Should I take CNA Classes in High School?

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I am about to be a senior in high school, I live in Missouri, I am taking a program through my highs school called summit tech where I spend half a day at a nursing facility earning college credit for nursing programs, getting your CNA is an option there for $450, would it be worth it to obtain my CNA if I plan on going to nursing school to become an RN, or will it just be a waste of time and stress? Thanks

Thank you guys!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Working as a CNA would provide you with income and some healthcare experience. If I were you, I would enroll in the CNA course while in high school. Good luck with whatever you decide!

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If you can afford it, then do it. This is give you a job option if you need to work in college and it will look good/give you experience as an RN applicant

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Yes! The school I did my CNA training at had a program where high school seniors could get high school credit. There were two girls in my class who were in high school and I was really impressed by the initiative and commitment they showed towards wanting to become nurses. I am wishing my high school had a similar program!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Float Pool, MICU, CTICU.

Yes! However, if it will interfer with your senior classes, just take it over the summer. It will give you at least a 2 year work experience advantage over most when applying for the program. Essentially, by the time you are done, you will have 4 years of work experience before transitioning to a RN. If you want to work in the hospital, it will allow you to become more familiar with common procedure and how the hospital operates. In that timeframe, you can transfer to different floors/unit to find an area of nursing you will like to go into. In addition, most people get hired on the floor/unit they work on if the budget allows.

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Can you wait until the summer after graduation from HS? My friend took a CNA class when she was 17 and was unable to sit for her state test until she turned 18. She forgot a lot of stuff in the time between and had a hard time with the state exam. Check and see if you can sit for the test before age 18 in your state. :p It might vary.

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DO IT !!! I took a medical assisting course my senior year and I really wish I did CNA. It will only benefit you in the long run. It will help you find a job and get medical experience and also help you figure out if being a nurse is something that you really want to pursue. There is really nothing to loose, and you said it will count towards credits for your nursing program, DO IT !!

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