Does CNA certification help?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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When applying to nursing schools, does experience as a CNA help? Also, does it help with nursing school itself in any way?

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Personally I do believe that having CNA experience is beneficial - especially for those with no prior healthcare exposure. A CNA course will teaching the very basics of caring for a patient. Having that certification may show a program selection committee that you are not only interested in healthcare/nursing but committed. Additionally some schools require you to have your CNA certification prior to applying to the Nursing program - atleast that is my experience in NC.

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Yes it definitely helps in getting into schools. When I was applying a lot said they were impressed with my healthcare experience.

And it helps in school-ish. I just finished my first semester and since I had already inserted catheters and taken vital signs I was less nervous than my fellow students but I don't think it gave me an actual grade advantage. But sometimes in fundamentals I'd be able to get the right answer for stuff just based on my previous experience

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I agree with the above comments. CNA experience is only going to benefit you. I am so grateful for my CNA experience. It helped me and two friends get accepted to nursing school -- of course there are many other factors as well. I had a fairly strong GPA and some additional volunteer work.

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I have a question not sure if any of you guys are already in nursing school but from my understanding isn't fundamentals essential a longer more in depth type of CNA course? I know that there are necessary check offs and whatnot to actually be able to work during clinicals.

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My school requires students to have their STNA (Ohio equivalent to CNA) certificate as a prerequisite before they can enter the nursing program proper. This has a threefold purpose. Firstly, as a community college with a STNA program, requiring the certification means that there is no duplication of effort in teaching the same basic skills to nursing students and STNAs. Furthermore, requiring students to be STNAs means that the "Introduction to Nursing" course can begin at a higher level. Finally, requiring students to have their STNA means that even those students who fail to get into or complete the nursing program can still find jobs in healthcare.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Really depends on the school. My school requires it. Some schools factor it in, some don't. You'd have to see what gets weighed into your application.

As far as how helpful it'd be, it's quite helpful, IMO. You have some of the basic skills down, and you can focus on the new stuff. Experience also makes you comfortable with patients, which I've seen take AWHILE with new nursing students. It can help to get familiar with what nurses do day in and day out, and you'll see some of the procedures you'll be learning in school, which gives you a leg up when YOU are learning how to do them.

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Specializes in home health.

I was wondering this too, the school I applied to asks for experience if you have it ( CNA wise) but it didnt state if it weighed any on getting accepted. And at the time I turned in my application and transcripts of classes that go towards the programs, I didnt even think to turn in my certificate and the "worksheet", its not a transcript but it mimicks one, from my CNA school into the office of LVN program I applied so I will do that Monday hoping it will help. In my opinion, it would make sense for it to make a difference. But i guess its different state to state.

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My school (Community College) uses a point system, so yes my CNA certification helped me get 5 points to get into nursing school. Plus, if you have experience working as a CNA, when you are in clinical, you will be more at ease in patient care

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Specializes in home health.

Sandrion, did your school specify that they will factor your certificate in? My school has a point system as well, and it bases of the hesi test, in district point, and two extra points for 2 classes done before applying. It asked if there was any experience but they didnt specify if having CNA gets factored in?

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Specializes in ICU.

It doesn't matter at my school. After the first semester, you can sit for you CNA test so I wouldn't waste my money if it's not required. I guess it just all depends on the school.

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