Published May 17, 2012
Twinkle007, LVN, RN
175 Posts
Hello folks
So I've decided to do my CNA class before my nursing school. I was looking for classes here and there over a month. I found out that the cost can range from like 400- 2800$ , now there is a question: school "A" offers 2 months long training for 2800 $ , school "B" offers one month long training for 1400 $ and I am wondering why there is such big difference. Does it mean that if I pay more and spend more time at school 'A" i'll learn more ??? The lady from school "A" told me that this tuition covers malpractice , scrubs and there is no hidden fees. I am a bit confused.
All the best Nowitzki
Juniper248
62 Posts
I'm also going to CNA school before nursing school too.
In my area, there's a CNA training course from the American red cross. They have two options. One is about 4ish weeks, Mon-friday, 9-4pm.
You can also do nights 5-10pm, monday, wed, thurs. for 8 weeks.
The total cost is $980.
This includes CNA and HHA certification with 24 hours of clinical time.
I live in Boston, so I can't imagine anything being more expensive than here...
Where are you from?
Remember, you just have to pass a state exam to get CNA certified. So how long the program is doesn't necessarily matter if you are competent in the material and skills (which i'm sure you are).
juniper248 ---- i live in l.a. , 1400 $ is a red cross price , i guess here everything is more expensive
ahh! that makes perfect sense. the only place that could be more expensive is somewhere in california!
YEAH CALIFORNIA..... , well I think I'm gona enroll into Red cross class , which is starting on June 14th , when are you planing to start?
anie10
294 Posts
Him! I'm in LA too. I'm going through a JC (Harbor). Mine is free (well board of governors grant) or if they make me pay about $250 ($46 for 5 credits). Its 7 weekends friday sat and sunday. I think there will be some out of pocket costs, but I think I'll still come out paying a little under $500
IEDave, ASN, CNA, LVN
386 Posts
Already took mine through the Red Cross (Inland Empire chapter) and they charged $1900 for a 5 1/2 week class. As far as why the wide variance - part of it has to do with whether they're for-profit or not, the length of the class, and whether they supply your materials or not. In my case, the $1900 covered all materials, testing, certificate fees - everything. All I brought to class was a notebook, 2 black pens & myself.
My niece took a CNA training course through the local ROP. Hers cost about $1350, and went for 9 weeks - unlike the Red Cross, part of the program was paid for by state/county funding, which explains the variance. Longer course, more thorough coverage of the course materials, and everything was supplied as well.
Through the local community college you have to buy all your supplies (books, scrubs, stethoscope, sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff & gauge), shoes, etc.) but the cost of the class tends to be a lot less - about $800, for a 10 week course. If you can qualify for a BOG(Board of Governors) waiver you can probably knock that down by quite a bit. Assuming you can get in, which is not easy - limited amount of space in the class.
Best of luck to you - good thing is that even with the down economy finding CNA work isn't too difficult. Took me about 6 weeks to get a job at an LTC.
----- Dave
truckinusa, BSN, LPN, RN
365 Posts
I'm originally from California and lived in Fresno. There is one nursing home there that trains for free and the adult school in Fresno is very reasonable also. I don't know if there is something similar closer to you. Just making you aware. I'm not sure about California, but here in Oklahoma the CNA class was a complete joke. I didn't learn anything. I passed the common sense test though.
Go to this link: they have nursing homes in Bakersfield and Shafter which are closer. CNA/SRNA Training
Fresno Adult School: Fresno Adult School Home Page Its about $500 for the CNA training. Looks like a big hastle with the prerequisites and assessments though.
Thank you guys , for all comments , its really helpufull. Dave---- would you recommend Red cross, did you have good experience with them ?
SingDanceRunLife
952 Posts
Look at area nursing homes and make sure they don't have training. One of the nursing homes where I live consistently does PAID training that lasts ~4 weeks and another has PAID training that lasts ~6 weeks.
Dcmom
131 Posts
it's a bit far from my area , I live near by Burbank/Glendale , but the price is gr8. You have to add cost of state exam ,books I guess, maybe malpractice , I dont know about stethoscope , or cuffs -probably they will have it. When are you planning to attend?[/QUOTHi have you gone through american red cross cna class??? can you tell me more about it?
Hi have you gone through american red cross cna class??? can you tell me more about it?