how difficult is a CNA program

jennileigh8182 · Oct 9, 2008

I am currently enrolled in a CNA program - actually, mine is acute (PCT) and longterm (CNA) care, so it's a 16 week class. We meet 3 nights a week for 4 hours, and until last week, I was working 30+ hours/week and have a husband and 9 month old child. I had no problem keeping up with the work. I was laid off last Tuesday, so it's even easier now, though! The one thing I WILL say...we started clinicals this week - two weeks, 3 nights/week, 5 hrs/night (5-10pm M,T, Th)...and even being home during the day just taking care of my infant, I am EXHAUSTED by the time we're done. Working all day, then doing 5 hours of clinicals would have been difficult. But, at least you don't really need to study or do homework, or any of that during clinicals...just show up and prove that you know what you learned.

MsKaz · Oct 9, 2008

You'll be fine. IMO it's pretty easy. If you can read and speak english well you'll be fine. Just sort out some time to read your chapters and do you're homework.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Oct 9, 2008

It's easy. Mostly common sense. As long as you read the book you'll be fine.

~MIA~, ASN, RN · Oct 9, 2008

Incredibly easy! You won't have a problem working and taking the class. Good Luck! :up:

sonomala · Oct 10, 2008

Its not so bad, at first it all seems overwhelming but then you get into it, learn a few terms and realize its doable. Good luck! Keep us posted :)

NurseSteph1981 · Oct 12, 2008

if you can read and write english you can pass this course. it's so very easy! the hardest part is vitals and if you have that down well the rest should be very simple. common sense hand washing procedures and the proper ways to feed and bathe a human being. you'll do fine! good luck! :yeah:

rancelumsden · Oct 15, 2008

Can't generalize as different instructors have different ideas of how much ground they want to cover in class and how much homework they want to assign. We had daily quizzes in order to 'force' people to do some reading and studying.

I had a class with a similar timeframe to yours. I found that about 2 hours a day of reading, study and homework pretty much did it. For exams, more study was required.

Basically, it depends on your study habits. If you slept through high school, got poor grades, didn't do assigments or whatever, then you'll have a problem with the class. If you did reasonably well in school and did your homework, then no worries with CNA class.

Muttlover · Oct 15, 2008

Thanks for your input. I actually just finished my CNA class last Thursday. Will do my internship in 2 weeks and then take my state exams. I couldn't agree with you more on the studying. Good luck!

Pauligirl · Oct 17, 2008

Fifteen years ago when I took the state certification CNA written exam an oral examination was available for individuals that needed it...because they couldn't read or ?? :eek:

That was years ago and my certification expired years ago so I don't know if those kinds of accomodations are given.

The material to be learned is not difficult and chances are you won't need to do any homework. Unless there's something that's not discussed in the classroom portion of the course.

Muttlover · Oct 18, 2008

Thanks so much!