CNA jobs for those without diploma?

Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2008

I did the exact same thing you are currently doing. I took a CNA class when I was 15 years old and got hired that October at my local hospital. As long as you pass the written exam, get your certificate, and are still in H.S. and plan on graduating there should not be a problem.

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2008

My daughter is 16 Junior in High School with CNA and works at our local nursing home. Hopefully you plan on staying in completeing high school and then going off to college!! Being a CNA is a great job for someone who plans on becoming an RN. CNA work is very difficult for very little money, but the skills you will learn are highly valuable

dancer_meggs · Jul 8, 2008

It's not like I'm planning on not geting a high school diploma. I'm taking training while in high school and I don't want to have to pay for state boards again if I won't bew able to work as a CNA. I just need a good job to hold me over during college and med school and I figured a CNA job would be an much better source of income than working at Mc Donald's.

Thank you for your promt reply too!

CHATSDALE · Jul 8, 2008

soundsl like you have a good head on your shoulders

good luck

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2008

Thank God your planning on staying in school---I thought you were potentially thinking of dropping out and working as a CNA...whew --i feel better now.

So yes, a 16 year old can get a CNA lic and work, our hospital system hires many High School CNAs. We use them at the nursing homes as well as Med Surge and extended care. They also can apply for our hospital scholarships to attend college and we will then have them work thier breaks and summer. It is a great program.

My 16 year old is really enjoying her CNA job this summer, they are flexible wtih her as far as her soccer sched this summer, and once Fall starts she is only going to work Saturdays until soccer is over. What other part time job offers that much flexibility? Not to mention she gets PTO time and paid more than she would working at the mall or fast food.

Then again, she came home and said someone peed on her shoe last night, I dont think that happens at Mcdonalds!!!

Best of luck---hope you find a great job---if you want to go into the health care field being a CNA is a wonderful opportunity!!

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jul 8, 2008

our facility will not hire anyone under 18 years of age, and we let the state decide who is eligible for CNA certification. In our state you have to be 18 to sign consents, including HIPAA forms and other documents.

hvlqodvhiniyc · Jul 14, 2008

You must be 18 OR have a High School diploma OR equivalent to challenge (E 3) the CNA exam.

In Florida, you must be 18 to take the GED (High School equivalency diploma) or receive an age waiver from the local School Board.

You might be able to take the CNA exam without a HS diploma or GED, and be under 18 years of age, as an E 4 "Other Nurse Training" applicant. I would seek clarification from the Board of Nursing first.

MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2008

Northern NJ will not hire unless 18yo-you need not have graduated, but the assumption is there. My daughter attempted during her senior year-was planning nursing school. Would have saved me some cash.

Maisy

Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2008

Really? I live in Northern NJ and was hired at 15, but I already had my CNA certification from the state.

MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2008

Surprising! I am not sure where you worked, did you work in a hospital? If so, I'd be curious where. No hospital would hire my daughter even though she already had an excellent resume-they all stated 18 yo was the minimum.

Maisy