Becoming a CNA help !

[lisaalove]

I'm 17 years old and I'm positive that nursing is the career choice for me. I volunteer at a hospital once a week and just this past week, I was involved in a nursing camp that was a really great experience. I learned the basics on measuring medicine and injecting in the arm and thigh, how to insert a Foley cathader, taking vitals, assessment skills, and other things, including shadowing nurses at various departments of the hospital. Two of the students involved in this camp are CNA's who got certified through their school. My school doesn't offer that kind of program, so I've been looking at community colleges to see where I can get certified, the only problem is it costs $700 dollars and that's not including the test cost. So.. I was wondering if anyone knew of any places that would teach for free or for a cheaper cost. Also, is there an age requirement to work as a CNA, I won't be turning 18 till June 2009. I live in Northwest Indiana, so the closer the classes are the better. Thank you so much for your help, and if there's anything else you could add on college and which ones you recommend would be greatly appreciated ! :)

[cheizy]

wow $700! My CNA class was a total of $324, and thats counting books.. I would check with the local redcross's around your area, they offer CNA cert. for so much cheaper! good luck

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I would check with local hospitals and nursing homes. Sometimes they will train you to be a CNA/PCT for free.

[ameris_rain]

The school where I am going gave me a list the very first day we were there of LTCs that are sponsoring. If you can find a sponsor, then the tuition and 90 dollar test cost is paid for by your sponsor. The only thing with that is is that you usually have to agree to work for them for at least 3 months. So, check if this is available where you live. I hope I helped. If you have any more questions, feel free to message me.

[Gabby_101, BSN]

Do you have a local Ivy Tech? I know it is expensive but you may be able to get some kind of financial aid. I know some Job Works or Work One or places like that will put you through class for free. I am also from Indiana and am 18 and we have a local teacher that teachs her own class and it is 75 dollars and you get your money back if you stick with it for six months. Just ask around, see what other CNA's in your area are doing and good luck!!!!

[cna2lpn80]

what part of indiana are you in?

[Sara1234]

Some hospitals have on-job training for CNA's. California has something called Regional Occupational Programs that offer free occupational training programs to people 16yo and older. You should see if there is something similar in your area.

[rancelumsden]

As a rule, over the country, the community college option, if you're in-district and get the lowest tuition, is the least expensive and most-available option.

Yes, a FEW nursing homes will train you as long as you sign a contract to stay with them for some period of time, usually a year. But, there are only a handful of places that do this.

Private, for-profit schools usually cost far more than community colleges. It's an option, just more expensive.

You have to keep perspective. $700 to gain a career is a pittance. Remember, a CNA class at a community college is equivalent (roughly) in hours to 3 'regular' classes. Plus, you do clinicals. We have, in my area, what is considered inexpensive tuition and the CNA class is now about $575 plus fees and books plus the cost of state test. So, we're in the $700 range here and that is considered extremely reasonable by college standards.

[sonomala]

575? ouch, I just started mine through the comm college and its not even half that including book and all fees. But then around me are several equally awesome programs at other comm colleges so maybe their trying to stay competitive?