would like to work in a LTC....

The best way to find out is to spend the time 'doing your homework' and calling or visiting LTC's in the area you're interested in and asking them if they have a training program. There are not many institutions that have them --- in most areas, there are enough CNA's around that places do not have to offer training (which costs them time/money). In more rural areas, as a generalization, there may be more training as the supply of CNA's may be low.

The whole point of certification is to protect you and the residents which is why it's a legal requirement. Therefore, you cannot simply go work in a facility without some type of formal training (at least in most states) and simply take the exams later.

If you can afford to take the test and have the time. I would recommend taking it. It is really basically common sense. The hard part to me is the state test. (Well i hate test so maybe it is just me) But once you get through with that. You could go anywhere and find a job. And the good thing about the state thing is you can go anywhere in the state and work. Like in case you move or something. Good luck on your search.

If your a nursing student you can probably apply for a SNA position in a hospital (with or without experience as a CNA) but if your not in an a nursing program with clear plans to graduate then you probably won't get the position. They have SNA positions to get nursing students into the hospital working for them as nursing aids and then when they graduate nursing schools the hospital hopefully has a new nurse to work for them. If your not a nursing student, then I would suggest that you sit for the state exams and become a CNA or take a CNA class and sit for the exam because otherwise your going to have a hard time finding a facility that will hire an uncertified nurses aide. Good luck!

!Chris

I'm a cna in NC. The state is strict about only letting those who've past the state test perform cna skills. Like feed a patient, it used to be anyone who worked in the ltc could do that but the state recently said no only cnas or a new program certified feeder which I don't think any ltc around here uses. We also used to see cnas who had passed a certified course (172hours) but not yet past the state test get hired as a: cna helper for two dollars less an hour and they had to pass the test within a time period. But even thats going away. The classes aren't bad in NC at some community colleges you can do it in 6 weeks going four to five nights a week at night for 300 dollars including book. Good luck!