Should I get my CNA while taking nursing prereqs to...

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...increase my chances of getting into a nursing school? (ie. ADN, Accelerated BSN, Entry-level MSN)

I live in SF and I know its very competitive to get into a nursing school. The competitiveness is the reason that I'm planning to apply to all types of nursing programs from community colleges (for ADN) to major universities (Accelerated BSN & Entry-level MSN). I just want to become an RN, my ultimate goal!

I'm thinking maybe if I get a CNA certification, I can work and get hands-on experience in a health-care related field that can help boost my application into nursing schools in addition to my cumulative & nursing prerequisites GPA, volunteering & personal essay.

I'm a newbie here in allnurses.com so any encouragement or advice would be greatly appreciated!

- your worry-wart pre-nursing student :uhoh21:

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Specializes in Trauma, MICU.

I don't know if it would really boost your chances of getting into nursing school, but I highly recommend being a CNA before/while in nursing school. It will really help you feel more at ease with pts and with the whole medical atmosphere. It's what I did and it helped me a lot!!!

Good luck and welcome to allnurses.com!!! Let the addiction begin! lol

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I have not seen how being a CNA has given an advantage of entering into a nursing program, even if it is a requirement. As the previous poster mentioned, it will give you exposure, time management skills and experience with basic patient care.

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I am not sure how SF works, but I know that all of the 2 and 4 years schools around where I live (MN) either require that you be a CNA or give you a lot of points or your admission for being one...

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Specializes in LTC, Acute Care.

Getting your CNA will not harm you, for sure. I would think it could only help. My first nursing school clinical had us doing some CNA skills that we didn't exactly go over in nursing school, so it did help some for me to be a CNA. I could empty a catheter bag, feed people, and transfer people like nobody's business. More than that, as a CNA you will have more than an idea of how the real workday goes in a healthcare setting, because nursing school ain't it. :)

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