Is it worth it taking out a loan for a CNA program certificate?

[mariposabella]

Hi everyone, Im waiting to get into a nursing program and I want to work as a CNA while I wait. The cheapest CNA program I have found in my area is $675. I dont have that kind of money and Im wondering would it would be worth it to go to my credit union to get a loan for a CNA program.

[tokidoki7, ASN, RN]

I wouldn't do it. I was hired as a nursing assistant at a hospital with no experience and I was trained for 6 weeks- for free. After you first semester of nursing school, you'll be able to apply for a CNA position at your hospital or any facility that offers that opportunity.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I worked as a CNA and eventually a PCT in the hospital setting while in nursing school and I never paid a dime for training...the hospital trained me. However, I was in PA, and has some has said that may be more common there. I would still look around and see if you can find anything for free, even if you owe them 6 months of employment or something after.

Actually thinking on it now, girls I knew in Ohio were also getting their training for free at nursing homes.