How likely is it?

I have seen the benefit of students who worked as CNAs in a hospital then get hired on by said hospital- at least three people in my cohort got in that way. If I could go back and do it again, I would work as a nurse tech, patient care tech, or something similar to get my foot in the door. The title and job description varies by hospital, and I think you have to have some (nurse) schooling under your belt. But yeah, I would think working as a CNA would be helpful (just make sure you can work AND be successful in school!).

The CNAs who are nursing students where I work, have a job on graduation if they want it. No matter what dept they work.

Of course they have to have a good record, but usually they can expect to move right up to nurse on graduation.

The bad thing about that is, you probably would be offered a highter starting wage at a different hospital.

Major hospitals have Summer student nurse employment programs or even nurse extern programs that pay your tuition and provide health insurance with a two year commitment.

ED techs come and go all the time, many are nursing students. It is very likely that they will find a place for you in the hospital, especially if you are willing to work nights and weekends or as a pt safety aide or sitter. ICU hires a lot of nurse externs. The ASU has techs but they tend to stay in those jobs for a long time so it may not be very likely to be hired there.

Good luck!

To be a nurse extern or tech do I have to have a CNA certification?

Someone at your school should know the regulations in your state. Completion of nursing fundamentals used to be enough, no CNA certificate was needed. You might need to take the CNA exam but not a class. You could also check with your state board of nursing. My state accepts a certificate of relevant training completed by the director of the school of nursing and a criminal background check.

My hospital does not use any CNAs in the OR. We have a couple nursing students working there but they mostly put supplies away and carry specimens down to the lab. It really wouldn't be a valuable patient care job if you're trying to get experience .