CNA certification while in ADN program

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I just finished my first year in my ADN program, and a girlfriend from school suggested I become certified as a CNA while finishing up school, saying it would be easier to do seeing that I'm in nursing school. I've been looking online for CNA certification programs etc, does anyone know if I can speed up the CNA process as I am already in nursing school? Thanks so much!

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

If you've already finished your first year (and clinicals) then you've already learned everything that you'd learn in a CNA class. My advice is, "Don't bother."

As to speeding it up, it depends on the CNA certification requirements of your state.

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Yes, I have just finished my first year of clinicals, and I want to get my 'foot in the door' if you will, as a CNA getting some experience under my belt in a facility before taking my NCLEX next year. Would you still suggest not to bother? Thanks :)

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i think if you're a nursing student who has passed their first set of clinicals, you're eligible to work as a CNA. check with your state board of nursing to see if you can take the certification exam and get certified that way.

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You can 'challenge' the state test. Meaning that you can take the skills and written exam without taking the course. If you pass the first time you are a cna, if you don't pass you need to take the course in order to test again.

In my state this is popular amoung nursing students bc they have learned the skill set in school and find it a waste to take the course.

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You can, but the only place that hires CNA's by me are LTC's. So if thats where you want your experience to be then go for it. I want to work in a hospital so I am taking a PCA course and I am also a volunteer as a Nursing Assistant so I get to experience many different areas of the hospitals.

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Specializes in Current: ER Past: Cardiac Tele.

You should check with your local hospitals if they hire nursing students as CNA/PCTs. They sometimes hire nursing students and allow you to be certified through them! I challenged the state test and it cost me $130 and found out that the hospitals will just hire you! So check because you could maybe save some cash :)

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