How to become a certified CNA?

Question

okay im about to be 17 next month and i was wondering what you have to do to become a CNA, what the pay is like, and if it will help you with nursing program later on.?

Answer 1

What you might want to do is call the Nursing Homes in your area and ask if they OFFER the CNA program.

When I first started as a nurse's aide, I had no experience, except that I knew that I wanted to be a nurse, and volunteered over 5000 hours at my hospital from the time I turned 13..to almost 18. those 5 yrs was enough to get me hired at a nursing home.  

I was one of the First NA at this nursing home to be certified.   Then the home was purchased and the Owner offered incentives to become Certified... He would pay for you to go to the program  as long as you continued to work.  

  Otherwise a Local Community College or University may have the program. Some Hospitals even offer it.  

Nowadays the pay is so much better ( Slightly higher then Minimum wage   (1984  I only got 5.00 an hour and that was good! lol)

This will give you an appreciation for Nurse's Aides when you do become a Nurse if that is what you are interested in.  It will also help you in your studies!

I highly recommend it! I knew when i was 13 and took Pre- Nursing Curriculum in HS and so then College was GREAT!  i had the basics out of the way and was able to take the higher # courses because I had the pre-req's.  

An idea is: Talk to your school Guidance Counselor and ask if you know of any colleges with a NURSING  JUMP-START program

- Most High schools now allow you to start college in your Junior Year of High School. There just has to be a College that will accept your high school curriculum.

My nephew got his Bachelors 2 years after he graduated HS because he took advantage of the program. The last 2 yrs  High school classes  were Jump start classes and College - sure he had to study harder, but he had his associates degree by this time- SO COOL!

His Girlfriend went right off to the University and finished her Nursing- She was a college after HS Graduation!

If you want more info, Message me and I would be glad to Help you find a program in your area. and tell you what I mean if you dont understand.  They may even offer  Nurses Aid training  at a  Vo-tech.

Something to at least check into and consider!

Answer 2

To become a CNA you need to find an institution which offers a CNA program.  Some local and private colleges offer these types of programs.  You are going to have to do a little research using your location on yahoo or google.  The average salary of a CNA is around $25-30K annually.  Becoming a CNA is great way to show your interest in Nursing School on your application.  It will also provide you with experience which many of the other individuals applying to Nursing School may not have.