How long did it take you to complete your CNA program

caliotter3 · Feb 26, 2009

My program was 12 weeks long but we only met twice a week if I remember right.

fpma987 · Feb 26, 2009

Mine was 4 wks. It was nice to get it done and out of the way. But I do have to say because it was condensed it of course was tough. I had to read two chapters a night plus studying for tests/skills and doing other homework. My schedule was 8-5 five days/wk with about 4 hours of studying every night. If you think you can stand it for a month and you do not have anything else to conflict with that schedule then I suggest taking it. If you have schedule conflicts while taking the class I'd suggest taking the less condensed version of the course.

Bottom line if you are willing and able to dedicate 8 hours a day in class (or whatever is required) followed by approx. 4 hours of studying each night, then I see nothing wrong with it.

ps good luck on whatever you decide

azcna · Feb 26, 2009

Mine was 3 weeks long. Total of 13 days, from 8:00-3:00.

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · Feb 26, 2009

I started my class on 2/2.It was everyday from 8-2:30 and today was our last day! We're having a little graduation party tomorrow. Theory didn't really give me a hard time so I didn't have to study all that much. Skills however you really really have to practice in!!! Some to me were easier than the others (washing hands, making beds, transferring from bed to wheelchair were some of my favorites). I think if you can handle a quick paced format than by all means go for it:yeah:

PS- I've seen some of your posts on the MD Nursing board. Which CNA programs are you looking into?

mari12345 · Feb 26, 2009

Mine was 6 wks... Mon - Thurs 9a.m. to 4':30p.m.

atla · Feb 26, 2009

Mine was 4 weeks as well, and it was fine. 4x/week. 3 days were lecture, one for clinicals. As long as you have plenty of time to read.. you'll be fine. I spent 1-2 hours a night reading my textbook.

godschoosen1 · Feb 27, 2009

My class was 12 days---10 days in the classroom and 2 days doing clinicals. We went mon-fri from 8 to 3 and on clinicals we went from 6-2:D

overonicanursing88o · Feb 27, 2009

My class was 3 weeks but it was like 2 and 1/2 really. It was mon-thurs, 8:00-2:30. We had lecture everyday and clinicals right after lecture. It was a fast pace, I felt overwhelmed the first week. But after that it was pretty easy. The last 2 days of class my instructor made each of us go thru 3 skills in 35 minutes and the next day she made us go thru 4 skills, trying to get everybody up to speed. I loved the class and all the girls and 2 guys in the class, made it fun and we taught each other whenever we had problems with anything. :)

dee78 · Feb 27, 2009

My class was 18 days long, 3 of those were clinical. Mon-Fri 8-2:30, though we never stayed that long.

Comfortably_Numb · Feb 27, 2009

My CNA program = 4 weeks total. The first 2 weeks were theory from 8 - 2:30 M-F. I am currently in the last 2 weeks of the program: clinical. We're there from 8 - 3:30 M-TH. Next week is my last week, then I'm all done until my state testing. It went by so fast.

Unique87 · Feb 27, 2009

Thank You for all the responses. I want to work while in the CNA course hoping to save money if I get into NS this fall. Although it being so compact I doubt that I can. Also I want to focus on the course just by its self so that I can do good. It's only for a month I guess I should be okay. I'll still be getting paid even though I won't be working anymore. I intend to quit my job finally, when I start the program. I'll be using my sick leave up until it runs out and I get paid for it providing that I use it. Well here is to new beginnings! Now all I have to do is take a CPR course to get certifed and get a tb skin test done.