FAQ

• CPR with Mickey has an excellent reputation. We get calls every week from employers looking for our graduates.
• We allow you to plan your finances by offering all-inclusive pricing. The only things you must add are a watch with a second hand and your own mask(s).
• Our program was created by a former state examiner and is maintained by a current state examiner.
• You will take your exam in your own classroom with other CPR with Mickey graduates only. No going to a strange location that you don’t know how to get to, whose equipment/supplies you are unfamiliar with. No testing with students who were taught myriad different ways of performing skills.
• We consistently score in the top 10% of Georgia CNA programs on the State Exam.

Our all-inclusive pricing includes:

• Tuition/Fees
• 6 books
• Blood pressure cuff
• Stethoscope
• Tote bag for supplies
• American Heart
• Association First Aid certification
• American Heart Association BLS (Healthcare Provider CPR) certification
• Background check (required for clinical)
• PPD/TB Skin test (required for clinical)
• 1 set of scrubs (required for clinical)
• 1 set of white nursing clogs
• Review class prior to state exam
• State exam fee

The testing company, Pearson VUE, requires that you register 2 full weeks prior to the test date.  You cannot register until you have completed all components of class.  By scheduling the exam approximately 3 weeks after class is scheduled to finish, we allow for possibilities such as inclement weather delaying completion, quarantine of the clinical site delaying completion, Pearson VUE’s website being down, problems with registering, etc.  We have tried scheduling it closer to the end of class and the stress that it puts on students just doesn’t make it a viable option.

1. Prior to beginning class, you will receive an email with links to videos and a handout to complete for each video.  The more of these you can complete before class begins, the easier it will go.  You’ll be able to focus more on absorbing the material in the textbook and preparing for the tests.
2. Download GroupMe to your phone and set up an account before the first day.  You’ll join a group specific to your class on the first day.  This will allow you to communicate with your instructor(s) and the office staff as needed.  Students often answer each others’ questions, arrange outside practice times, etc. through this app that allows you to keep your phone number confidential.
3. Download a free pulse app.  Once you learn to count pulse on the 1st day or 2nd evening of class, you should practice on several people every day.  The only way to become skilled is to practice it repeatedly.  By downloading a pulse-counting app, you can double-check yourself to see how accurate your count is.  NOTE:  If the person whose pulse you’re counting has an irregular heartbeat, the apps will not be accurate.
4. Practice blood pressure (BP) on several people every day.  This is the most challenging skill we teach, and the only way you can become adept at it is by practicing repeatedly.  
5. Practice, practice, practice!  Some of the skills are just not part of your life, so you will have to make time to practice them outside of class.  Others, though, such as hand washing and mouth care, are things we do on ourselves every day.  If you perform them on yourself the way you’re taught in class, they should be second nature by the time test day arrives.

In nearly every case, ABSOLUTELY! But don’t wait to tell us about your struggles. Let’s talk now! We can help you get a copy of the audio version of the textbook. We also offer the tests orally to those who need it. The State Exam is offered orally too. You may have to work a little harder than others, but you have just as much potential to be a good caregiver as those for whom the academic portion isn’t as much of a challenge.

If you know ahead of time that you will have to be absent, we can often arrange for you to make up the class ahead of time with the class currently in session. That is by far the best option.

If you have an unexpected absence, what happens will depend on which class you miss. If you miss any class prior to the first clinical day, your completion will likely be delayed because these days incorporate the information that is required before you are eligible to attend clinical. Missing other days may also delay completion if there is no way to make up the day(s) prior to the scheduled completion date.

Don’t give up! You can take the exam up to 3 times with 12 months of completing class. No one wants to fail, but rest assured that it’s not all riding on a single attempt. Register to retake the exam as soon as possible and keep practicing your skills so they remain fresh in your mind. You can join the class you’re testing with on their review day prior to the exam.

Yes! Long-term care facilities (nursing homes) and some home health agencies will hire you pending passing the exam.

Plan to take a class that begins at least 3 months before the deadline to submit your application. You will need 3-7 weeks for the class, approximately 3 weeks until the exam, and 2 weeks to receive your certification card in the mail.

Another consideration is that everyone who is applying will have the same certification that you have. How can you stand out? The best way is by getting experience working as a CNA while you take your prerequisites. That experience will confirm that you want to be a nurse and make you a better manager of CNAs when you finish nursing school. CNAs work hard and should be treated with respect. Your experience will help you appreciate their role, make reasonable assignments, and enable you to step in and help when you’re short-staffed.