TEAS vs CNA

Yes, if you want to become an RN or LPN. Being a CNA is a great foundation, but nursing programs still require TEAS scores for admission. Your CNA experience strengthens your application but doesn't replace the academic assessment. Some programs may give admission preference to CNAs with strong TEAS scores since you've already demonstrated commitment to patient care and understand the clinical environment.

Yes, CNA is not required for nursing school admission. You can take TEAS directly out of high school or while completing prerequisites. However, having CNA experience is highly recommended: it provides patient care skills before clinicals, income while in school, and a backup credential if nursing doesn't work out. Many nursing programs value CNA experience in admissions decisions.

They test completely different things. TEAS is harder academically - it requires knowledge of biology, chemistry, anatomy, algebra, and strong reading comprehension. Many students need 20-40 hours of study. The CNA exam tests practical patient care skills from your training program. If you completed CNA training, the exam validates what you learned. TEAS requires broader academic preparation beyond any specific course.

CNA experience demonstrates several things to admissions committees: 1) You understand what healthcare work actually involves (reducing dropout risk), 2) You can handle the physical and emotional demands of patient care, 3) You've shown initiative by getting credentialed, 4) You have professional references from healthcare settings. Combined with strong TEAS scores and prerequisites, CNA experience creates a compelling application that shows both academic readiness and practical commitment.