CNA course

degraypoole · May 1, 2008

TO: bjames_ging

In some cities the American Red Cross has CNA classes. I am not sure if they are free, but even if there is a charge I am sure it will be very reasonable. Some Home Care Agencies will reimburse tuition. Also check D.A.D.S., for a state on line program in Home-care. They are very reasonable. I got my Home Care certificate on line through them before I went to a CNA training school.

Best wishes.....Sandra, Dallas, TX

Absolutely13 · May 3, 2008

The American Red Cross CNA classes will run you about $700.00. Many employers will reimburse you after a certain length of employment.

You also get HHA certification and CPR/AED with them.

Good luck!

bjames_ging · May 3, 2008

Thank you so much Absolutely13. Sorry but Im abit confuse. I came from overseas and i dont really know much about it. What do you mean by my employer will reimburse my tuition? Can i work even if i am not certified CNA? Also, i have questions since all of you here are very knwoledgeable with the healtcare field. Can i study RN right away or do i need to study LPN first? Is there any hospital who let students work for them? How does it work? I really dont know what to do. Im so confuse. Its like i came in this place and i am uncertain of what to do. I am looking for a support group where they can advice me what to do. I believe this place is the right and perfect place to ask questions. I really appreciate your advice and to everyone who help me. I know im not in the right thread to asked questions. Sorry degraypoole. I messed up your very inspiring blog. It should be about your amazing experience and i came up here asking questions. Sorry about that..

Thank you so much everyone and God bless you all.

bethin · May 3, 2008

What do you mean by my employer will reimburse my tuition? Can i work even if i am not certified CNA?

You pay for the class out of your own pocket. Facilities then will hire you and pay you back, usually in increments over a period of time. You may have to sign a contract stating that you will work for them for a set period of time.

Also, i have questions since all of you here are very knwoledgeable with the healtcare field. Can i study RN right away or do i need to study LPN first?

You can do either LPN first or go straight to RN. If you do LPN first then you can do what is called a bridge program where you do more clinicals and get more in depth regarding the sciences and managment. Most bridge programs that I've heard of are 1 year with that being a Spring, Summer and Fall/Winter program. No summer breaks. You can also obtain an associates degree which is 2 years and be able to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Most LPN programs in my area are 1 year with no summer break.

Is there any hospital who let students work for them? How does it work?

Do you mean as a student CNA? Yes, if you take the CNA courses through that facility. For example, I took my classes at a LTCF and was able to work the floor as a student. Also, in most places after you have complete 1 year of clinicals, either in a LPN or RN program you can become a nurse extern which earns you more money and based on facility policies you can insert foleys, do discharges and admissions, assessments (with a nurse signing off on this), etc.

really dont know what to do. Im so confuse. Its like i came in this place and i am uncertain of what to do. I am looking for a support group where they can advice me what to do. I believe this place is the right and perfect place to ask questions. I really appreciate your advice and to everyone who help me. I know im not in the right thread to asked questions. Sorry degraypoole. I messed up your very inspiring blog. It should be about your amazing experience and i came up here asking questions. Sorry about that..

You came to the right place and the right forum. Asking questions is how we learn.

Best of luck to you!

Absolutely13 · May 3, 2008

Not to worry, people here at allnurses.com have helped me greatly and I will do my best to help you.

Here in Florida, many employers will pay you back the money you spent on CNA classes. My employer paid me back after one year of working for them.

In my state, you cannot work unless you are certified and completed a background check. The CNA experience can be good toward a LPN or RN future. While going to school, many people volunteer at hospitals, become CNA's or Home Health Aides, but it is certainly not required.

You can study to be an LPN or RN, they have seperate educational paths and many LPN's become RN's at some point.

I think the best thing for you at this point would be to talk to an advisor at a community college or university. It is free and will be a better source of local information. Just go to the registration department and say you need to speak to an advisor. They will point you in the right direction.

Good luck

bjames_ging · May 4, 2008

Thank you so much, guys! I really appreciate it a lot. Its very informative. Thank you for making me feel welcome and comfortable. God bless you all. I will let you know with my decision. Im glad to have found a family where i can ask questions and be heard. Mwahhhhhhhhhhh:redbeathe:nuke: :yeah: