Is becoming a CNA worth it?

[Natasha_mer24]

I am currently a CMA who has been working in a cardiology clinic for over a year, I decided to go back to school recently to finish my prerequisites for nursing school. However, I notice that a lot of programs require you to begone a CNA first. I know that they want you to have patient experience and know what you are getting into but I feel like I already have the hands on experience. The school that I want to apply to accepts CMA's but I wonder if becoming a CNA would be worth the excess tone and money? .

[umbdude, MSN, APRN]

I don't think you need to become a CNA if you're already a CMA. For school-specific requirements you have to ask them. But CMA is equally good if not better in terms of clinical experience.

[Zyprexa_Ho]

I wouldn't think it would be worth it.

[verene, MSN]

Unless the school absolutely requires CNA training/certification it is probably not worth it. You are already getting patient care experience. If the program does require training know that as a CMA you likely do not need to go through the full training. In WA state at least there is a two-day bridge program for CMAs to fill in the gaps in knowledge and prepare to sit the CNA exam. There may be something similar in your state. These programs can be hard to find but are MUCH cheaper and a much smaller time sink than a full CNA program if there is no way to avoid getting the certification.

[Natasha_mer24]

Thank you for your response!, do you mind telling me the names of those bridge programs?. I live in WA state.