New to the medical field, Interested in CNA work- 1 day training?

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Hello. Well I'm new here and I'm interested in becoming a CNA, because throughout my life I have worked my A$$ off doing pointless stuff, mostly selling useless and pointless products, or doing pointless redundant tasks. I want a job that matters no matter the physical strain on me, I can handle it. My name is Sunaj, I am an Afro American male of 25. I am currently a dish washer at Whole Foods. I am looking to transition to become a CNA but it's difficult to get into school where it's offered due to my work schedule. I saw an ad on craigslist and called them, I asked the guy how it was possible to train people on 1 day and he said he's been doing it for six years. I wasn't sure what kind of questions to ask him as this doesn't really seem as legit concrete or "robust" as a full blown course held at a technical college or elsewhere. The CNA program is full already and wont be starting until the summer :( here at my local school, though there are two of them, I need more info on the other one. So my question to you all " Is the craigslist ad legit at all? " if so, " what are the pros and cons?" Thanks -Sunaj

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I do not think you can cover all the material adequately in one day. While the course might be legitimate, it probably is less than useful. Opt for a traditional course that has some substance to it, a classroom component together with clinical practice.

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Thanks for your response.

Is there anyway I can find a list of all institutions that offer CNA training other than tech college?

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You're not gonna find a 1-day class. I went the fastest way I could find and it took 6 hours a day, 4 days a week, for 4 weeks.

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The course from Craigslist prepares you to "challenge" the test and it is legit.

However, there is so much more to learn and they aren't teaching it.

If this is the route you decide to take, I would recommend you work the 11p-7am shift to build and master your skills.

Good fortune to you!!! :)

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parumph, you are probably in a different state. Some require a certain number of hours of instruction from an approved instructor regardless of what experience someone has or what they know but in others anyone can take the test (or "a" test, I think some have a different, harder test for those taking it without an approved course... I'm not sure about that).

Sunaj, I don't know anything about that craigslist course but good luck to you in becoming a cna.

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Thanks for your response.

Is there anyway I can find a list of all institutions that offer CNA training other than tech college?

Yes, check your State Board of Nursing or state website and google CNA.

Good luck.

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What about a community college?

Even if the Craigslist course is legitimate, you will be missing hands-on practice with fellow students and clinical experience in facility where you get to see CNAs in action. I think it will only be worth it if you already have a gained a lot of CNA-level knowledge and experience as an unlicensed caregiver and only need to make things official.

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Morning, Sunaj:

Rather than commenting on the Craigslist post, may I point out another possible option? Around here (here being California), in some cases you can apply with a nursing home/LTC facility, and they will train you to get your CNA certification in addition to paying you. Basically, they bring you in at minimum wage or so, train you, you agree to be state certified within a certain period of time (usually 4 months or so of your hire date) and agree to work for the facility for a certain period of time (usually 1-2 years). IMO this might work better for you, and get you away from hustling/pearl diving/etc. for a living.

Given your articulate posting and your apparent passion in wanting a meaningful career, my take is you have what you need to be a real star in the healthcare field - so, no matter how you choose to proceed the very best to you, and please let us know how things works out for you!

----- Dave

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Thanks so much Dave, and good Afternoon to you ( My time)

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I literally get disgusted at the thought of people taking a one day course and attempting to challenge a state exam. People should have proper training if they are going to be hands on with care giving not just learn what they need to in one day to be certified for the state. Makes me sick.

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my thoughts too

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