becoming a CNA before a MA, major dilema

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I'm currently enrolled in a MA course but life situations have forced me to take a leave of absense. I have completed 11 of my 13 months and have a 4.0 GPA. My problem is, my husband and I are moving out of state and I was wondering if I would be able to just take a test to become a CNA since I've had hands on experience (vitals, blood tests, EKGs), TONS of classroom time etc. I'm moving from Mass. to NC and I just don't know what to do. There is no way for me to stay here and finish school right now.

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Now, I don't know if this is 100% true but I think that you have to take classes at a community college or a LTC facility to prepare you to take the certification test to become a certified nurses assistant. Seeing that you haven't completed your medical assistant course yet and taken that certification test you might not be eligible. My advice is to contact MA dept of licensure/cert. or wait until you move to NC to see what they require. Good luck!

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Specializes in LTC.

I know that some states allow people to challenge the CNA test without taking a course.

Heres the thing though, being a CNA and being a MA are two very different worlds. I really don't know what all a MA does as I don't know a lot about their education. I do however know what CNAs do. The CNA's job is more about the grunt work or basic nursing care. CNAs are the people who toilet, bathe, dress, feed, and provide other basic cares for people. As far as I know MA's aren't educated in those kinds of things.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f265/complete-list-cna-registries-171787.html is a link to all 50 state's CNA registries. I would contact the state you are moving to to find out if you can challenge the test and what skills you need to know.

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As casi stated, being an CNA and an MA are 2 totally different things. As a NA you do not typically do blood draws,EKG, etc.

An MA course will most likely not prepare you for the skills portion of the CNA exam. If you want to take the CNA test study hard and go to your states nursing board web sitefor exact skill lists.

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My advice-find a position at a hospital that will train you for your CNA or as a PCT. Also, find what hospitals have LPN programs. Often if you work there for a certain amount of time they will pay for your LPN thru their hospital edu program.

FYI-you will be moving from one of the highest taxed states in the country to one of the lowest. The cost of living will be so much lower for you!!!!! Much luck to you:nurse:

:clpty::hpygrp::wlcmblks::[anb]:

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