If you are in high school and are thinking about becoming a nurse after graduation but you aren't sure, it may be in your best interest to become a certified nursing aide (CNA) first. Here's why and how it will help further your career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) in the future if you do decide to continue your education in the health field.

Get up close and personal as a CNA

One thing that you want to be certain of--before spending a lot of time and money to become an LPN or an RN--is that you are cut out for being in the medical field. By immersing yourself right in the thick of things as a CNA, you'll quickly learn whether or not the nursing field is right for you. After all, seeing blood is one thing; seeing blood pour out of a patient who is having a medical emergency is quite another, especially a patient you've bonded with. Also, you'll already have a leg-up on some of the materials that will be covered when you first start nursing school, such as anatomy and medical terminology.

Have an income & gain experience

Another reason for getting CNA training and a CNA job before continuing your education to become an LPN or an RN is that it will allow you earn an income while you attend nursing school. Also, you'll gain real work experience by working with patients and the medical team. This will help you be a step ahead of the other students in your nursing class. After all, your fellow nursing school students will be your competition when looking for a nursing job.

Get your foot in the door & network

If you start out at a hospital, nursing home, or other type of medical care facility as a CNA first, you'll already have your foot in the door in an entry-level position. Sometimes, medical facilities need to fill positions quickly and will, therefore, hire in-house first since they already have the credentials on record.

Another thing about getting CNA training and being employed as a CNA while you attend nursing school is that you'll be able to network with others in the medical field through your CNA job. This is a great way to get your name and face out there in the local medical community, so perhaps you'll be recognized at other facilities in the future. Click here to learn more about CNA training classes.