worthwhile to take a CNA class

[huihui]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I am thinking of taking an CNA class that lasts for 8 weeks, which costs $800, taking the test to get licenced, and then finding a CNA job before medical school starts in Aug. If everything is smooth, then I can work for 4 months and get some money. Is it easy to find CNA jobs? How much does a CNA typically earn? Is it worthwhile for me to do that? Is it possible to work as a part-time CNA during medical school?

 

[lobo.solo]

I am thinking of taking an CNA class that lasts for 8 weeks, which costs $800, taking the test to get licenced, and then finding a CNA job before medical school starts in Aug. If everything is smooth, then I can work for 4 months and get some money. Is it easy to find CNA jobs? How much does a CNA typically earn? Is it worthwhile for me to do that? Is it possible to work as a part-time CNA during medical school?

I think is somewhat easy, but why would you go to all that trouble when you can just try get any other type of job.

 

[huihui]

I cannot think of getting any other type of job besides nanny. Like want? Can you list some? I like to work in a research lab, but feel nobody wants to take someone who only works for such a short time.

I think is somewhat easy, but why would you go to all that trouble when you can just try get any other type of job.

 

[Xlorgguss]

I am thinking of taking an CNA class that lasts for 8 weeks, which costs $800, taking the test to get licensed, and then finding a CNA job before medical school starts in Aug. If everything is smooth, then I can work for 4 months and get some money. Is it easy to find CNA jobs? How much does a CNA typically earn? Is it worthwhile for me to do that? Is it possible to work as a part-time CNA during medical school?

Personally I wouldn't go for it. You could be working another job that doesn't require that training for 8 weeks. You gotta look at the opportunity cost. That being said, how much a CNA makes and how easy it is to get a job are very location dependent just like anything else. I would say that CNA's make a bit more than a typical "home health aide" or whatever, but that's only because they have the certification. Like I said I would just forgo it and work whatever job you can. Honestly, you can find jobs that make a comparable salary but don't require the time constraint.

Ideas: Retail, Home Health Aide, Tutor, Waiter, Bartender

Honestly if you can get a gig as a bartender or a waiter in a good location, you will blow past the pay of a CNA easily. One of the girls I used to work with was working as a CNA and then started working as a bartender. She's making a lot more money. But then again she is blonde, hot, down to earth, and has a great personality so yeah.

 

[Doctor246853]

I am thinking of taking an CNA class that lasts for 8 weeks, which costs $800, taking the test to get licenced, and then finding a CNA job before medical school starts in Aug. If everything is smooth, then I can work for 4 months and get some money. Is it easy to find CNA jobs? How much does a CNA typically earn? Is it worthwhile for me to do that? Is it possible to work as a part-time CNA during medical school?

Sounds good...just dont work at a nursing home. If you are starting medical school in Aug. dont tell them that. No one will hire you if they know you are going to leave them in 90 or so days.
In conclusion: Get the cna. Work as a PCT in a hospital. Work as many hours as you can ( salary range from 12-14 bucks) up until the weekend before school starts. Quit and blow all your money at your local strip club. (The latter is optional)

 

[pre med 2014]

Do not get the CNA for $800 and 8 weeks of your time. You can become a caregiver and you can basically do eerything a CNA does. The pay difference is literally 25 cents an hour if not equal.

 

[phikapdoctor]

Get your Emt, it takes the same time, you can get credits for it at the CC, and you can work as a tech in the hospital

 

[Lollygag]

Agreed that it is completely not worth it, your problem is finding a job at all that will hire you knowing that you are leaving in 5-6 months. You may not be able to find anything if you are a CNA unless you are going to lie and say you'll work their a while so that would be a big waste.

find a per diem job somewhere and no, you cannot work as a CNA in medical school, it is unwise to hold a job while dealing with the course load.

 

[Frazier]

Nope.

 

[matchb0x]

No No No. You can surely find a job at a coffee place or something. Having been a CNA for two years, before I stopped, I can personally say it was a very physically demanding job. I learned alot and made great connections but God help you if you are working as a cna and certain nurses find out you are going to medical school, God help you....

 

[pre med 2014]

No No No. You can surely find a job at a coffee place or something. Having been a CNA for two years, before I stopped, I can personally say it was a very physically demanding job. I learned alot and made great connections but God help you if you are working as a cna and certain nurses find out you are going to medical school, God help you....

Why do you say this? What do the nurses do when they find out you are pre-med?

 

[huihui]

Thanks for your guys' reply. The reason I am thinking of being an CNA is that I thought that it is flexible and there will be no long time commitment and I saw a lot of job ad on craiglist needing CNAs. Guess I am wrong.

 

[Doctor246853]

Why do you say this? What do the nurses do when they find out you are pre-med?

They hate😎 One went behind my back, while shadowing a cool surgery mind you, and talked to the charge nurse about me being there. I was already approved by her and the doctor; plus I worked there. That #@!@ will forever be on my hitlist.😡 Sorry...got a little emotional.

 

[Xlorgguss]

Thanks for your guys' reply. The reason I am thinking of being an CNA is that I thought that it is flexible and there will be no long time commitment and I saw a lot of job ad on craiglist needing CNAs. Guess I am wrong.

There are other flexible jobs that don't require the training though. CNA's always have openings of course but at the same time there is a reason for it also. If you had a longer window of time I would say sure why not. But four months before med school is nothing. Personally I work with people with developmental disabilities in a residential setting. So it's basically like I am a CNA but we take a 36 hour medication course so we can pass meds as well. (this is NY btw). Honestly just do retail, waiter, or work with a temp agency. Actually from what I hear, temps get paid pretty well. Look into it.

 

[amad01]

sounds really expensive for CNA... where I'm at there's programs that are 3 weeks for $295. CNA's make about 8/9 dollars an hour where I'm at... basically nothing. You would hardly make the training expense back in those 4 months

Really though, apply anywhere else before going through all of that useless training that you have to pay for.

 

[beyondhuman]

I am in a similar situation only I will be starting med school a year later (double gap year) and I have found that the delay is too large to be worthwhile for you.

There is about a 1.5 month gap between the end of my class and the licensing test and with most online applications your gonna look like an idiot applying with no formal license for a month.