CNA Question

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In my nursing program (as most I assume) before getting accepted, you need to have completed the CNA certification in order to get into the program. After Spring Semester, I will be taking about one class a semester because Ill be done with everything else. What Ill be taking is Math-another math-chemistry-bio- then a&p. Ill be done with all my other gen eds. I may take some MN Transfer classes during them but I am not sure. What I want to know is, would it be beneficial to start my certification in the summer? The school recommends to wait till after you are thisclose to applying, but I think I should do it sooner. What are your experiences?

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

Schools in my area do not require you to be a CNA or LPN before entering the RN program. Call the school and talk with them, they should give you the best information in regards to your school.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

It's probably more the exception than the rule that you need to obtain nurse's aid certification before starting a nursing program. Most of the CNA stuff is covered in a couple hours the first day of nursing school. It's pretty basic stuff.

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I found a class that was 2.5 weeks long, with evening classes from 530-10 and then 2 clinical days on a weekend. I was also taking classes full time and working part time when I took it. Sure, it was a loooong 2.5 weeks, but I got it over with quickly! I would take it in the time when you have the least amount going on, just because of the time consuming factor of the classes. You won't (probably) have to put any (or very little) time into the class outside of it (i.e. studying, reading, etc.). But it's the fact that being in class is so time consuming. At least that was my experience.

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Thanks! I left a message for my advising team so Ill see what they say. I am guessing I will start earlier. I am excited to be able to be in the nursing scene earlier than expected. I think it will give some insight on how it will be.

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Specializes in ICU.
In my nursing program (as most I assume) before getting accepted, you need to have completed the CNA certification in order to get into the program. After Spring Semester, I will be taking about one class a semester because Ill be done with everything else. What Ill be taking is Math-another math-chemistry-bio- then a&p. Ill be done with all my other gen eds. I may take some MN Transfer classes during them but I am not sure. What I want to know is, would it be beneficial to start my certification in the summer? The school recommends to wait till after you are thisclose to applying, but I think I should do it sooner. What are your experiences?

If it is a necessity get the CNA certification done early and find yourself a CNA job before school even starts. This will help you be prepared for the first semester of school as well as help you make contacts in the nursing field and get some job experience before you look for a nursing position once school wraps up.

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Thanks. I got a call back from my advising. Ill start hopefully this summer :)

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.
In my nursing program (as most I assume) before getting accepted, you need to have completed the CNA certification in order to get into the program. After Spring Semester, I will be taking about one class a semester because Ill be done with everything else. What Ill be taking is Math-another math-chemistry-bio- then a&p. Ill be done with all my other gen eds. I may take some MN Transfer classes during them but I am not sure. What I want to know is, would it be beneficial to start my certification in the summer? The school recommends to wait till after you are thisclose to applying, but I think I should do it sooner. What are your experiences?

My school required that you "successfully complete" the CNA class b/4 you could even apply to the RN program. We didn't have to take the proctor exam and I chose not to spend the $200 to get certified since I knew I'd never be working as a CNA. Here the CNA class is totally online (except the few hours of lab/clinical of course). I'd say knock it out whenever your load is light---I'm not sure why they suggest you wait.

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Most CNA programs require a specific number of hours in order to be eligible to test for certification. It's not 2 hours of information :)

Being a CNA is a HUGE benefit to becoming a nurse, and helps with time management, communication, being able to deal with the stress of a lot of work, etc. It's not going to hurt to get it sooner.

Check to see if any nursing homes are offering the classes for free (that's where I taught them); some require some sort of time working at the facility- others don't. And, if you do stay at a facility, some of those also help with tuition. :) We had a couple of students go from no healthcare experience to LVN within a couple of years- then on to RN. :up:

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