3 answers
hannah
Student
Ottawa, Kansas
1
Question
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What are the steps to get my CNA in high school and an EMT after high school?
What are the steps to get my CNA in high school and an EMT after high school? I am in 9th grade, and I want to go into the medical field, but I need steps to get there
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3 answers
Hwal Lee
Health science researcher, adjunct instructor, primary care internal medicine PA
303
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Hannah,
There's more than one way to become a CNA, and I've found over time that this varies from state to state and even within the same state. I'll share my personal experience with you. In Florida state, there were largely two pathways to become a CNA - complete a training course and pass a certification test, or get a job in a hospital as a trainee and receive training on the job as you earn. Mostly because it was difficult to get a position without a certification, I chose to enroll in a CNA course at a nearby community college that ran for a few weeks. I met nice people during the training, and getting the certification definitely opened doors.
Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with.
Good luck!
Hwal
There's more than one way to become a CNA, and I've found over time that this varies from state to state and even within the same state. I'll share my personal experience with you. In Florida state, there were largely two pathways to become a CNA - complete a training course and pass a certification test, or get a job in a hospital as a trainee and receive training on the job as you earn. Mostly because it was difficult to get a position without a certification, I chose to enroll in a CNA course at a nearby community college that ran for a few weeks. I met nice people during the training, and getting the certification definitely opened doors.
Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with.
Good luck!
Hwal
Melisa Hall
Student Success Advisor
8
Answers
Whitesboro, OK
Updated
Melisa’s Answer
Hi Hannah,
I am so excited for you! I was an RN in labor/delivery/newborn/nicu for over 15 years then went back to school to get my MSN in Nursing Education. I started as a 'nurse's aide' back in the 80's when there wasn't any formal training. You should check with your local community colleges for a formal CNA program. Whether you stay with your goal of being an EMT, Paramedic or try nursing the healthcare world needs you! My best advice is to stay CURIOUS and keep an open mind. No matter where you start, you can always pivot and have a fulfilling career.
I am so excited for you! I was an RN in labor/delivery/newborn/nicu for over 15 years then went back to school to get my MSN in Nursing Education. I started as a 'nurse's aide' back in the 80's when there wasn't any formal training. You should check with your local community colleges for a formal CNA program. Whether you stay with your goal of being an EMT, Paramedic or try nursing the healthcare world needs you! My best advice is to stay CURIOUS and keep an open mind. No matter where you start, you can always pivot and have a fulfilling career.
Yisel Andujar
Pharmacy / Fulfillment
13
Answers
Vineland, New Jersey
Updated
Yisel’s Answer
Hannah, it's wonderful that you're interested in the medical field! Being an EMT is a great start, and there's plenty of room to grow. You can always take more courses if you want to become a paramedic. In your state, you can start at 17. Check if your school offers any vocational programs related to first responders, or look into opportunities with your local fire and EMS departments. Some places combine fire, EMS, and rescue services.
For becoming a certified nurse aide, I got my certification through a long-term care facility where I worked, and they covered the cost of my classes. While things have changed, some facilities might still offer to pay for courses due to shortages in this field. Usually, you need to be 18 for this role. If you're interested in being a CNA, consider exploring nursing too, as nurses often work closely with CNAs in various settings.
I hope this information helps you. Remember, the healthcare field is always evolving, and there's always something new to learn!
For becoming a certified nurse aide, I got my certification through a long-term care facility where I worked, and they covered the cost of my classes. While things have changed, some facilities might still offer to pay for courses due to shortages in this field. Usually, you need to be 18 for this role. If you're interested in being a CNA, consider exploring nursing too, as nurses often work closely with CNAs in various settings.
I hope this information helps you. Remember, the healthcare field is always evolving, and there's always something new to learn!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Shakoya