How legit is the CNA program offered by American Red Cross?

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Hi all, I feel a little stuck at the moment and I know that I'm going to be adding a little more to this thread that i initially intended, but please bear with me :B i would greatly appreciate some helpful advice from anyone with past experiences. So here is my little ordeal...

After many bumps in the road, I am finally getting ready to apply to Nursing school (community college, i can't venture out too far since i have a 1 year old.) this Fall and early Spring of next year. To keep things light, i specifically planned out my previous semesters so I would only 1 need last class(micro,) to take this fall.

Since I won't be attending school in the Spring (of 2016) i figured that i could use the extra free time to work and add more points onto my scale. I started thinking about becoming a CNA to gain some experience and sort of get my foot in the door while waiting for acceptance letters. I did some research (trusty google,) and found that American Red Cross offers a 4 week CNA program, then I found out that other community colleges are offering CNA courses as well, but for 12-16 weeks. Is there anyone out there who has completed training with American Red Cross? are they legit? And does anyone advise that i take this 4 week course this fall along with my micro? or would that be too intense? I can take it in the spring when i don't have anything to do, but the deadline for applying is on Dec. 1st and i really wanted it to be added when my points are being calculated. I also haven't taken the TEAS exam, so i need to study for that too, do you think it's too much on one plate?

Micro, TEAS, a CNA course, and a 1 year old that is stuck to my boob??

Any advice, greatly appreciated!!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Wait. Did you just ask if the AMERICAN RED CROSS is legit?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Wait. Did you just ask if the AMERICAN RED CROSS is legit?

Here's a clue, OP: any course or program offered by the American Red Cross is going to be as legitimate as you can possibly get.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.
Wait. Did you just ask if the AMERICAN RED CROSS is legit?

THIS is why I spend sooooooooo much time on AN! Talk about literally laughing out loud :roflmao:

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Oh, my lord in heaven. I needed that. Thanks for the chuckle.

:rotfl:

:roflmao: :rotfl: :roflmao: :rotfl: :roflmao: :rotfl: :roflmao: :rotfl: :roflmao: :rotfl: :roflmao: :rotfl: :roflmao: :rotfl: :roflmao: :rotfl: :roflmao: :rotfl:

It actually sounds like a cool mix to me.

Take the ARC course after asking your target nursing program

if they'll accept it.

A one-year-old will be gradually decreasing nursing

as regular food comes into his/her life,

so no worries there if you start

having to miss a scheduled feed now and then

-- just remember the breast shields because

you WILL leak :).

TEAS will follow along in due course.

Welcome to AN!

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Looking back and re-reading my post, I realize how redundant my question may have seemed. I guess I worded things wrongly. Pertaining to your answer; if the nursing program will accept it was what I initially meant. I also wanted to know if there is/was anyone enrolled in the program that could give me some sort of insight...

Thank you for actual advice and welcoming btw!:)

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Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.

If your state is one of the ones listed it should qualify. Double check with the nursing school you are attending.

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

You'll have to ask the admissions advisor at your school if they will accept your CNA training at the Red Cross. Speaking from personal experience, I did the Red Cross CNA training in 1990 and received excellent education. I would be more worried if you were asking about those fly-by-night "learning centers" that offer CNA training for an exorbitant amount of money. The Red Cross training is very intense. You will be in class all day, every day. I know the CNA training offered at our community college is 16 weeks, because that's how long the semester is. They have class 2 days per week. So, that explains the time difference. Red Cross is definitely "legit" and respected :)

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I attended the CNA program through the American Red Cross last year and I loved it. Their pass rate for the board exam is extremely high in my area. The nursing school I applied to here in California accepted it and now that I'm in the rn program I really feel like the CNA course prepared me for some of the fundamental skills that we are learning again. There were a few people in my class who were also taking micro, anatomy or physiology at the same time so I definitely think it is doable. Good luck!

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