CNA to RN/ MSN? Advantage for acceptance in BSN/ MSN?

I just met with the head of an accelerated RN MSN program in California. They take 20 students a year, there are a couple other accelerated BSN programs in the area too, all highly competitive. The woman I met with told me the best way to impress admissions (besides a 4.0 grade average) was by taking the CNA course and working in a hospital as a CNA before applying. She said references from doctors I work with there would be much more valuable than just hospital volunteer work. As I will have to take a semester off of my prerequisites to do this, then find a job and work while I'm in school (making less than I make now in my part-time job) I would like to know if anyone has any experience with doing this, or if any administrators have any feedback--does this make a big difference? I will do whatever it takes to get accepted and become a nurse, if this is the path, I will do it--but really need to know if this will make the difference.