applying for CNA as a student?

[peteypablo]

i'm a nursing student and i'm looking to take the cna exam. i've already passed fundamentals but idk where to go from here. i've looked online and i haven't really gotten a straight answer. the nj website says

obtaining nurse aide certification through alternate training (vocational) routes

the following individuals may take the department's written/oral examination without first completing a nurse aide training course and clinical skills evaluation:

• individuals who submit evidence of the successful completion of a course in the fundamentals of nursing within the 12 months immediately preceding application to take the written/oral competency examination, including;send all documentation of required training to:
  
  certification program
  division of health facilities evaluation & licensing
  new jersey department of health
  p.o. box 358
  trenton, nj 08625-0358
  
  
  
  but i'm confused as to what this "documentation" is? should i send my transcripts and a copy of the syllabus and the skills i've learned? i'm not quite sure where to go from here.
  
  any help is appreciated :heartbeat and if anyone's done this before please me help out :)
  

[BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN]

Look on your state website and find out where you can test. I know in Indiana that testing is done through Ivy Tech and you just have to sign up for the test and pay the fee. At that point you are given the date of the test. Another good resource might be the dean of the nursing program or director of the CNA program if there is one at a local community college.

Good luck!

[alexisrios1]

I was a CNA during nursing school, but taking the CNA was required. They say after one or two semesters of nursing school, you are a qualified CNA. You should ask the hospitals you will be applying for! :) btw, I live in PA.. Not sure if it's different in other states. Hope this helps!

[alexisrios1]

I was a CNA during nursing school, but taking the CNA was required. They say after one or two semesters of nursing school, you are a qualified CNA. You should ask the hospitals you will be applying for! :) btw, I live in PA.. Not sure if it's different in other states. Hope this helps!

I'm guessing your transcripts would be needed just to prove you have completed the required courses/clinical hours

[LCinTraining]

I personally wouldn't waste my money, but my job didn't require me to have it. And my program doesn't either. I was hired as an aide with just my EMT certification. There was a slight learning curve with all the practical "how to bathe a human in bed" stuff, but I was only a week behind the actual CNA's in orientation and now I"m one of the orienters, because most of our CNA's don't know why we do the things we do or even what a normal set of vitals are. It's really strange.

[LifesAJourney]

I would go straight to the source. Call the department and ask what specifically they need in order for you to challenge the exam. Me personally, I would say a transcript and maybe a course syllabus should be sufficient. If they need a reference to attest your skills, contact your fundamentals instructor and ask if he/she could be your reference. I got my cna before entering the nursing program, but I've read on this forum about people challenging the exam. Good luck!