CNA in 11th grade

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At my school there is an after school program that let's you earn a CNA in 11th or 12th grade. I was wondering if I should do this, I want to be a nurse, so I can gain some experience before working on an RN after I graduate. Is this a smart thing to do?

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I thinks it's a great idea, it will definitely give you some experience with what you will be doing in the future

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I did that! It was the best decision I have ever made. I don't currently use my CNA, but it gave a slight taste of the medical field/nursing field!! Plus- a lot of times the tuition/books are payed for or discounted if you do the program through the high school! I highly recommend doing it now :)

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I did that when I was in school :). It is a good idea so you can get some experience :yes:.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Absolutely, hands-down smart thing to do. :yes:

Go for it! :up:

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Thanks for all the advice! :)

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Go for it! Not only will it give you a taste of the medical field and help you decide if nursing is really what you to do, it will make you more comfortable working with patients, which will be a big plus when you get to your first clinical. Not to mention, any connections you make could help you get a job when you graduate.

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Specializes in ICU, Radiology,Infectious Disease,Forensic Nursing.

It's an awesome idea if you are 18 (maybe the area varies?) In IL to practice as a CNA you have to be atleast 18. I took the class jr year at 17 and was not able to start work till I was 18. In IL a year without work makes the license invalid. I don't know if that has changed because I have not looked into since then. That was the only problem I can see. If you are close to the age then it would be a great idea.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I agree, it's a great idea! Do check to see if you need to be 18 in order to work as a CNA, but regardless, once you are able to work, you'll be in there side by side with nurses, and you can really get a feel for what nurses do day in and day out. It's great experience for getting used to working with patients. It takes time to get comfortable touching patients and working with them in such intimate ways, especially when they're very vulnerable, and getting past this before nursing school will give you a leg up.

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That is exactly what i did! I took my class and got certified junior year, got my first cna job at 18, and now at 20, i am starting my RN Program! Being a CNA will open your eyes to alot of things in the medical field, as well as give you tons of experience with patient care.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

In our area, there is an in-school program that students are allowed to take 11th and 12th and when they graduate, they are CNAs which is great because it is free.

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I'm going to echo most of the other previous posters. I wish my high school had a program like that! Do it!

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