Testing out of CNA exam???

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Hello everyone! I have a question... I am scheduled to take the CNA course this summer and the exam after the course is completed. I am taking it through my school which will cost me $576.00 plus the exam which is $175.00 and the books which total around 100.00. I also will be paying a babysitter to watch my 3 kids a total of $500.00 when all is said and done. (25.00 a day X 4 days a week for 5 weeks).

So this class alone is costing us well over 1,000.00. The only reason I have to take the class is because my school requires for the application process to the ADN program.

So my question is... has anyone ever tested out of this course, or attempted to do so? I have a friend in my Physiology class who is telling me that she thinks I should try so I don't have to spend all that money on a course I really don't need.

I don't mind taking the class, I'm just having a hard time justifying the cost when there is a chance I don't need to actually take it.

I'm also afraid that 1) I could fail, or 2) down the road... I could do something wrong in school or my job and it could come back and haunt me because I never "offically" took the course...

Any advice or suggestions would be really helpful...

Thank you in advance!

Jennifer

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Specializes in Ortho, Case Management, blabla.

In Michigan you have to complete so many hours of in-class time as well as clinical time to qualify to take the exam for CNA certification. Keeping that in mind, I do not believe it is possible to test out of a CNA course here.

Just out of curiousity, why don't you think you need the course?

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yes I'm in michigan too so we have to have clinical hours and class time... not sure where you're at...?

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In California THERE IS NO WAY TO TEST OUT OF CNA CLASS.....you have to attend it, complete it, and then take the exam.......

I just reread your post and why do you feel you don't need the CNA class? You will gain valuable experience and knowledge in the class that will almost prepare you for nursing school....A friend of mine was so thankful that she took the CNA class because it DID HELP her, she had to do bedside care as part of her schooling.....and yes that did include wiping butts...

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Another question, why is it so expensive to take the class and exam....I took it through the adult school and it cost me less than $100 for the class, and testing total with fingerprinting and everything was also less than $100

Check around to see if there is anything else cheaper....

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HI, I'm same as you. I also have 3 kids that need babysat and the class is $800. I'm in Michigan too. I'm hoping that my Mom can come this summer so that I dont have to pay a sitter. I'm sure that you wont fail, if you already have study habits down and are used to school you are one step farther along than I am. I worry about the same things. I dont even know how I'm going to finance school yet. I dont work and probably will never qualify for a nickle of aid because of my husbands income not that he will ever give me a dime for school, I would be suprised if he even offered to help with daycare.

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Thanks for your replies. I'm actually in Minnesota. I've been told that you can test out of the class and as long as you pass the written and skills test, you don't need to have the class time or clinical time. However, I haven't been able to find any "factual" information on how to do that at this time.

I guess it's not that I don't feel that I need the class. I actually would like to take it, and I was looking forward to it... but this girl in my class just took her exam and she had the course almost 2 years ago. She said I would be fine to just take the exam without taking the course...

So I starting thinking, that the only reason I'm taking it is because it is a requirement for admission to nursing school. I won't be working as a nursing assistant, just because I have 3 kids and I am a stay home mom/student. That's what I meant by "need"... I hope I didn't sound like a brat... :o

I've already registered for the course... and like I said, I am looking forward to it... I'm pretty sure I'm going to take it as I am nervous about the skills part and trying to pass a skills exam that I never had a course on...

I was really leary about this whole idea... But if there was a sliver of a chance that I could try and save that money, I thought I should ask.

Here is the website for the MN Nursing Assts... and I pasted the section about what is required to get on the registry. #2 states that you need to successfully complete the exam, but it doesn't say anywhere how you could do that without taking the course....

Thanks again girls! I really appreciate it!

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fpc/profinfo/narinfo/aboutnar.html#Training

How to Get on the Nursing Assistant Registry

1. Successfully complete an approved nursing assistant training and competency evaluation program in Minnesota.

or

2. Successfully pass the Minnesota approved competency test for nursing assistants.

or

3. Currently be in good standing on the nursing assistant Registry in another state and have worked a minimum of 8 hours as a nursing assistant in that state in the past 24 months.

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I forgot to add... this is a 4 credit class. We pay 144.00 per credit for a total of 576.00 plus the cost of books, the exam and my babysitter... that's why it is so expensive....

HTH's... thanks again...

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Hey Luvmy3kids,

Getting the experience as a CNA will help you in nursing school....take the class, and maybe work every other weekend, so you can get the feel of it after you complete the class and course....I'm glad I did, I've seen it all and done it all....well within my scope that is LOL....Good luck and let us know how you do....

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I'm in the same situation, accept only two kids. My cna class this summer will run me about 575 plus all the added expenses. My nursing program does not require a cna course, but since I am having to put off nursing school for another year, this is my jump start. It is hard, since it's summer and the kids are out of school and child care will be an issue, but I know it will be worth it. It is a night course, twice a week and then one day a week clinicals along with saturday. I figure this will get my husband back in the habit of watching the kids for me as he's been spoiled this year with me taking classes on line!

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Hi,

i am in MN too and just took the class+test-out, and honestly, i do believe i could have passed the test without ever taking the class. The written is mainly common sense, and the skills, well, if you could get the little NNAAP booklet from somewhere or somebody, you could just remember the steps and give it a try- it IS possible in Minnesota to test out without ever taking a class, they call that a "challenge". which college are you attending?

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I'm at Normandale. How about you???

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