Should I take classes for CNA before LPN ?

Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN · May 10, 2011

Hey Corrie09,

If you are uncertain about making a move into healthcare I recommend working as a volunteer in a healthcare facility. Not only will this give you a view into the healthcare field but will allow you to network if you do choose to go to LPN school.

However, with that being said LPN's are being actively phased out of the hospital setting and placed in the Long-Term setting. If your goal is to work in a hospital then I advise applying into an RN program instead of LPN.

Hope that helps

AgentBeast, MSN, RN · May 10, 2011

No sense in taking CNA classes before either LPN or RN courses. Usually the first semester of most Nursing programs is dedicated to ADL's and safety among other things. All the stuff you would learn in CNA school.

Steve EMT-B · May 11, 2011

Check the school you intend on applying to... my school has a tier... first couple semesters you can become a cna... then lpn then rn... If your unsure of a healthcare field I would reccomend going cna... you will get experience while you go for lpn/rn... however like it was said they are phasing out not only lpn's but associate degree nurses... they are starting to require now I know in the philidalphia area that you have a bachelors degree... I know where I work the associates and bachelor nurses get paid the same... lpns arond 16-20 dollars an hour... lpn's cannot do certain things... such as push any meds. hang certain meds including blood and when it comes to a code (someone dying) they will get pushed out of the way... they have to have an rn sign their orders and have to sign in under an rn to discharge patients... if you decide to go to lpn school then later transfer to a college or university most will not accept credit transfers and you will have to start over.... this is what it is at my workplace anyway... hope this helps.... :twocents:

Al.ginger · May 11, 2011

check with your school. Schools around here, Minnesota, require CNA licence or classes to apply to nursing program either LPN or RN

upstatenygirl, LPN · May 11, 2011

CNAs have a tough job and get bad pay. Many aspire to move up the ladder. Lpns work in doctor's offices and long term care facilities (there are also a few positions open currently at my local hospital for experienced LPNs).

I would say to go for the LPN program because it won't take long and you can get a nice job at a comfy doctor's office if you need to versus working your butt off as a CNA. lol, it depends on the facility---but most CNAs (in the CNA forum) talk about how they are burnt out and unappreciated.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · May 11, 2011

About the tier thing: one RN program that I am aware of does exactly that... While in their program, you first earn the CNA (pretty quickly, actually), then you earn the LVN, and then you go for the RN. Along the way and where appropriate, you do take the appropriate certifying and licensing exams. The program does take more time, but then again, the idea is to get you working so you get paid experience along the way while you learn. You do go to your clinicals separately, so those are still unpaid learning experiences. At the end of their program, you can say that you've been an LVN for the past year or so, working, and now you're a new grad RN. You may be a new grad, but you at least you're not completely inexperienced.

And yes, it's an ADN program.

Steve EMT-B · May 11, 2011

Yes it is true that CNA's seem to be unappreciated and are burned out... I speak from experience I am one in a well know hospital... I have had 2 back surgeries looking at a third just from being a CNA... just watch what and how you lift and make sure you have extra help:twocents:

BuffaloGirl · May 15, 2011

I decided to take a CNA class while I was working on my pre-req's last year. It gave me a peek into the world of nursing and I'm really glad I did it. It was hard to do some of the things we did in clinicals but I fell more in love w/the field! A lot of the girls in my class did not continue to pursue the field of nursing because of the things we saw while in the hospital during our clinicals. If it were me and had any doubts, i'd take the CNA class and see how you'd like it. It's one thing to dream about it and another when you actually get some hands on before you take the jump. HTH's. :)

mindykuuipokin3 · Jun 4, 2011

I am currently a CNA at the hospital still doing my pre-req for the nursing program. You should check with the school that that you are thinking of applying to. My current school requires students to do the CNA program. My hospital prefers nurses to have a Bachelors degree, some still get hired for an Associates. They also phased out LPNs. LPNs can work for a doctors office or at a Nursing home. Not all schools offer an LPN program, but if you decide to do an LPN program, afterwards you get your hours and then you can apply and get into the second year of nursing schools. I work as a CNA on a Critical floor, I love my Job. Hope this helps :)

dcko · Nov 1, 2012

CONTACT YOUR SCHOOL ABOUT THE RN PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS. Every college in my area has different requirements. This particular community college that I am interested in applying to, requires that I have a CNA I and/or a LPN. If I wanted to be in advanced placement for the RN program, I would have to be an LPN with 3600 hours work experience within the past 4 years.

Because I need to possess either a CNA I or LPN, I registered into the CNA I course (just waiting to be accepted). But my question now is, should I continue on with the CNA course to get a CNA II? Or should I just keep the CNA I and continue with completing the prerequisites needed to apply into the RN program.

Any honest advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dcko =)