Published Apr 29, 2008
BiologyNerd
111 Posts
How does one go about becoming a CNA? I am a senior in high school (14 days left! woohoo!) and if I could get certified over the summer, that would be perfect...but I know NOTHING about nursing....do you take classes at a technical scool or what? How long will it take before I can become a certified nursing assistant?
HeyLush3
31 Posts
I would check into community colleges in your area... I got my CNA through one of them, and it was fantastic!
We have a technical college....but how long would it take me to become a CNA?
catnip
59 Posts
i went through tech school while in highschool for mine. But i have heard that some hospitals, nursing homes, and community colleges offer a 6 week course to become certified. Call around and ask if they could send you any literature on what is offered, that will usually include the time length of the program.:nuke: Good Luck!
I got mine while I was in high school as well through a community college so it took the whole semester since it was worked into my regular class schedule.
I think many CC have 6 week programs, maybe a bit longer depending on clinical set-ups and what not. I would just call around as suggested above and get info... generally they're more than helpful.
Ahhh...thank you ladies!
CRUD! The technical school here says you have to take 16-18 credits....
Maybe the hospital offers a 6 week class? How common is that?
depends on what area you are in and how bad the CNA shortage is, be aware though that there may be a catch of having to work there for a period of time.
casi, ASN, RN
2,063 Posts
Just because the technical college says you should take so many credits doesn't mean you should. I would contact them just and specifically ask about a cna course.
Nightbloom
55 Posts
I am taking a 2 week course here where I live in June. I will go full time Monday through Friday for 2 weeks. The clinicals are on Fridays.
You might want to check with your local Board of Nursing. They may have some recommendations on programs that they approve. Its always a good idea to check to make sure that the program is approved so you don't waste your money on a program that won't be accepted.
I also asked some CNAs that I know locally where they went for classes to get their certification.
Well, my friends got licensed at my high school by taking 3 years of a class...
the hospital offers nothing...i will have to call the college...
What all does a CNA do for clinicals? And what all does a CNA do at a hospital, exactly?