Can I become a CNA once I finish one semester of nursing school?

[swtchariot]

I applied for the evening nursing program that starts on 2011 at a community college. Hopefully, I can get in. I want to build up my resume so once I graduate, I can have some experience. I heard becoming a CNA will be great. I was wondering do I need to take additional courses to become a CNA? Can I become a CNA after one semester of nursing school? I am in the northern nj area.

[glitterygirl]

although I do not know about NJ per se..I know in NC it is a separate course to become a CNA.Some facilities do offer what is called a FAST TRACK method(skills and info taught in one day) for the most part its around 5 weeks.Depending on the hours.Then you take the exam to become CERTIFIED.

I dont know if you would have any sucess in getting a job with the fast tarck method or not

I do know in NC...you MUST have your CNA cert to become an RN.

There is a knowledge and a skills test on the exam.Good luck in nursing school.

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

Go to your board of nursing's website & see b/c it does vary from state to state. Here in MD you can become a CNA after a semester (or two, it depends on the school) in a nursing program.