Is it possible...

[JenniferR]

Is it possible to become a CNA as some point during a PN program? A friend of mine is in school to become an MA and stated that at the point that she's at within her program, she can take the CNA exam and work as one until she's done with her MA degree. Has anyone done this while attending school for PN? I start school for PN on March 12. I figure it would be good to get a foot in the door and gain some hands on experience and knowledge of the healthcare field as soon as possible... I'd just like to know when I would be eligible to sit for the CNA exam. TIA!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I attended a private, vocational LVN program that was divided into 4 quarters. After completion of the first quarter, students were allowed to challenge the state CNA certification and become a CNA if they wished.

[Jules A, MSN]

At my CC after the first semseter (Foundations) we could just pay the license fee and apply.

[postmortem_cowboy]

Alot of people who I went to nursing school were already CNA's when they came to our program for VN, but like jules and commuter stated, you can apply and pay the fee for it after the first quarter or semester, dependent on the program. It would at the very least give you a means to earn money and give you the ability to be around what you will keep seeing throughout nursing school. Some of us were already EMTs, and opted not to get certed for CNA. But it is possible, and your school if it's like mine was willing to help you with the application and all if that was something you wanted to get.

Wayne.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

We were able to apply and test for CNA after the first year, if you weren't already a CNA.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

It depends on the school. Mine didn't offer this option, but I heard of many that have.