Well I am a CNA, and a MA and I am currently in school to become a nurse. It is a good idea to become a CNA first but in all honestly I would not do it unless it is required in your city or state. It has been really useful for me but CNA is just the basic nursing knowledge such as vitals, performing ADL care and setting yourself up to learn to be patient and compassionate in order to succeed in nursing. It is all up to you but if you are going to take the time to do CNA then start nursing school I would go forward straight to nursing school!