.

I am applying to general entry masters programs and most likely looking for summer 2011 start dates. I only have 3 classes (2 semesters) left- chem, organic chem and nutrition.. Right now i just babysit but I need some experience because that's where my application is significantly lacking. I figured I need to get my self on the best track and get the CNA. I'm taking a 4 week intensive CNA class and a chemistry night class and wont work for a month so I can get my CNA. I'm actually really excited about it! Wish I did it sooner!

juliaann · Mar 22, 2010

Why do you need to take a semester off to do this? I took my CNA class last fall semester along with Microbiology, Anatomy, and a Psychology class, as well as working 60+ hours a week. I had no problem taking it along with a full-time class load, it really didn't take any more time than any of my other classes (more clinical/class time, way less study time).

Taking a CNA or PCT class is a good idea and will give you awesome experience and work opportunities, but unless you have a lot of other stuff going on in your life it doesn't have to be all you do for a whole semester...

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Mar 22, 2010

I probably wouldn't bother taking a semester off. If you can take the course on top of your regular classes go for it- it isn't hard. It's just that the hours might conflict with your other classes, and if they do I would prioritize your pre-reqs over the CNA class. Then once you apply to nursing school, if you get wait-listed you could take it and start working as a CNA. If you don't get wait-listed, well then usually you can challenge the boards after a semester or 2 anyway, and you won't have to waste your money on the class.

Just make sure you don't have to take the CNA class in order to get into nursing school because some of them require it.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Mar 22, 2010

Oh and I'm not saying that you should skip working as a CNA altogether because pretty much everyone agrees that it's a really good thing to do before becoming a nurse!

dancer_meggs · Mar 22, 2010

DON'T TAKE OFF A SEMESTER! If you want to take a month long CNA course, switch your courses around to keep your time at the CNA program free up. Try to do both if you can.