From Military to CNA

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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I'm currently serving my third tour in Afghanistan and after doing some research on my next career move, I've decided I want to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. So during my off time, I've been reading an online Nursing Assistant Book/read through some online CNA Practice Tests (just to get a general idea of what to expect in the CNA Program), and have called several vocation schools in order to decide which one I would like to attend. So last week, I found a school in Federal Way, Washington (Divine CNA Training) and registered. So once I return back to the States, I will start the Weekend Class starting 28 June 2014.

My career objective is to become a CNA in order to get my foot in the Health Care Field and eventually use my G.I. Bill and pursue a career in Nursing. So I found this site and decided to join to learn more about this field and read some insights from other CNA's and those who later became a Registered Nurse.

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Pulmonary Med, Primary Care.

I think you've made a great choice, and thanks for serving! I'm a Navy Vet (Hospital Corpsman type), and I have been fortunate enough to work a couple jobs based on my Corpsman training alone (I've worked as an ER Tech and as a Patient Care Tech). Now when I was a PCT, I worked at a large university hospital and they taught me though various classes how to be a PCT within their hospital. My military experience opened that door. However, when I moved (my husband was also enlisted after I had wrapped up my enlistment) I had difficulty getting a job because the civilian workforce did not recognize my military training. They didn't even know what a "Corpse-Man" was, mispronounced of course. SO, I used up a year of my GI Bill benefits to get a diploma in Medical Assisting. Come to find out although I currently work in urgent care, being a MA or even a Registered MA does not make it any easier to get a job in the hospital because a MA primarily works in outpatient medical practices. They are not trained so much on bedside care.

However, you made the right choice by going CNA since you desire to go to nursing school in the long run. That will make it all the more easier for you because hospitals hire CNA's. Plus, there are a few schools that require nursing school applicants to obtain their CNA and work as a CNA to even be considered for their nursing program. I'm even considering getting a CNA so I can get more hospital experience before I apply for nursing school.

Thumbs up to you! Be safe out there!

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Thanks Corpsman. At one point I did considered going to school for Medical Assistant, but the job demand for MA is lower, compared to CNA (at least from what I've come to find out thus far). Then I read alot of horror stories of individual who went through the MA program in regards to the high cost, hard to find a job, hourly wages are a little more compared to the CNA (even heard that depending on the location, CNAs make more than some MAs), and how some MA's have decided to go through the CNA program later on down the road. So I figure I play it safe and went with the CNA program.

I really wanted to go for my 2 year degree in Nursing, however, with bills and a family, I'm not sure if I handle school without full time employment. Once I pass the course, State Exam, and become employed I will see how my work schedule is and shoot from there. I've already started my student registration through Sound Pudget Community College (Olympia, Washingtong) and once I get back, I have to take a placement test prior to enrollment.

Even after retiring from the Military, I'll be 39 years old which is still young. And as a male, I'm assuming that the job demand for Male CNA could be high. Already have an Associates Degree in General Education, held numerous Leadership Positions, very pro-active, and an outstanding Team Player; so hopefully some of these things will look good on my resume. I'm an Artillery Man, so heavy lifting is not a big deal and fortunately my body (healthwise) is still in good shape. The only medical experience I have is the Combat Life Saver Course all Soldiers go through.

Overall, I'm very excited and looking forward to this new chapter in my life....

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CNA is a quick and easy class. Its not much of a career but its a starting point for other things. Its a hard job, but you've certainly done a lot harder things in your current profession. Just keep in mind it will be WAY different than being an artilleryman in the military, about as different as you can possibly get.

Some former military people opt for EMS rather than Nursing, but EMS has little room for advancement and limited pay, and then starting out you'll have to deal with the annoying cocky 21 year old know it all EMTs that think they're Ricky Rescue because they've worked the road for a year(doing mostly dialysis runs and interfacility transfers). At least in Nursing you'll be dealing with more mature and professional people.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

If you're a corpsman (as I was), if you have 2 years of inpatient experience, you may be able to challenge the LVN boards (though you mentioned artillery, so I'm guessing you're not). Look into your options. I looked at some CNA positions, and actually ended up getting my phlebotomy certificate and working at a local hospital after I got out. Now I'm wrapping up my BSN thanks to the MGIB and voc rehab. Do what you can while on AD- sometimes that can be easier. If possible take a language as well. It can make you more marketable.

Good luck with your transition to civilian life!

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@FunTimes: I also looked at EMS as well a year ago, but I'm going through Central Texas College. They Offer the EMT course, but they have a hard time finding a teacher to teach it (they mostly have the Criminal Justice coures avaible). Though I will start my CNA course in June, I plan on taking alot of the other courses the program has to offer, such as Nurse Delegation (9 hour self study course), CPR class for infants (7 hours), an additional Blood Borne Pathogens Course (9 hours), ect. Anything extra that I can add to my Resume is what I'm aiming for at the moment. I'm not even certified yet and I've already typed up my first Resume Draft. I figure getting an early start and staying ahead of the game is always a good option (something valuable I've learned in the Military). And I really appreciate the heads up and yes, it will be a big difference compared to being an Artillery Man, and the biggest challenge for me is settling back into the civilivian life ;0)

@RunBabyRun: I'm currently Regular Army (Active Duty) and once my Retirement Packet gets approved, I'll be getting out April 2015. So taking these courses while I'm still in (having a steady check is always a plus) is what I'm aiming for. The Course only cost $635 (book, CPR Class, and HIV class included, but I have to buy a set of scrubs, non-skid shoes, and gait belt), but if hired within a year after the course, I will get the money back. Once I get accepted to this Community College, I will transer my G.I. Bill into the Post 9/11 bill because of the BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) in which I will get $1598 to pay rent for housing. Oh, and I'm fluent in Spanish so that will definately be a plus in my area.. Thanks..

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