International Student wants to become a CNA

ctmed · Jul 24, 2010

Yes, you probably can if your visa also allows you to legally work in the United States.

Be aware that there are many places (typically ones with high turnover) which will let you be a CNA or Unit Clerk without taking the CNA course with a letter of acceptance to a Nursing Program.

Barring that, all you would have to do is take the course if it looks like the wait is long for a letter. The class and experience will, from what I have heard from CNAs who went to RN, helped tremendously in passing the first Nursing classes.

Of course, no felonies and be able to pass a drug test.. but you probably know that.

If you are willing to work on our level, you will have our respect.

Good Luck.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jul 24, 2010

Do you have papers indicating that you can legally work in the US? Thta would be the main issue.

Treazur · Jul 25, 2010

Actually I do not have a visa or anything of the sort to work in the US. I was hoping that becoming a CNA would actually allow me to work because after reading alot of posts just recieving an Associate's won't allow me to work even though I already have a Bachelor's in Biology. I don't have enough money to get a Bachelor's degree but I would really love to start working to help further my education

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jul 25, 2010

This really needs to be addressed in the International Forum.

I don't believe that you can.

Silverdragon or Gilbert in the International forum can probably help you best.

Masami · Jul 25, 2010

Student visa (F-1) visa strictly prohibits working in the United States, except on-campus with limitation.

Yes, you can take CNA course which is usually offered trainings/classes on campus or you can take off-campus training course with referral from your International Student advisor and the nursing program advisor.

I was former F-1 international student from Japan.

When I was at school, one of international students from Japan was admitted to the nursing program and she graduated with honor, also she was the very first one and only one who graduated in 2004 successfully as an international student from our community college which has been run since 1962. She was F-1 student all the time.

So, first answer that you can take CNA class is, Of course Yes.

However, for the job part, you have to contact with your international advisor and your nursing program advisor because you need special permission if you want to work off campus. You may be advised to work as a unpaid volunteer and can work as CNA just because of visa limitation. If there is medical facility on campus, you may have a great chance, but usually very competitive. F-1 visa won't be consider as good value even on campus and competition will be with current nursing students. These days, it is not easy to find job as CNA or even RNs in the US, so you have to expect either on or off campus, it is very very competitive to get the position. Many places expect you have at least a couple months to a year experiences prior to the new position. But, school should be able to give you some chances and advises for you.

Please please please, do NOT think work off campus without talk to your advisors or without permission. If you do it, you may ruin your career and all life in the US (you will be deported from US and can't come in even as vacation for 5-10 years).

Many hospitals, nurshing homes, clinics are welcom for volunteers and you can count the unpaid opportunities as your own experiences.

allnurses Guide · Jul 25, 2010

Moved to international for a better response

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jul 25, 2010

As mentioned a F1 student visa limits you to what you can do work wise. You need to apply for permission to work and usually the first year is restricted to campus. If you do your ADN in the US you can find a employer and go the immigrant route however you will be affected by retrogression and may have to look elsewhere (another country) whilst waiting and not all countries accept ADN

Treazur · Jul 25, 2010

Thank you all

Precious Pinay · Jul 26, 2010

I see a lot of High School students in my city that are CNA's. Must be pretty easy to do

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2010

I see a lot of High School students in my city that are CNA's. Must be pretty easy to do

And I'm sure that they have the legal right to work. Working as an aide is not the big issue, having the right to legally work here is the big issue.

dsualumn · Jan 23, 2017

F1 Students actually can work (paid work) as CNAs, EMTs and pharmacy techs off-campus using CPT (Curricular practical training) to gain experience to prepare for nursing school or other healthcare careers like medicine, pharmacy and therapy. Most schools will approve students to get jobs with local organizations like nursing homes, pharmacies, hospitals and clinics. You must have a job offer and agreement from the facility you want to work for. The approval is done by the school's DSO/International school advisor in collaboration with your program adviser or director. It is up to their discretion and sometimes school policy to approve or disapprove. Though not popular, this is completely legal. I had friends in college who were working towards nursing school and med school who used CPT and it worked great for them. Keep in mind that if you do more than 12 months of CPT you will not be eligible for OPT after graduation.

Here is a snippet from Practical Training | ICE

[h=2]Practical Training[/h]If you are an F student, you have the option of training in the United States by engaging in practical training during your program or after it ends. Practical training can provide valuable work experience by sharpening and adding to the skills you are learning in school. There are two types of practical training available for F-1 students: curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT).

[h=2]CPT[/h]

CPT is integral to your major and the experience must be part of your program of study.
When you enroll at the graduate level, your designated school official (DSO) may authorize CPT during your first semester if your program requires this type of experience. Ask your DSO for details.
Your DSO will provide you a new Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,â€ that shows that the DSO has approved you for this employment.
You can work on CPT either full-time or part-time.
CPT requires a signed cooperative agreement or a letter from your employer.
If you have 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are ineligible for OPT, but part-time CPT is fine and will not stop you from doing OPT.

Here are more examples from different schools to show different school CPT programs and policies.

U of Detroit Mercy Off-Campus Work Regulations for F-1 Students

San Fran State U Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | F-1 International Students

UCLA http://www.internationalcenter.ucla.edu/content/files/f1/cptguidelines.pdf

And many more...

I hope this helps.