Can you be 14 and take a CNA course?

IdianaCNA1993 · Sep 18, 2012

Question is, why would a 14 y/o work as a CNA? He/She should be concentrating in school being this young and wait at least until Sr year to do this. Besides, I don't think a 14 y/o would be mature enough to handle this job.

agreed. But then again I dont think alot of 17-25 year olds are mature enough to handle a CNA job.

OP: focus on your education. think about CNA training your senior year or even after you graduate because to be honest I wouldnt hire a 14 15 16 or 17 year old if it was me doing the hireing. I was 18 when I got my CNA and had to go back for 12 weeks of high school to graduate. I looked and looked applied and applied had an interview and gave up until about two weeks before graduation. I got a job a little less than a month after I graduated. develope good study skills while in school because you will need them for CNA training and you will need those skills for college if you decide to go on to QMA and or LPN/RN school. good luck!

WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN · Sep 18, 2012

agreed. But then again I dont think alot of 17-25 year olds are mature enough to handle a CNA job.
OP: focus on your education. think about CNA training your senior year or even after you graduate because to be honest I wouldnt hire a 14 15 16 or 17 year old if it was me doing the hireing. I was 18 when I got my CNA and had to go back for 12 weeks of high school to graduate. I looked and looked applied and applied had an interview and gave up until about two weeks before graduation. I got a job a little less than a month after I graduated. develope good study skills while in school because you will need them for CNA training and you will need those skills for college if you decide to go on to QMA and or LPN/RN school. good luck!

I know many CNA's that started working before 17. Not once did they say that their age made them less professional or made the job harder. I think if you're considering going into a field where you going to be cleaning people all day long at the age of 16 or 17 and you understand what the job entails and how to deal with the population you'll be taking care of...then I think you're mature enough to be a CNA. I don't think people give us youngins enough credit. :sour: (I don't like these new smileys)

storm375 · Sep 19, 2012

Right now I'm a junior in high school and I will be in a CNA class next semester. Only thing you need to be at least 16 yrs old here in Dubuque Iowa.

nguyency77, CNA · Sep 20, 2012

Question is, why would a 14 y/o work as a CNA? He/She should be concentrating in school being this young and wait at least until Sr year to do this. Besides, I don't think a 14 y/o would be mature enough to handle this job.

I don't think it could ever hurt to plan ahead for one's future. A 14-year old with ambition is a lot better than a 14-year old with only apathy. It just bugs me when people don't care.

I started volunteering in a hospital when I was 15 years old and am none the worse for it. Maybe the OP's friend just wanted a head start. If that's the case, maybe volunteering would be better for her/him. Anyway, the reason is none of our business and it would be rude to inquire further.

ON TOPIC-

You can take a CNA course at 14. However, it would be pointless [in my opinion] because you cannot get certified until you are 18, at least in New Mexico. Like others have said, it would be difficult to get a job in any nursing home/rehab center due to child labor laws and the nature of the work. It can get emotionally and physically draining.

Graduation2016 · Sep 20, 2012

Nothing wrong with planning ahead. But in my opinion at 14 she's jut a kid still and should still enjoy being one. There's plenty of time to be an adult. Plus a CNA job at 14 may steer her totally in the wrong way.