Need Advice...schedule conflict!

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Hey every1!

I need some advice for summer!

Ok so I was going to do anatomy this summer (6 wk course), but they are also offering a nursing assistant class this summer as well, so I can get Nursing Assistant certified.

My problem is, is that the anatomy classes and the nursing assistant classes are at the same time. PLUS I am planning my wedding during summer (im getting hitched aug 7th 2010) so I don't know what I should do? I am in southern california and I heard theres at least a 2 year waitlist here. So I don't want to get into NS in 3 years (plus 2 years of the ADN program) but I feel like being a CNA will not only give me experience but also help me get into NS.

Any advice?

Thanks for listening

alys

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Specializes in Perinatal.

Personally, I would take the anatomy class. I would make getting my pre-reqs done a priority. Once that's done, then I would focus on CNA, especially since you'll be waiting about two years to get in. Just my two cents :) Congrats on the wedding!!

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Definately get Anatomy done, I don't think most schools will care if you have a CNA Cert, besides a select few.

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Depends on what your school requires. Here, the CNA is one of three classes required before submitting the application to nursing school but the anatomy could be done after the application. Also, for the last two years at least, every section of CNA has been full within about ten minutes of when enrollment opened. I'd take the CNA in a heat beat.

CNA has some advantages. It is an easier class so you'd have more time to prepare for your wedding. If you haven't done much shadowing, you might save yourself a ton of time and money by doing the CNA class and/or working as a CNA.

If not taking anatomy means you have to wait an extra year before applying to nursing school and you've seen what nursing is really like. Then anatomy is a far better choice.

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You could also look into your nearest Red Cross chapter and see if they offer a course near you. The one closest to me offers a 6 week class and is cheaper than my local community college.

Also....I found out that at my college, after you have complete the first semester of nursing school, students are allowed to take the CNA test. Perhaps that is your school's policy, too, and then you can save yourself the extra money AND time.

But it seems like if you are going to be on a two year wait list, you will certainly have other opportunities to become a CNA during that time, right?

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wow great replies!

the 2-year wait-rule is what i heard, whether its true or not I don't know.

if i do CNA now it will only put me back 1 semester, not a year. and it will let me space out the other science classes.

cuz if i was going to do the anatomy class then I was going to do micro and physio fall semester and apply next spring.

if i do CNA this summer then i can do micro fall, anatomy winter, and physio spring and apply next fall for spring admission.

registration for summer begins 5/24, i dont register til the 28th, so i was going to wait and see which fills up and decide then...

by the way how much was the red cross course? i heard it was really expensive to do like a $1000 or something and it was M-F classes, which i cant do if I take anatomy.

***just checked my school website, they offer CNA classes year around so if i stuck to my original plan i can apply to NS next spring for fall 2011 admission and while i wait to attend NS i can do CNA classes next spring semester.

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Our Red Cross charges about $900, plus there are some other fees. My college charges double that, but all your extra fees are included.

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Getting an anatomy class at all, much less getting one when you want it, is no easy matter in SoCal community colleges. Get your anatomy class out of the way. It is required. For most programs, the CNA certificate is nice to have, but not required.

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Specializes in Ambulatory.

Depending on which schools you're referring to, I don't think the "2 year wait rule" is true because I got into a SoCal CSU BSN program on the first try. I agree with caliotter3 as well, that CNA certificate is nice to have but not required. I vote for anatomy class.

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Ya I agree. I am definitely going to try for the anatomy class because then I only have micro and physio left for this fall then i applying for NS next spring so basically after this fall, until i get into NS, i have no other classes to take (I already have my A.S. in Science) and I am only applying to ADN programs only. So after fall i can take a CNA class, get cert. then work as a CNA during the waiting period.

by the way is there anyone in so cal that is applying to NS? ADN programs only, and could tell me how you got in and what they are looking for? ie 4.0 GPA in pre-req sci classes? cumlative GPA? experience? etc...

thanks

*ps NursingStudent0611: what SoCal CSU are you talking about? CSUSB? CSULA? CSUF? there isnt a SoCal CSU (cal state university)....

just wondering.

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