[KLYx0327]

I'm a pre-nursing student at UK, applying to enter nursing school in fall 2007. In order to enter nursing school at UK, they require me to be CNA certified. A friend of mine is attending EKU. He is not required to be certified. Is this a state mandated certification, that eventually all nursing students will have to be CNA certified, or is it only UK?

I ask because in order to become CNA certified, I will have to shell out around $600 to UK to take the course and exam with them. I really can't afford that, being that I'm a student only working PT.

Are there any testing sites that anyone can inform me about where it may be less expensive?

[crb613]

We were required to have our CNA at my school & no I don't think it is a state requirement. Check w/vocational schools & community colleges I found mine like this a lot cheaper.I think it was around $200.BTW... check out your unemployment office for school assistance...WIA is what it is called at mine. They paid around $5000.00 a year for classes plus a daily gas allowance. Good luck!

[Lacie]

Unless they have changed recently it is not state mandated. In fact it's quite silly in my own opinion. I'm an EKU grad myself and it wasnt required. Maybe give them a check as thier program is excellent, classes much smaller than those at UK and bet tuition much cheaper then UK. THe distance isnt that far as I attended EKU and worked at the old Good Sam in Lexington during that time. If your intent on attending UK and they wont waive this requirement then maybe seek a position somewhere that will assist you in getting that certification at little or no cost to you. Also then if a medical facility they would also pay for some of your tuition for working towards your RN. Just a suggestion.

[Geneva286]

HI, new to the site and saw your post. I attend BGTC-Glasgow Health Campus, and it is required to be a CNA to get into the LPN program. Fortunately, I work at a Long Term Care Facility that teaches the CNA classes and I was able to get my certification through them (they paid for it). As far as finances go, you can always go online and apply for FAFSA student aid, also several facilities (mine included) will help pay your tuition if you sign to work with them a year or two after graduation. Hope this helps.

[NurseNatashaB]

It is not a state regulation that you must be a CNA to get into a nursing program... Most nursing homes offer CNA classes and will pay for your test to become certified. They also pay you while you go to the classes most of the time. So that may be an option for you. Just a thought. Good luck.

[KentuckyRN2Be]

There are other places to take the CNA course besides UK. I know that BCTC is now wanting you to take the course as well. At UK you don't have to take the state test, but you do have to complete the course. I took it at UK only because I work there full time and it was the most convenient. There were a few other places that were a little cheaper, but still around $500 (Nurse Aide Training Center was one). I like the idea of seeing if a LTC would pay for your course. The question on that one would be if you would be required to work for a certain length of time afterwards. Are you in pre-nursing courses now?

[NurseNatashaB]

I know the nursing home where I received my CNA didn't require nothing, but if they paid for my nursing school for every 1 year they paid I had to work for them for 2 years. They have such a huge turnover for CNA's everyone gets their cert and leaves

[mammaoftwo]

U of L is doing away with the CNA requirement. As far as I know, JCC still requires it though.

[Gravysgal]

I'm going to EKU and they don't require it there.

[agdmarie]

EKU doesn't require this for their BSN program. I'm not sure about the ADN program. I agree, I think this requirement is silly, and is a waste of you hard earned money. Go to EKU, their BSN program has a 100% passing rate on boards, and I'm sure their ADN program probably has that as well. Good luck to you in what ever you choose to do!