How do you become a cna?

allnurses Guide · Feb 10, 2018

The red cross offers CNA training. There are online courses.

Go to your local nursing home, tell them you would like to

work as a CNA but you need the training. They can likely

point you in the right direction. It is about a 4-6 week

course, and I don't know if you would have time to work while

completing the course or not.

OsceanSN2018 · Feb 11, 2018

I became a CNA after completeing my 1st semester of nursing school. All I did was take the exam. See if that could be an option for you within your state.

verene, MSN · Feb 11, 2018

There are a few different qays to get CNA training:

1) CNA training classes may be offered by community colleges, technical schools, private CNA training schools, and skilled nursing facilities.

2) Many (all?) states allow nursing students to sit the exam for CNA certification after 1-2 terms of nursing school.

Working and going to school is going to be up to you, your ability to handle stress, other life commitments and how both your job and your school are scheduled.

thehyruler · Feb 11, 2018

Depending on what state you live in, you can work in the capacity of a CNA after your first semester (once you complete one semester of clinicals and fundamentals). This applies in Texas but I am not sure about other states. Also look out for externships which are CNA positions where you can typically perform at the capacity of a CNA while also being able to perform skills once you check off with Education. The externship I work in is basically a long interview and my boss is amazing enough to try to get me into the ICU to tech more so I build report.

As for juggling school and work, it's difficult. Usually you'll be working 12 hour shifts so those are whole days you're blocking out of your schedule. PRN is great if you can swing it financially. Otherwise just make sure if you take a PT or FT position that they can be flexible with scheduling since nursing school changes a lot.

CCNY_CPS · Jul 21, 2018

How do you become a cna? Where do you go for training? What are the steps leading up to becoming a cna? Would you be able to work and go to school at the same time? Help?!

Becoming a CNA doesn't require too much schooling and is less costly than medical school. Your local colleges more than likely offer a CNA certification course, so I would look into those first (community colleges, specialized certification programs, etc). Another great thing about these programs is that they are typically offered in both the day and evening times so juggling school and/or work isn't difficult.