Pre nursing help!!

[Kaleighhhhhhh]

Hi so I moved to Raleigh from CT in November, so I am going to wait until the spring semester so I can get instate tuition. I have my bachelors in biology 2.7 gpa( yea I know...). I have my CT EMT (since 2015). I have a few questions.. Do I need to have a CNA for most nursing schools in the area? I was looking into wake tech but they require it and I really don’t want to drop $700 on it If I don’t have to. Also does anyone know of any more flexible programs in the arrangement that is evenings and weekends?

I’m thinking of doing an ADN program because it is only 2 years and I can transfer about a quarter of the classes....also it’s more cost effective for me.

[careerchange19, ADN]

Nash and Wilson Community Colleges have evening ADN programs. Nash's program starts in even years and Wilson's starts in odd years. Both of the community colleges are about 40 minutes from Raleigh. ECPI in Raleigh have an evening LPN program, but it is very expensive.

[inthecosmos, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Most of the community colleges in NC require the CNA.

[Kaleighhhhhhh]

17 hours ago, careerchange19 said:

Nash and Wilson Community Colleges have evening ADN programs. Nash's program starts in even years and Wilson's starts in odd years. Both of the community colleges are about 40 minutes from Raleigh. ECPI in Raleigh have an evening LPN program, but it is very expensive.

Thank you that’ll be good to look into, I think the evening option will be best for me but weighing out all the pros and cons!

[Kaleighhhhhhh]

1 hour ago, inthecosmos said:

Most of the community colleges in NC require the CNA.

Ok, that’s good to know. Ugh it’s super frustrating because I have my EMT and I’ve had so much patient contact in the last 5 years, just having to go back and get it is a bit frustrating. But thank you for the input! Just confirmed my suspicion.

[inthecosmos, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

13 hours ago, Kaleighhhhhhh said:

Ok, that’s good to know. Ugh it’s super frustrating because I have my EMT and I’ve had so much patient contact in the last 5 years, just having to go back and get it is a bit frustrating. But thank you for the input! Just confirmed my suspicion.

Sorry about that! I will tell you that occasionally they will accept the accelerated course CNAs, but would recommend asking around. The benefit of the community college is that it shouldn't cost more than $300-400 for the course and the entire program will be less than 5k.

Also, being an EMT isn't quite the same as a CNA. Many programs want you to have the CNA as it teaches you basic skills that are necessary for your RN and helps set the foundation.

From my understanding, EMTs are skilled differently and they aren't interchangeable with CNAs. While patient contact is one component of the CNA certification, it isn't the entirety of it. Do not get me wrong, EMTs are highly trained and skilled individuals, but it isn't quite the same.

Also, if it is feasible for you, you may consider getting your Paramedic certification. There are a few Paramedic to RN programs that may not require you to get the CNA, but at the price point, I'm not sure there is much difference.