Question about CNA Classes.

[crsname]

:) Hi, sorry if something like this has been posted before but im too lazy to see if it has! haha

Anyway, my aunt told me that somewhere by or at Banner Thunderbird Hospital that theres a place that does CNA classes...I was just wondering if by taking those classes I dont need college because i just turned 18 a few months ago and i've FINALLY realized what I wanna do, I want to be a nurse and eventually get into the trauma center. I always watch those Trauma shows on TLC and thats what i want to do!

So, yeah, my questions is "can i work my way into being a nurse if i start at a CNA class or do I need college to get there?" i really dont have the money for college and grants and all that are hard to get for me. Maybe some help? :) Thanks a bunch!

[kristylee]

You can take CNA classes outside of college. A lot of nursing homes and even some hospitals will offer them. You may want to go to some of the local nursing homes and offer to do some volunteer work and speak to them about offering CNA classes.

However, if you would some day like to work in the trama unit, then I believe you would have to go to college for that, because you could not do that at a CNA level. If your 18 and you don't have a considerably well paying job, I think you could qualify for financial aid, grants or if that isn't an option, you could always get a student loan and start paying it back when you graduate and start working because you should be making pretty good money by that time. I believe that if there's a will there's a way if you want it bad enough. Best of luck to you!

[klone, MSN, RN]

If you take the CNA class, you can become a CNA and work in that capacity. You still need to go to school if you want to become an RN or LPN. The shortest route would be 1-2 years to become an LPN through a CC. As an RN, the shortest programs are 2-3 years through a CC, or 4 years through a university in a BSN program.

[kristylee]

Also, a lot of CC have 11 month LPN courses. The RN course is 2 years, but will normally take 3-4 years because of all the pre-reqs.