CNA and other nursing courses

Discussion in 'Nursing and medical-related degrees' started by Lawhopes, Nov 1, 2004.

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  1. Lawhopes

    Lawhopes New Member

    Are there any DL courses out there that allows one to take the California CNA exam? If not, what about nursing courses in general that are fully accredited? My boss's daughter works at the local hospital doing same-day surgery secretarial work and wants to move into regular nursing. But the local university is backlogged for two years on the RN program, and she is not ready to take that full step yet. She is more interested in becoming a CNA first and getting some hands-on experience to see if that is what she would like to do or if she should stay in reception. I have tried a google and a forum search, but do not really know what I'm doing, so did not get any results.

    Thanks!

    Steven
     
  2. boydston

    boydston New Member

    In California the CNA certification requires 150 hours of training -- of which 100 hours needs to be clinical in a nursing facility. IOW, it would be hard to do that in a distance format. You can find an overview of the CNA requirements here (.pdf file).

    I am on the board of directors of a retirement community which has an affiliated nursing care facility. We are always looking for good CNAs and at times have brought in trainers to do the 150 hour course in house. Many hospitals also run the course. Have your boss' daughter check to see if her hospital does so. Another good source would be the local community college system.
     
  3. Lawhopes

    Lawhopes New Member

    Grazie

    Ha. Now I look stupid. I didn't check the requirements for becoming a CNA as I do not want to personally follow that route. Thanks for the info, I'll have her check into the hospital and CC. I DO know that the local Adult School affiliated with the high school has a CNA course, but the hours are extremely inconvenient. That's why she wanted me to check into DL courses.

    Thanks again

    Steven
     
  4. rnattorney

    rnattorney New Member

    Yes, I agree that she will not be able to find a CNA program that is DL due to the large majority is clinical hands on skills needed.

    I started off as an attorney first, and then wanted to pursue nursing. I lived in a rural midwestern area, and nursing programs were limited and full. So I took a free class to become a CNA at a hospital to get a hands on experience to make sure I was making the right career move.

    She could do what I did to receive my nursing degree without waiting 2 years to get in the RN program. You CAN get a RN by distance learning. However, you must have clinical experience as a LPN or EMT first. Usually LPN programs are more open and do not have such a long waiting period. So if she likes the CNA experience, tell her to enroll in a LPN program. It will take about a year. Once she is a licensed LPN she can work for a decent wage and pursue a RN by distance learning through Exelisor. She will take most of her courses by distance learning, and then have to prepare for a clinical. This program is convenient, and not very expensive. However, it is a very difficult program and the passing rate for the clinicals on first timers is less than 50%.

    But I got my LPN in 1 year, and my RN within 6 months thereafter that way.

    Good luck to her. Nursing is a wonderful profession. I am now purusing my MSN throught U of P.

    Michele
     
  5. deej

    deej New Member

    Excelsior is no longer an option for California residents (OP is specifically asking about California.)
     

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