CNA to RN Programs
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are vital members of the healthcare team, providing direct patient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care facilities, and more. Many people choose to become a CNA as an entry point into a healthcare career, gaining valuable patient care experience along the way.
For those who want to pursue a nursing career, becoming a CNA is often a logical first step because it provides hands-on practice with basic nursing duties. This guide will discuss the different ways a CNA can become a registered nurse (RN).
What is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?
Certified nursing assistants (also known as nursing aids, nursing assistants, patient care assistants, or patient care technicians) are licensed medical personnel who provide basic care for patients in inpatient settings and long-term care facilities.
Because nurse assisting is an entry-level field, it does not require a college degree. However, CNAs must complete a certification program, during which they are trained in basic patient care skills. These certification programs provide state-specific education and usually take between 4 and 12 weeks to complete.
CNAs work under the supervision of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses. They typically focus on tasks related to activities of daily living, such as feeding, dressing, hygiene, elimination, and mobility. CNAs may also perform other basic patient care tasks, such as obtaining vital signs or assisting with patient transport between departments.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for certified nursing assistants is $35,740. The projected growth rate for the field from 2021-2031 is 5%, which is average.
What is the Difference Between a Certified Nursing Assistant and a Registered Nurse?
There are many key differences between a CNA and an RN, including education requirements and scope of practice.
Certified nursing assistants usually work in supportive roles within hospitals or long-term care facilities under the supervision of an LPN or RN. They are responsible for tending to basic patient care needs.
Examples of tasks performed by CNAs include:
- Bathing patients (or assisting)
- Feeding patients (or assisting)
- Grooming patients (brushing hair, shaving)
- Oral hygiene (brushing teeth, cleaning dentures)
- Elimination needs (helping patients to the bathroom, changing adult briefs, providing perineal care)
- Mobility needs (turning patients in bed, assisting with transfers or ambulation)
- Changing patient’s clothing and linens
- Obtaining vital signs
- Measuring intake and output
- Checking patient glucose levels (requires additional training)
Registered nurses, on the other hand, are responsible for more advanced aspects of patient care. RNs are also employed in a greater range of healthcare settings compared to CNAs, including hospitals, outpatient offices, surgery centers, home health, long-term care facilities, and more.
Examples of tasks performed by RNs include:
- Conducting patient assessments
- Administering medications
- Obtaining vital signs
- Inserting and maintaining intravenous lines, nasogastric tubes, and urinary catheters
- Performing phlebotomy
- Obtaining specimens for laboratory testing
- Providing wound care
- Providing education to patients and their families
Another important difference between CNAs and RNs is the amount of schooling required.
CNAs usually require a high school diploma or GED, plus completion of a certification program. RNs must obtain at least an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
RNs work under their own professional licenses, so they are able to perform a wide range of clinical duties without direct supervision from another medical professional. Even though CNAs are licensed, they generally work under the supervision of more highly-trained personnel, such as LPNs or RNs.
How to Transition From CNA to RN
Unfortunately, there are no specific CNA to RN bridge programs as seen with other nursing careers (such as LPN to RN). However, being a CNA can give you an advantage when applying to a nursing program because you will already have a lot of basic patient care knowledge.
There are multiple paths to consider when you decide to transition from CNA to RN. Each one has its pros and cons, so career goals, financial means, and personal responsibilities must all be taken into account.
Option #1: CNA to ADN
This is the quickest path for a certified nursing assistant to become a registered nurse. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is typically offered at community or technical colleges and takes around 2-3 years to complete. CNAs may be able to “test out” of some of their nursing prerequisite courses or apply credit from some of their prior coursework. This depends on the program, so you are encouraged to check with your nursing school to see if that is an option for you.
After completion of an ADN program, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination. After passing the NCLEX-RN, you will be able to obtain RN licensure for the state you wish to practice in.
Although obtaining an ADN is the fastest way to become an RN, it does not allow for as many job opportunities or career advancement opportunities as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) does. If your long-term goals involve a leadership position or pursuing a graduate degree, you may wish to go ahead and obtain your BSN instead.
Another thing to consider: Some employers will provide tuition assistance to ADN-prepared nurses to return to school and get their BSN. While this can ease some of the financial burden of furthering your education, these employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement programs often come with stipulations.
For example, some employers require employees to work for them for a certain amount of years after they complete school. If the employee resigns prior to completing that commitment, the employee is required to pay a portion of the tuition back to the employer.
Option #2: CNA to BSN
This path to becoming a registered nurse is a bit longer, but it comes with some key benefits. BSN-prepared nurses have an advantage in the hiring process since many employers prefer to hire RNs who hold at least a bachelor’s degree. BSN-prepared nurses can also advance into leadership and management roles more easily. Overall, having a BSN creates more career opportunities compared to an ADN or LPN.
Depending if the program is traditional or accelerated, it takes around 3-4 years to complete a BSN. CNAs may be able to apply some of their prior coursework credits toward their nursing prerequisite courses, but it is encouraged to check with the nursing school first to determine if this is an option.
After completion of a BSN program, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination. After passing the NCLEX-RN, you will be able to obtain RN licensure for the state you wish to practice in.
If you are considering pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), obtaining a BSN is your best option. You cannot further your nursing education at the graduate level without first holding a BSN.
Option #3: CNA to LPN to RN
This is the longest path to becoming a registered nurse, but it is a great option if your goal is simply to become a nurse as quickly as possible.
Licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs are usually found at community or technical colleges. An LPN program usually takes 1 year of full-time study to complete. Similar to an ADN or BSN program, CNAs may be able to apply some prior coursework credits to their nursing prerequisite classes, but you must check with the nursing school first to determine if that is possible.
After successfully completing an LPN program, you must take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) in order to obtain your LPN license. After becoming an LPN, you will be able to work and gain experience within the healthcare setting as a nurse.
Your next step to becoming an RN would be to enroll in an LPN to RN bridge program. LPN to RN bridge programs can take between 2-4 years to complete. The amount of time it takes depends on whether you are pursuing an ASN or BSN.
