Should I get my CNA cert during Prerequisites or after first semester of NS?

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The CNA courses in my area Cost from $1000-$1500 So I don't know if it would be worth dishing out that money now for the experience, or waiting till after the first semester of NS? Opinions? :o

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The CNA courses in my area Cost from $1000-$1500 So I don't know if it would be worth dishing out that money now for the experience, or waiting till after the first semester of NS? Opinions? :o

Well ....have you been accepted to nursing school yet? Would working as a CNA help you gain acceptance to school if you haven't been accepted yet? What are you doing for work right now? How would you fund the CNA class if you did decide to take it?

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Well ....have you been accepted to nursing school yet? Would working as a CNA help you gain acceptance to school if you haven't been accepted yet? What are you doing for work right now? How would you fund the CNA class if you did decide to take it?

The programs near me don't require it at all, and they don't really mention anything about getting CNA cert but I am sure it would benefit. I am working as a waitress, and make pretty decent money doing so, I would be able to take the CNA course during the winter term, but it is quite a lot of money to dish out :( I am about to start prerequisites

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I would do it while completing prerequisites. My school required taking CNA, PCT or HHA course and many of my classmates obtained employment in hopes of having an 'in' upon finishing the program. At any rate, I would not take any other classes or programs during nursing school if I didn't absolutely have to do that you can devote all of your time to the program.

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Many acute care facilities consider nursing students who have completed their first clinical rotations or first semester as having had equivalent training to CNAs and will hire you.

The real benefit to working as a CNA or PCT in nursing school is that you make yourself and your work ethic known to hiring managers. After you graduate, you have an astronomically higher chance of being hired because you are a known entity and not a hiring risk.

This is even more helpful in areas where new grad positions are competitive.

Best wishes

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Specializes in Mental Health.

I'm required to get it before I'm allowed into nursing classes at my school!

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Many acute care facilities consider nursing students who have completed their first clinical rotations or first semester as having had equivalent training to CNAs and will hire you.

The real benefit to working as a CNA or PCT in nursing school is that you make yourself and your work ethic known to hiring managers. After you graduate, you have an astronomically higher chance of being hired because you are a known entity and not a hiring risk.

This is even more helpful in areas where new grad positions are competitive.

Best wishes

Yes, in CT, it is considered equivalent, and thats what I considered as a big point in my decision making, unfortunately the course is very expensive around here, and if i could become a CNA during NS maybe it may not be worth dishing out the money

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