Kensmkv

Great AMA. Its nice to see folks working in this profession (or any other emergency/healhcare setting) for the love of helping others. This is why I am doing the whole nursing school thing. Keep up the good work, and Thank You.

In addition to kaylarae's take: In WI, its pretty simple. Usually a course consisting of a few weeks of hands-on class room time; followed by clinicals in a nursing home/hospital will get you your CNA. The American Red Cross does the state testing, which was the worst part of it all. Overall it took me about a month (and $1000 paid by my hospital I work at) to become a CNA. Each state requires a certain number of hours which need to be completed; such as taking drivers ed, etc.

After you become a CNA and work in a hospital, then you can get your Tech license which is typically taught by the place you work at. (about a 2 day class).

I've been a Nurse Tech for about 3 years and work in a Surgical ICU so I can attest to some of these stories. This is the best job I have ever had and looking forward to getting done with Nursing School.