requirements for cna programs?

[donaldalondra]

Hi, everyone!

This post is in regard to becoming a cna and the process. I already know what I'm doing as far as schooling. My question comes to the physical exam. I currently have a knee injury and plan to get surgery in a month, however, my schooling doesn't begin until late January. I know that we have to be in good health in order to do this and was wondering in what way would it affect my physical? I don't have any diseases, illnesses, disorders or conditions. I just require glasses because I am near sighted. By the timid schooling begins, I would just have weekly physical therapy. The program is 5 months. Besides my knee, I am otherwise healthy. If you could help in any way by answering, I would greatly appreciate it. I am eager to begin the process.

Also, do you know of any feasible scholarships and grants for becoming a cna; preferably that don't require a gpa.

Thanks in advance!

[Leonardsmom,LPN]

Hello and welcome to AN. We can not give medical advice here per TOS, but I will suggest some things that you should talk to your surgeon and physical therapist about, which will allow you to make an informed decision if you will physically be ready for your CNA training or not. As a CNA you will be required to be able to help patients transfer, some will be able to support all or the majority of their weight, others will need more help from you. You also will need to help patients with moving in bed, from changing position in how they are lying, sitting up on the edge of the bed to laying down. You are also going to need to be able to push a wheelchair or a lift that has a patient in it. Along with all of that you will need to be able to bend down, kneel or squat at times. Also by the time that you would be starting your CNA training will you be able to stand for an extended period of time, or be walking around with out having to stop and sit down?

If you haven't already you will want to find out from your surgeon, what type of limitations you are going to have and for how long. What is your expected time frame for healing, keep in mind that this can vary and it may take you longer or less time depending on how quickly your body is able to heal. With your physical therapist I would talk with them about the goals that you want to reach, with them you will be able to work out a therapy program and a time frame to reach those goals. Talk with both your surgeon and therapist about wanting to take a CNA training course and when you will physically be able to meet the requirements that you will need to be able to perform to pass a physical along with being able to meet the physical requirements that the job demands upon your body. Good luck with your upcoming surgery and your future pursuits.

One more additional thought, I would also get in contact with the director of the program at the college. From them you will want to find out when during the program do they start clinical rotations. If they start the clinical portion of the training later during the course this can make a difference of when you would physically be able to perform the skills that you need to demonstrate.

[Missingyou, CNA]

I paid for my own training and once I became certified and found work in a medicare/medicaid facility (nursing home, hospital etc) the state reimbursed me (through the nursing home) for my training.

My guess is that your doctor will have to clear you for working as an aide since you will be doing all the tasks in class and in clinicals. So I'd talk to your doctor and find out if he/she will be ok with you being able to stand/walk/lift/bend etc at the time that you will be doing your training and afterwards.

[mindofmidwifery, ADN]

The physical will determine whether you're able to perform the physical duties of a CNA. It's not complex, at least not at the nursing home where I am employed. I had to do repetitive movements, squatting with weight, carrying weight, pushing and pulling weight, raising my arms, stooping, and bending over. My CNA class was free if I applied for employment (which I did) but I know of other CNA courses where you can do payment plans or get a small loan, I also know a lot of places reimburse you for the class. I do not know of any CNA programs that require a specific GPA.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Also, do you know of any feasible scholarships and grants for becoming a cna; preferably that don't require a gpa.

CNA programs are vocational, not academic, and therefore have no GPA requirements for entrance. Although a WIA grant might help offset the costs of a CNA program, programs exist with tuition that is less than $1,000 total. The requirements to become a CNA in my state of residence include the following:

1) Must be at least 15 years of age

2) Must have completed a 9th grade education

3) Must have completed a CNA program

4) Must have passed the state certification test (if the candidate cannot read, the examiner shall administer the test orally)

[MissChrissy]

If you have a pulse you'll be admitted into the program.