For profit learning centers: are they good places to get your CNA certification?

[aaron_j_sutter]

I am seriously thinking about going to nursing school, but I want to get my PCT or CNA first so I can get into the field and get some experience. I am wondering if places like Ross Medical or Career Quest Learning Centers are good places to get your certification or if I should stay away from those kinds of places?

I need to work fill time and go to school and it seems that these are the only places that offer night classes. Really need some advice here. Thanks

[northernguy]

If its a concern I would ask to see the classroom where they learn their clinical skills. It should have hospital beds of some sort with mannequins for students to practice on. Along with medical equipment like Foley catheters, wheelchairs, ostomy bags, bedpans, glucomoters, blood pressure cuffs etc. If the class doesnt have you work with such equipment but just tells you about them, I wouldnt take it.

I would also make sure the class includes time spent doing clinicals in some sort of facility, usually LTC, working with real patients/residents. I would also ask if you get to use mechanical lifts like a Hoyer lift or EZ stand at some point. Clinicals might not be necessary to pass your state test, but they will help you decide if you really want to be a CNA, or for that matter an RN. Some people are fine until they have to work with real patients, then they become extremely uncomfortable. Its a lot different doing these skills on combative confused people than doing them on fellow students who cooperate and try to help you.

These are the things I think would be important. Obviously your work hours and location limit your options, so you will have to do what u gotta do regardless.