How to become a CNA?

suzanne4, RN · Jun 8, 2004

Have you actually taken the course? This needs to be done first, then they will get you set for your certification exam.............

nightingale, RN · Jun 8, 2004

I know states of the U.S. have variable requirements. I am NOT familiar with Texas regulations at all. Here is the TEXAS Board of Nursing (BON) website (for their index):

http://www.bne.state.tx.us/toc.htm

I am tempted to write, but will have you do this Tree, if you feel it is necessary. Here is the address via email for Texas BON:

[email protected]

I do NOT see the info for the CNA requirements. I find it perplexing but have heard that there are states here in the U.S. that have a different licensure process (whatever that means).

Tree, could you find out and let us know here at AllNurses. Or perhaps someone else may be familiar with the regulations.

Thanks,

night

Tree2144 · Jun 9, 2004

Have you actually taken the course? This needs to be done first, then they will get you set for your certification exam.............

No I haven't taken the course. To be honest, I am not sure where to take the CNA course. I will have to do some research.

cnelle101 · Jun 9, 2004

No I haven't taken the course. To be honest, I am not sure where to take the CNA course. I will have to do some research.

Hi Tree2144 I don't know abut Texas but in MD they have CNA courses at community colleges as non-credit CNA courses. There is no finacial aid available though cause it's non-credit. But I would check out the community colleges in your state.:)

Nalini · Jun 10, 2004

Well this is for Arkansas but maybe this will help... I would look in the medical classifides of your local newpaper for a CNA program. Here the tuition is $400-$600. It's possible to have a nursing facility sponser you, this is when they pay for your tuition and you work for them for at least 3 months.

____________________________

Nalini

cabbage patch rn · Jun 11, 2004

Many of the nursing homes in my area offer the course (I think it's about 6 weeks??) because they are so desperate for CNA help. Maybe this is an option in your area?

mkstall5 · Jul 19, 2004

Hi everyone! I don't know about Texas, however Indiana and kentucky have several options:

1.Call Long term care facillities-- they will know how you can start the process.

2.we have an "Employment Guide" (free weekly publication) Nurse Aid schools advertise there. $500-$600

3.Community colleges-- half the price of nurse aid schools, but only take about four weeks in the evening, or three during the day About $300 take a whole semester.

4.Red Cross-- hard to get into because they are cheap! only about $200

5.And a few nursing facilities will train to hire and certify- again hard to get into

Good luck!

Oh, research the nurse aid schools as some are much better than others and have "deals" worked out with some facilties to hire their new grads!

MQ Edna · Jul 19, 2004

I'm currently taking a CNA course through the American Red Cross. I think it's a great program, although it's very demanding IMO because they pack everything (including clinicals) into 4 weeks. I have one week left and I have nothing but good things to say about it. Well, one of my instructors is a major PIA but that's another thread! :chuckle I'm not sure about Texas, but here in Mass. it cost me $750. That included my book but nothing else. The cost to apply for your state certification is $87. (I wish it was just $200 here for the class!!)

The other option was to go through a LTC facility that provided the training for free. While that would've been great $$-wise, I wasn't too impressed with my options that way. It was my original plan to go that route though.

Either way, good luck!:)