Is becoming a CNA worth the money?

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I know there was a thread like this but I thought I'd ask because my situation is my own, I'm 15 interested in becoming a certified CNA at 16 + BLS certified. The issue is my family doesn't have a lot of money and we live rurally, the closest college offers the course for approx $1000 dollars. Me and my family discussed it at depth and they are willing to pay the money, but they are already having to pay $350 for my Drivers Ed so I feel guilty. I was thinking that I could work at a local store or restaurant until I saved the $1000+ and some 6 months passed so I would be able to get a drivers license, but I realized after some searching that the pay for CNA work is pretty low. Some places at my area as low as 10.50, some high as $14 and some cents. My sister is encouraging me to go through with it, she's been a CNA for 2 years and makes $17.15 a hour so that gives me some optimism but I'd like to hear the opinions from people in the health care field.

Can't really help with answering the question, but just wanted to say how great it is to see a 15 year old with such an awesome can-do attitude. A young person taking responsibility for, and planning for, their future, so sensibly. You're a credit to your parents.

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Research your local facilities age requirements to work there. If they will hire you then inquire about whether they will pay the tuition in exchange for you working there for at least 6 months commitment. 6 months is perfect because after 6 months to a year you will qualify to work in a hospital. However, if money is truly an issue then just keep saving up and pursue LVN school. After your 1st semester you will qualify to take the CNA test. After you pass the test you can work as a CNA to continue paying for LVN school or if you previously saved enough for LVN school that money can go towards your general education classes and RN school prereq class. 15 now... LVN school is about $20k max lasts about a year. That is saving $1k-$2k per month. However, if your truly trying to grind. Pursue college courses now while in h.s at a community college and it's free classes and you'll have your A.A degree before or by the time you graduate high school. Then can go straight to a Nursing Program as a junior. 15-17 save money, take college classes. 18 graduate h.s and jc and enter ADN/BSN program. 20 graduate with RN license and make $20/hr minimum as a new grad. 22 finish MSN. 24 finish PhD. I'm just saying... you have options. CNA is taxing work. Go on bls.org and research the work duties. Depending on your personality it can motivate you to continue in nursing or make you want out. I wouldn't pay for the class. Although if you did you would eventually make the money back. If you were an adult working full time that money would be made back in a month. So seeing how you're a teen still you'd probably work part time and could make the money back in 2 -4 months. CNA is about $1000 work 6 months and you'll have almost $200/ month reimbursed. Just research what you're doing and don't put your family in debt pursuing a certification unless you KNOW this is for you. It would suck to get to class...most likely clinical and decide it's not what you want and that applies to any pursuit. Volunteer at hospitals/ nursing homes and network and see if you like the environment and if they'll pay for your tuition! You got this! Wishing you good vibes and hope you find a solution to your dilemma!

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Have you thought about applying to a community college's CNA program? It'd be cheaper and you can possibly get aid for it.

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Specializes in ICU.

Since when is $10.15 an hour low pay for a teenager? That's not what minimum wage is. It's actually much lower than that.

I second the thought that you need to see if they will hire a 16 year old in your area. The min age may be 18.

I think it's great you are looking into the future, and wanting to get a job. You may though have to look into retail or food service until you are a little older. Being a CNA is very difficult back breaking work at times. It's a lot of heavy lifting and on your feet.

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Thanks all for the advice, there is one location that offers the course but you have to be 21 or older. Yes there is various places near me that hire at 16, actually 4 different places. I've called to confirm as well. I'm still looking into the CNA stuff but there is different options I'm looking into such as a PCA. I'm opening a savings account soon and I may just save the money for the CNA course. Have a good day!

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