CNA as prereq

[bunnyfungo]

I'm just wondering how many people have to get certified as a prereq for their program. I'm probably applying to 5 or 6 programs and almost all of them require you to be on the state registry before you can apply so I'm taking this course in the upcoming fall quarter. I'd love to actually put it to some use and get a job as a CNA but I'm a new mom so that might not be possible.

Also, does anyone know if the nursing school curriculum is different if you have to be a CNA first? Do they not spend much time on those skills because they know you've already done them?

[neldel]

We are required to complete our NAC training and be on the state registry here in WA state. I start my ADN program in 3 weeks, so I don't know if they don't spend as much time on them. But, at our orientation last month, the instructor did say to brush up on the skills over the summer as we would be practicing them in the lab and then being tested on them.

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

One of the prereqs for my nursing school is Nursing Fundamentals. After finishing this class, you qualify to be added to the CNA registry. It's not required to be added to the registry, but you WILL have trained in CNA stuff before you are admitted.

[Midwest Mark]

We have to become a CNA as a prereq as well.

My school is also pretty strict when it comes to the CNA program. 100 hours of class time and 40 hrs of clinicals. If you miss more than 3 days of class or more than 2 day of clinical, you're automatically removed from the program. We also have an exam at every class meeting (3 times a week). From the people I've talked to, we're one of the hardest schools in Illinois for healthcare, which is why I chose to attend there.

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

Wow. Where I am we do not have to become a CNA as a pre-req, but I think that's a great idea. At least shadowing/observation/volunteering as a requirement makes sense to me for any profession; it's always better to have some idea of what you're getting into.

Being a CNA before nursing school doesn't alter the course of your program at all. At most, it makes that first fundamentals class a little easier, and you will be ahead of the game based on your comfort level with interacting with patients. That, in and of itself, is why I went this route (CNA before nursing program).

[ginna121]

My college does not require the CNA program but it is highly recommended. We do however get points added to our nursing application if we have a cert or degree in a healthcare field and CNA is among the ones that they count so I am going to take the CNA next semester. I also think it will prepare me a little for what nursing will be like.