applying for position before you finish?

It's not at all unusual to begin applying for jobs at the beginning of your last semester. Even in a good economy, the process takes time, what with interviews and such. In a tight job market it's even more important to start early.
Employers understand this.

Best wishes on your job search.

Based on my experience, I wouldn't advise it. Most places told me to come back once I passed my test & then apply. And even after I received my 90 day temporary license from the board, it was still hard to get interviews. It was only after I received my license # from the board that I got a job.

How long does it take to get a license number? I just past my state skills test on Saturday and made the mistake of applying for jobs. They need the number and since I didn't have one, they skipped me and now won't consider me for futher openings.

It depends on the state I suppose. Here in MD it takes a while, due to # of people submitting applications to the board, also we have to undergo both a state & FBI fingerprinting and background check. Getting the results from the state didn't take long @ all, but the FBI results took about 2 months We were issued a temporary license # while all of this was processed but still, no1 wanted to look at me until I had my actual license #. Very frustrating process!

I'm still waiting for that number. Without that number, I won't be able to get a job. CA takes about 16weeks to get one. Most employers don't want a temporary one, so it's a long wait.

Thanks for your info.

All I showed the facility was that I passed the CNA exam. They usually give you a certificate and that's good enough, you're just waiting for your number . If you're only applying at the hospital then that's a different story. But I have heard of rare cases where people were hired at the hospital fresh out of school. But those people already had a relative working there.

I'm sure it depends alot on your area. Here in Washington they hire students all the time to start work as soon as their program is over. Both facilities that we did clinicals at hired people from our class and I knew people who got jobs at other places too from applying while in school.

I injured my arm at the very end of school and was unable to look for a job while it mends. Since I'm taking my exams on Saturday, I'm just going to wait until after to apply and hope I pass. Most facilities pay 50 cents- $1 higher after you pass your exam.

It's hard to find a CNA poisition in my area. The only opening are working with the county, but a certificate number is required.