CNA training or CNA exam info...

[luv4nursing]

hello, Im going to be starting LPN school this summer but will be relocating to Orlando early in January. After 6 weeks in the LPN program students are eligible to take the CNA exam, but Im thinking about going ahead and getting CNA certified and getting a CNA job when I move. Does anyone know of any resources to find CNA training? I dont want(and cant afford) to pay for it. Also, how much does it cost to take the state exam? Ive also heard that you can actually challenge the state exams without taking a class, is this true? Id appreciate any input on this. It may not be realistic for me to take a class since I will need to have a full time job while moving and getting settled and while preparing to start school in June, but just in case Id like to know what my options are. I may just have to get another job and take the test after my 1st 6 weeks in LPN school. thanks for any suggestions....

[AmyLiz]

I know in my state (Ohio) you are required to have so many hours of training before you can test, but I don't know about other states.

As for free training, most of the time you can get hired by an LTC facility and they will train you for free.

[JenW]

My local community college offers CNA training. (Not free, of course.) They offer one class that prepares you to get certified, and another that prepares you for work in a hospital (or one that is a combination of both). In my area, you don't have to be certified to work in a hospital, only if you plan to work in LTC. That may be something to check in to - if you want to work in a hospital, you may not have to be certified, only have proof that you completed the appropriate training.

[sierranic]

In Iowa, you can challange the exam, however it would be benefical to you to actually take the course. Because if you fail, you don't get you $$ back, the state exam itself cost $100, the class cost $315 + $100 for the state exam. Books were already included, but you also needed to purchase your scrubs, shoes, and a watch for the clinical portion of the class. It was offered through our Community College.

One other thing that might be good for you to look into to is the fact that here in Iowa you can actually start working at a LTC facility doing CNA work but you have to take the course and pass the state exam within a certain time frame (3 months from hire, I think) But the good thing is that the facility has to pay for the class and the state exam, so it wouldn't cost you anything, and you can work in the process.

That of course is in Iowa, I'm not sure how your state works, but it might be worth looking into.