How would you rate the CNA classes and clinical's?

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Hi everyone, I'm currently dreading the idea of CNA classes. I believe because it's something new that I had yet to go through. I was accepted into an accelerated BSN program that's 1 year long and they expect a CNA class to be completed.

I was trying to get into pharmacy school, but received one interview, but nothing else. And thought I could doing pharmacy later maybe, but I'm already 25 years old and don't want to be in school for the rest of my life and be sitting around doing nothing awhile I wait.

So.. how bad are CNA classes in general? I've heard it's mostly bathes and cleaning? Thank-you for the input.

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I took a cna program, though I didn't complete it (issues with clinical schedule/starting actual college classes/babysitter). I didn't get to do the clinical but the class part was very easy. I loved it! I ended up getting a job not needing the certification so it all worked out in the end.

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Specializes in Acute Rehab, IMCU, ED, med-surg.

There are many threads on this topic.

However, given that you will work with many CNAs over the course of your nursing career, some of whom will be integral to your success as a nurse, and to your good care of patients, you might be better served by phrasing your question as "what experiences my I expect from a CNA course and how will it relate to my eventual work as a nurse."

The CNA course of study is dictated by the particular state's Board of Nursing - usually this information is available online. You also may contact local community colleges, vocational schools, the Red Cross (in some areas) and nursing facilities offering CNA courses to learn more and obtain answers to your questions.

Good luck with your studies.

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I just started taking it at the community college as required by the university where I'm taking prereqs. I am familiar with a lot of the stuff because I already work in a similar position so I know how to chart, some abbreviations, policies and cares, etc. So far it isn't very hard. It's very much a hands on class with ample practice time for skills.

Mine is about 6 weeks, 3x a week, 3.5 hours of class time each. We test on the previous day's material, then lecture, then work on skills. The last week will be clinicals at a nursing home.

Try hospitals and nursing homes, they may train you if they need people badly enough. But in most cases they prefer certified so I'm just getting it over with and paying for it. The teachers I have are very involved with my BSN program so they are very helpful and have a lot of general nursing advice. I'm looking forward to it being over since it's just a LOT of time in class to deal with, but I am enjoying it.

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I just completed my first week of my CNA course.....it isn't hard, just learning abbreviations , rules, care , certain definitions, but mostly hands on! I go 3xs a week , 5 hours, yes 5 hours a day lol. But it's fun and we stay busy and learn a lot !! We have clinicals at the end!

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I am a CNA and currently in pre-nursing classes. I loved my CNA experience. My particular state is pretty strict (Missouri) and I had 75 in class hours, and 100 clinical hours. We started our clinicals the 2nd week of class. I currently work in a hospital. My class was basic stuff... bathing, toileting, vital signs... in my job I do a lot more than that. Just being honest, if a CNA class sounds that terrible, then you probably aren't going to enjoy nursing...

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