Does working as a CNA help boost your nursing school application?

[LilaDavis]

Just curious...

I've never worked as a CNA and don't have the certification, but I've worked as a mental health tech in a psychiatric ward for a few years now. I'm not sure whether to go for a CNA position as well to improve the quality of my application or whether it doesn't have much effect?

What has been everybody else's experience?

[caliotter3]

Some schools require CNA certification as part of the application process while others may give credit (points) for such, when evaluating applications. Check the requirements for each program.

[ItsThatJenGirl, CNA]

In some cases, yes. My local community college uses a point system, and you'd get extra points for having a medical background. Another school I'm applying to doesn't care at all.

[xxstarrynitesxx]

Like caliotter3 and ItsThatJenGirl mentioned, it is largely determined by the school you are applying to. For my school's ADN program, students get extra points for very specific things like EMT, LVN, CNA, etc. with varying values. Points are only awarded if a minimum number of hours has been worked. The LVN program requires their students to have a CNA certification regardless of whether they have used it or not.

To determine whether or not your experience counts or if you should consider getting a CNA certification, I would recommend checking with the specific program(s) you want to apply to. Best of luck!