Should I get my CNA license?

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Good Afternoon,

I'm starting at UNC Chapel Hill this upcoming Fall semester. I spoke with the nursing admissions and they said I didn't have to have a CNA license to apply (classes taken later in the upper division program will allow me to test for the license at a later time)

However, I was wondering if I should just go ahead and take the class and get a job so that I can help my application stand out to get into the nursing program.

What should I do?

I also would be taking a state approved program most likely in Charlotte, NC!

Thank you!

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In my opinion, I think it depends on the application process for the program you're interested in and how much having your CNA license holds weight. I was just accepted into a program here and I do not have any experience BUT I scored high points in all other areas...such as gpa, prior degree, volunteer time, ect. If I was struggling in those areas then I would definitely consider becoming a CNA just for more points on the application to remain competitive.

On the other hand, I've also been told that having that CNA experience can give you a slight leg up once you start the nursing program as well.

It's up to you to decide what works best for you but if you have the time and the money then it definitely wouldn't hurt to get that license and experience.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Small correction. CNA's do not have a license. It's a certification. There is a big difference in terms of accountability and scope of service. Trust your program advisor's advice. If CNA is not required, it's probably not going to add any value to your application.

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I'd say it depends on the weight of the CNA certification to your program's admissions criteria. I live in an area where you need your CNA to even be considered for nursing school. IMHO, I urge other pre-nursing to go through CNA regardless if it is required or not. Steady income, you get to work in the nursing department and you do get to do hands on cares with patients/residents.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

If it helps your application go for it. If not just wait until after your first semester or whenever you are eligible for the CNA equivalency.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

I thought it was a requirement to start busting school in NC though that could just be at other schools

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Specializes in Maternal Child, Home Health, Med/Surg.

I think it helps a lot to get some experience before you're in nursing school. Plus a little extra income wouldn't hurt either. It can give you a leg up once you graduate, and get your foot in the door. :)

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I don't think it will add anything to help get you into nursing school. I think experience as a CNA will help you in your classes. I noticed people who weren't CNA's before nursing school had a little bit of a harder time adjusting coming into clinical a but that doesn't mean you won't be a great nurse!

You do what's best for your wallet and time and your going to be a great nurse! Good Luck!

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I have been a CNA for almost nine years. I am in nursing school now myself. I've seen my CNA peers go through nursing school, and become nurses. In my opinion, becoming a CNA will help you gain the experience in the nursing field that will help you decide if nursing is for you. It will also help you become a better nurse by teaching you how to relate to patients in a clinical environment.

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It is totally up to you what you want to do and accomplish with your nursing career. I would recommend getting it done before you start nursing school for the following reasons. You will have a good foundation about basic nursing care which is pretty much covered in the first and part of the second semester of nursing school. You will also review your skills in that same semester. You can also be helpful to the teacher and help other students who need help in doing skills or just basic concepts in nursing. You can do a lot of things once you have the knowledge ahead of you. It is totally up to you though when you take the CNA. I wish you the best. Good luck in nursing school. Marcy CNA

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I thought it was a requirement to start busting school in NC though that could just be at other schools

I live in Iowa and the schools here for the most part want their applicants to be CNA certified as a pre-req to nursing school. I'm not 100% on other states but when I was looking at schools in Michigan and Alabama, they didn't seem to have that requirement.

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