Should I get my CNA license before I go to college?

caliotter3 · Dec 13, 2009

It would be a good idea because the CNA certificate will help you get into nursing school. Some schools even require it for admission. You can use it to work part time but don't expect to easily get a hospital job. It is easier to get a CNA job working at a long term care facility or a home health agency. Good luck.

knikki · Dec 13, 2009

Thanks for the advice, I didnt know that it would be considered when I apply to nursing school. I know it will probably be hard to get a job at a hospital, but I figured that it would be the best way to get my foot in the door.

thanks again for the advice!

Emmi7 · Dec 13, 2009

Hi knikki! Where are you planning on going to school? I attend Ivy Tech and I am planning on doing their CNA Prep class starting in January, then applying for their nursing program that starts in the Fall. I know with Ivy Tech if you have your CNA certification and have documented work history then you do not have to take certain classes your first semester in the nursing program. Either way though whether you get credit for it or not, I think it is a good idea to get your CNA certification and start working in the medical field prior...it can't hurt by any means.

As far as Indiana hospitals hiring CNAs, I have looked into this as well because I do not have a desire to work in a LTCF. From what I have seen there are a lot of openings, here in Indianapolis at least, for Patient Support Partners, Patient Support Techs, Patient Care Assistants, etc.

Another good thing about getting on at a hospital is there may be tuition reimbursement opportunities for obtaining your RN!

Good luck!

knikki · Dec 13, 2009

Thanks so much! this is great news, Im glad to hear that there are job openings at hospitals for CNA's in Indianapolis because I live near it as well. I am planning to go to IUPUI but I will probably take the CNA courses through ivy tech. And I agree tuition reimbursement is a great incentive.

Thanks again for the response! :)

kelsey

caliotter3 · Dec 14, 2009

At some schools, you get points in the nursing school admissions process for having a CNA certificate. At other schools you get points for paid work experience as a CNA. Other schools require the CNA certificate to apply to nursing school. Other nursing schools do not address it formally in their admissions process. Even in these instances you may be required to write an essay or interview, where you are asked about your healthcare background. Being able to present a CNA certificate and/or experience will be an advantage over those who don't have healthcare experience or a CNA certificate.

Furthermore, and maybe more importantly, you can find out when working as a CNA if you want to continue in nursing. Finding out that nursing is not for you early in your career could save you time, money, and trouble in the long run.

knikki · Dec 15, 2009

Thanks for the advice guys! it looks to me like it would be a great opportunity! does anyone know of different plalces near Indianapolis where I could go to get the training? Possibly hospitals that offer it??

Emmi7 · Dec 17, 2009

Hi knikki! I just got out of the hospital (birth of my son) and one of the nurses said that Golden Living Centers offers free CNA classes and does NOT require you to work for them once the class is completed...here is the link-

http://www.goldenlivingcenters.com/careers/Nursing-Careers/cna-training%20.aspx

Emmi7 · Dec 17, 2009

Also, here is another link that lists all the training sites for Marion County-

http://www.in.gov/isdh/reports/QAMIS/ltc/natdir/nwcnty48.htm

knikki · Dec 17, 2009

Thanks so much for the reply :)

very helpful information!!

And congratualtions on your new son!!

Emmi7 · Dec 18, 2009

You are welcome and good luck!!

patrick1rn, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 30, 2009

Your going to go to school to be a RN , not a CNA right ? Focus on your college classes.