How can a 17 year old obtain a CNA license?

[RainbowHead]

I am a junior in high school and I am in desperate need of a part-time job. I have been looking for months and can't find anything. So I got the idea that maybe I could take classes to get my CNA license over the summer so that I can work part-time as a CNA while in high school. I will be 18 in November but I've heard that you can be a CNA even if you are not 18. But I don't know how to apply and if they will even have classes during the summer. Where do I start?

[Hygiene Queen]

Around here, you can become a CNA at 16.

Most of out 16 year-old aides were able to take the class through some sort of program at the local high school.

Perhaps, you can find out if that is an option for you.

You can also ask at your local community college or check out classes at The Redcross or The Salvation Army.

Maybe you can even see if a nursing home will hire you before you take the class and then maybe they will pay for your class (but you must have your certification done by certain time after hire).

Most of our high school aides were very smart and able to juggle the demands of school with the demands of a job that will require you to work weekends and holidays.

It's hard physical work and you may be there working until very late at night.

I'm not trying to discourage you in any way.

In fact, I think being a CNA is an incredible job for a teenager... talk about learning responsibility!

Good luck!!!

[RainbowHead]

Thanks, that helps a lot. I really don't mind working weekends and holidays and I know that the job is hard work, but that's just what I'm looking for. I love to work. They have a program at my community college, but it's a long-distance program between where I live and where my grandparents live, so if I can just find out if they have classes during the summer, I could ask my grandparents if I could stay with them while I do it. Thanks again! :)