Hello,I am currently interested in the Nursing program. However, I am unsure as to which track to go. I have work experience as an un-certified CNA basically. I am hearing that the new reccomendation is to be a CNA first. Only thing is then after you do the PCT program(maybe another 3 months after cna). Although this all could possibly take place within a 6 month time frame. However, it seems like a awful lot to do when there are so many pre req general ed classes to complete in effort to qualify to enter the RN-BSN program. I already have some credits, but only some of what I need virtually to enter the program. My concern is that I WASTE 6 months on a certification of skills I already possess, pushing back classes I can take now or just go into the RN-BSN pre req courses i need to move towards my BSN?
tyvin, BSN, RN 1,620 Posts Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC. Oct 28, 2014 Does the school you are planning to attend require that you be certified as a CNA or all the other acronyms that apply? I have not heard of this as a requirement to go into a nursing program. I waited tables and bartended prior to my going to school. Would being certified as a nurses aid give you a better chance at being picked in a program? I really don't know since, in my class, only about 3 people were certified nurses aids. If the school you will be attending doesn't require it I would work on the pre-reqs.I always advise students go the BSN route. I went in and did the 4 year program and it was great. Of course it all depends on the university you attend...mine was stellar. I did 2 years pre-reqs and than entered the program. There are tons of financial aid and scholarships; don't borrow money if you don't have to.So, to answer your question, NO, don't get certified as a nurses aid, get in there and start those pre-reqs!
sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN 2,395 Posts Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU. Oct 28, 2014 go forward not backwards....ie even if lpn to asn to bsnit is moving forward best wishes
dEE34 3 Posts Oct 29, 2014 Does the school you are planning to attend require that you be certified as a CNA or all the other acronyms that apply? I have not heard of this as a requirement to go into a nursing program. I waited tables and bartended prior to my going to school. Would being certified as a nurses aid give you a better chance at being picked in a program? I really don't know since, in my class, only about 3 people were certified nurses aids. If the school you will be attending doesn't require it I would work on the pre-reqs.I always advise students go the BSN route. I went in and did the 4 year program and it was great. Of course it all depends on the university you attend...mine was stellar. I did 2 years pre-reqs and than entered the program. There are tons of financial aid and scholarships; don't borrow money if you don't have to.So, to answer your question, NO, don't get certified as a nurses aid, get in there and start those pre-reqs!My thoughts exactly! My credits are from a community college... Waubonsee CC Sugar Grove IL. to be exact. They actually have a very credible RN-BSN Govenor State University Online Program(new)... for Junior Colleges in IL. But I do have quite a ways to go with pre req.. So far, I have 2 Sociology courses, 1 Eng.,1 yr. language, and for returning I will be taking my CHM121 & BIO120 along with some of the more minor courses like humanities and math to even out the load. I don`t want to take too many difficult classes at once... in effort to give them all the concentration I can per class, plus family. Did`nt come easy the first time but possible. It WOULD be great to not have to work outside the home and take classes at the same time. I will be applying for any and all scholarships/aid I can get.Thanks so much for your advise! This really helped me make up my mind. I just appreciate the basic fundamentals of every thing first. I like to know not only that I am the best at what I do, but also well educated/versed.
AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P 2,577 Posts Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns. Oct 29, 2014 Do the BSN, by the time you graduate from college it will be even more difficult to get a nursing job with an associates!HPRN
dEE34 3 Posts Oct 29, 2014 I think you are right... It is too many changes as well as it is... especially in IL.Thanks for the advise. Much appreciated.
