Peanut23

I was licensed as a CNA in Mass and only worked as an aid for a year. Then, I let several years pass and it expired. I was told, by an educator at hospital I work at, that I can sit for the state exam again and when I pass they'd hire me for a CNA position. However, I was recently accepted to a nursing program. Because my employer will hire me for a CNA position after I complete my first semester of clinical, and since the first semester of clinical consists of the same things you learn in a CNA course, I figured the "refresher" would be nice and chose not to retake the exam. I think some hospitals offer their own CNA training on-site and once you finish you start working, but I'm not sure if they do that anymore. I suggest just calling around to some places you are interested in applying to and ask them what their policy is on hiring CNA's. That might help you decide what to do. I hope this helps!

Hi MissB, Thank you! I will start nursing in January, after I take a few of the general ed courses I have remaining this semester. I'll definitely let you know more about the program as I move along through it. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

hello, i'm new at this site, so please bear with me! i'm not a recent grad, but i was recently accepted to the lm/rc day program. i had a great experience with the application process, aside from it being a bit lengthy. they were very thorough and happy to answer my questions. the application process took about 3 months from the time i submitted my application to the day i found out i was accepted: 3 weeks to complete my file (verify i submitted all required forms), 8 weeks for the committee to review my file and ask me to come in for an interview, 2 weeks to be accepted after the interview. to avoid delays, i strongly suggest submitting everything in one package, including transcripts. be sure transcripts are as up to date as possible. the interview went fairly quickly. first, they reviewed the program. then, asked questions like: why did i apply to their program, why should they accept me, what are my plans for the future, etc. at the end, i was given an opportunity to ask questions. for the essay requirement: get straight to the point and tell them what they want to know. through your answers/experiences, show them you understand what it takes to be a nurse, and that you are determined and prepared for the rigors of nursing school. i suggest attending an information session (i think they have them on thursdays in medford). i found it to be very informative. in fact, it was probably the most informative information session i've been to as far as associate programs go. no question was left unanswered. literally. they stayed until every single question was answered and were happy to do so! they also provided light refreshments! if possible, i also suggest getting a lot of the sciences complete before applying (anatomy and physiology, micro). getting a's and b's in these courses will not only help to maintain a good gpa, but it will also give them an idea of how well you will do in nursing. it also shows that you are prepared for nursing school, as well as providing you with a lighter course load when clinicals begin. as far as entering into regis right away: if i understand correctly, once you complete the associate program and pass the nclex, you have one year to apply (they will waive the app fee). during that time you have priority consideration over new applicants. i hope this helps! good luck!