Hello, would it be ok if?

[v.ung]

Hello everybody, my mother is 51 and we have moved to USA 11 months ago, she didn't know much English so she took courses. I can't say that now she got it perfect already, but she progressed a lot, can say she is 50% or 60% into doing great. Already wants to start studying in something in autumn, currently working as HHA(8months), she wants to either get certification into medicine that doesn't require medical degree, like CNA, either refresh her knowledge in accounting, as that's what she's been doing for 30 years before coming here. What do you think, what English is required to pass CNA? Because she learned for HHA in another language, but the final test/exam for certification was in English and she did pretty good. I know CNA is more complicated, but do you think there is any chance she'd do it? She's very motivated but I am afraid she'd waste time if it's too hard for her, she could better take some intensive English classes than waste time? Because it's like some months to finish courses?

[Sparrow91]

It depends on the state requirements. In the state I'm in before you could take the CNA course you had to first pass a reading/writing exam with an 8th grade reading level or better. So call some CNA programs in the area and ask them what their requirements are. Hope that helps. Good Luck! :)

[v.ung]

Hmm we are in NYC and somehow it makes me think things r more complicated here

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

I would strongly encourage your mother to wait to take a CNA class until she's more proficient in English.

This issue goes way beyond the matter of passing the class. She will need to communicate proficiently with her peers, her superiors, and her patients. She will need to be able to document clearly and precisely. People who do not have a good grip on language skills--including native English speakers--often struggle with charting, patient and peer interaction, and put themselves at a higher risk for a lawsuit if they cannot thoroughly and accurately document what they have done.

Tell her to keep on with the English lessons and gauge her comfort at a later time. It can be done, but it oughtn't be rushed!

[WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN]

What language does she speak? I know some states allow you to take the CNA exam in Spanish instead of English. There are also areas where being bilingual is very important. I staffed at a hospital where they wouldn't hire you unless you spoke fluent Spanish.