Helllppp! CNA crisis

[Tech to be]

I will be starting a private school here in Baltimore, MD. The course includes CNA/GNA, EKG, Phlebotomy and CPR training. I am attracted to this school because each course is about 5 wks long and will allow me to enter the work force sooner than going to school longer for LPN or RN. However this is the 1st time I've ever heard of this school. I wanted to know if anyone has ever heard of Stein Academy in Pikesville, MD? My other question is how can I transition to a specialty without going through a long-term training course? I'm interested in Surgical tech, respitory therapy tech, pt tech or IV therapy. Please help!!

I am getting tuition assistance through a state program however they have asked me to map my training path so that they know what they will be paying for. As my mentor asked me different questions I felt like I was caught in a nursing matrix . I look forward to hearing from someone soon! Thanx!

[Taffey]

I would try posting your question about the school on the Maryland site. At my community college they offer some certificate programs that are shorter. Hope thie helps a little.

[MissBrittanyRN]

Hey Tech to be,

I worked in Maryland as a patient care technician in labor and delivery. I don't know what specialty you are interested in, but I was able to start out in Labor and Delivery when I earned my CNA. CNA was the only requirement, and it may be similar to your specialty depending on where you want to work.

All the best luck and wishes for you, but unfortunately as a surgical tech, you probably need to enroll in a program that is around 10-12 months through a community college. I am not an expert on surgical technology, but I believe that programs for it in Maryland are few and far between. A fellow CNA on L&D went through the surgical tech program at Chesapeake College while working as a CNA on labor and delivery, and I believe it was 11 months or so.

I have never heard of the Stein Academy, but you can look into Patient Care Technician programs or stick to CNA. Anne Arundel Community College offers PCT program. Red Cross offers CNA. The Stein Academy sounds more like PCT program. My CNA program taken through my high school stuck to CNA/GNA skills. The IV, phlebotomy, EKG training came through the hospital on the job training when I was hired. Those are all great skills to have, and I encourgage you to take the course, but many times (not all, especially in this economy) they will hire you with only the CNA certification, and train you to the specialty.

Good luck to you, and let me know if I can help you in any way!