Becoming a CNA

Hi Bronzemint23,

I did take the CNA course through the red cross, it was a quick session. I went in the evenings from 5-9:30 every night then went and did the clinical at night also. It is very expensive I think for what you get. You do not get CPR certified from this course, and you need to be for CNA work. The night course I was in was very frustrating! Why, because we ended up with 9, yes 9 different instructors and each one had something different to say in regards to how we were trained. When we complained about the level of instruction and the different instructors we were told that this is the way the REAL WORLD is and that we best get used to it. Now my cousin went through the aftrernoon program and said it was very different and better. I did just get a job, and Yes CNA's are in high demand because of high turn around... It is a great part time job to go with schooling. I work 3 days a week 3-11:30 so that I can go to classes in the morning. They will also work around my schedule. That I really do like. I know MCC has just started up a CNA program, but I don't know how much it costs. Sorry I can't help you with the different costs. I know Baker also has a program for CNA...

I wish you the best in your pursuit on becoming a CNA..

Also check out the CNA forum under students, maybe they will be able to give you a better name of a school to go to for CNA, that doesn't cost so much.

Go to http://www.mycareereducation.org and in the training search put Certified Nursing assistant as your keyword and all schools just about in Michigan will show up along with how much the tutition is for the class. The cheapest one I found on there was $575 but that didn't include the state test which was $176 I believe. Its a great website.

Thanks panky! That was really helpful! I will most likely do the day course so it shouldn't be an issue. So where did you end up getting your CPR certification and how much did that cost?

And Sirena, thanks for the link! I checked it out... but I can't tell if any of these programs are near me?? (Troy, Rochester, Sterling Heights, etc.)

Macomb Community College is starting a course for spring, and I am actually going to an information session about it next Tuesday night (you can probably still register to attend if you want...its 6-8pm and all u have to do is email [email protected] and say you want to reserve a spot). If you cant make it i'll fill you in on costs and such after I go.

The MCC is close to Sterling Heights area, the Red Cross is at 11 mile and Hoover. No to far of a drive. The day class is only 3 weeks long there.

That site that Sirena sent is great. I clicked on the map area to see where other schools are at for the Nursing programs. I got my CNA Certificate through the Red Cross. I started it, I was going to finish it there, I didn't want to lose any money...

Also remember that the state license then costs you another 176.50. So add that in the total cost. The state test isn't that hard, and they were wonderful at Prometrics.

Personally I would not waste the money. I looked into taking a CNA class last summer while waiting for my Nursing program to start in January. I was also searching for jobs while trying to make a decision to become a CNA or not. I got a job in an Independent Living Home as a Caregiver making only $8.50 an hour but being a CNA and no previous experience was required. A friend of mine is a CNA making $10 an hour. So, would the $600-$900 class plus the cost to take the test make $1.50 an hour more be worth it? I am getting great experience as a caregiver without being a CNA and my employer is also flexible with my hours knowing I am a nursing student. The decision is yours but I think it's a waste of money if you are going to nursing school and will learn all the same skills there. Lots of home health aid companies will also hire caregivers with no experience, you just have to look. I have found Craigslist to be a good place to search as well. Try the Homehelpers franchises. They are always looking for people.

Thanks panky! That was really helpful! I will most likely do the day course so it shouldn't be an issue. So where did you end up getting your CPR certification and how much did that cost?

And Sirena, thanks for the link! I checked it out... but I can't tell if any of these programs are near me?? (Troy, Rochester, Sterling Heights, etc.)

Hey Bronzemint23 click on the Geographic Search and put in your zip code it'll bring up all the schools in your area. And I read somewhere that nursing homes will pay for a CNA's license for working there for those of us that think its a waste of money. I'm going to find where I read that at. It's really a personal preference if one wants to get licensed or not to becoma a CNA. Some facilities want you to be licensed. Some people rather have the experience before entering nursing, like I said its one's choice, please lets not discourage others.

Found it! http://healthcaresolutionsandcareergroup.com/id16.html

THE CERTIFIED NURSE AIDE REIMBURSEMENT LAW

According to the Medical Assistance Program Bulletin 5370-90-03 and The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, and in regard to Section 4801 (a)(5)(D) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990:

A Certified Nurse Aide who pays for their own education in a state approved CNA program, who goes to work in a Long Term Care Facility or Nursing Home that accepts Medicaid patients, must be reimbursed on a pro-rata basis, for their education up to $550.00, within one year of graduation from a state approved program.

This does not include Assisted Living, Hospitals, Agencies and Home Health Care companies. Facilities that are on "Lock-out" must still reimburse students for their education. Copies of the law are available by calling the State of Michigan.

Hey Corazon, did you go to the MCC information session? If you did, could you please tell me how much it is? Thanks!

Hey Corazon, did you go to the MCC information session? If you did, could you please tell me how much it is? Thanks!

I did go! It is pretty expensive. Its about 1200 for tuition, 60 for books, plus uniforms, health screening, and licensing exam. They gave us a total of about 1700. You can either attend 5 weeks in the mornings 4 days a week or nights for like 8 weeks. I have all the info so if u have any other questions let me know.

Whoa, that is really expensive. Thanks for the info!