Can you become a Certified Nurse Assistant while still in High School?
Asked by thomasc93
I am currently in high school and would like to become a CNA. Am I old enough to do this and do I have to have a completed high school diploma? I would like to become a doctor and I feel this would be good prep for it. Thanks for your help!

Best Answer:
In order to work as a certified nursing job, you need to make sure that you have high school, as many requirements for this type of work involve graduation or a high school equivalency. On the other hand, when you're going to high school, see if you're able to either volunteer in the areas that they work, job shadow one to see what it is like, do an informational interview, or become an aide when going to school which will provide on the job training.

It depends on which state you live in. In michigan, I have friends who were employed as CNAs by the time they were 17. Taking the class is not the issue, it is minimal education and usually only about 3 weeks long+ the exam and licensing. You sound like a smart kid. and If you want to be a doctor, I suggest becomming a basic paramedic instead. It gives you much more education that you would be recieving in med school anyway. It is a bit longer, but well worth it. I have found that CNAs are a dime a dozen, but very few teens are paramedics. That would give you a definate WOW factor when applying to college and eventually med school. A CNA is not a good prep for a doctor. They are wonderful people who are highly undervalued, but if you want to go into such a scientific career, I suggest becomming a paramedic. Best of luck!
Answered by Bridget M