Making the Transition from CNA to RN: Elevating Your Nursing Career
If you are a certified nursing assistant (CNA) who wants to take the next major step in your career, becoming a registered nurse (RN) is an excellent way to do it.
As an RN, you will have access to more responsibilities, higher pay, and better job opportunities.
But how do you go from being a CNA to an RN? This article covers everything you need to know about making the transition.
How long does it take to become a CNA?
Pursuing a role as a certified nursing assistant can be a quick and streamlined way to get your start in nursing. While CNAs aren’t considered nurses, they often perform basic functions of the position while working alongside and learning from nurses.
Typically, it takes about four to 12 weeks (roughly three months) to complete a CNA training program. The length of the program depends on the state in which you reside or plan to practice and the type of program you choose.
Some programs are full-time and can be completed more quickly, while part-time programs take longer to complete but may better suit your schedule. You also can consider online program options that give you even more flexibility.
On completing a CNA program, nursing assistants can typically perform basic tasks, such as checking and recording patients' vital signs and creating and maintaining patient records.
Once you complete your CNA training, you must pass a certification exam, which may vary and follow unique rules and regulations depending on your location.
The exam consists of two parts: a written test and a skills test. If you pass both parts, you'll be listed on your state's CNA registry and can start working as a CNA.
Comparing roles: CNA vs. RN
A closer look at the differences between a CNA and RN can help you prepare to transition from one role to the next — and highlight the advantages of doing so.
One significant difference is that RNs provide more advanced clinical care for patients than CNAs.
Common responsibilities for each position include:
CNA:
Bathing patients
Dressing patients
Changing linens
Delivering meals
RN:
Performing physical exams
Administering medications
Creating patient care plans
Performing diagnostic tests
Operating medical equipment
How to advance from CNA to RN
Advancing your healthcare career from CNA to RN requires dedication, hard work, and time. It can be a challenging process, but it can be rewarding for people who are passionate about caring for and treating patients.
Thankfully, any time you spend as a CNA can be beneficial as you work toward becoming an RN.
In fact, there are many skills gained as a CNA that translate well to an RN position, such as basic patient care and an understanding of medical terminology.
Do I need CNA experience before becoming an RN?
Some nursing programs may recommend on-the-job CNA experience, but there is no standard requirement.
Still, CNAs looking to become a RN are encouraged to have one to two years of experience to serve as a solid foundation.
What education do I need to advance from CNA to RN?
The educational pathway from CNA to RN includes completing an accredited nursing program — such as an Associate in Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing — and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Some programs may recommend previous job experience as a CNA but there’s typically no standard requirement for this.
A nursing program can take between 10 to 60 months (up to about five years) to complete, depending on whether you choose an associate or bachelor's degree program.
During the program, you'll learn advanced nursing skills such as patient assessment, medication administration, nursing informatics, family and individual assessment, nursing leadership, public health and care planning.
After completing your nursing program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. This exam tests your knowledge and skills in various areas of nursing, such as pharmacology, physiology and patient care. Passing the exam is essential to obtaining your RN license.
What’s the duration of an associate degree or BSN?
The time it takes to complete a nursing degree program depends on which degree you choose, how much experience you already have or transfer credits you bring in (for example, Maryville's program can be completed in 3 semesters with transfer credits), and whether you decide to go to school part-time or full-time.
However, on average, full-time associate degrees take approximately two years to complete and a full-time BSN takes four.1
CNA to RN Bridge Programs
There are several ways to advance from CNA to RN, but the most common path is through a bridge program, or a program that allows CNAs to become RNs without starting from scratch. These programs give you the opportunity to use your previous nursing experience and education to fast-track your RN education.
Bridge programs come in different forms, such as LPN to RN, ADN to BSN, and CNA to RN. The CNA to RN bridge program is designed explicitly for CNAs who want to become RNs. This type of program typically takes one to two years to complete and includes courses in nursing theory, health assessment, and clinical practice.
Some soft skills you can gain and develop through a CNA to RN bridge program include communication skills, compassion and empathy, time management, stress management, and leadership.
Why do RNs earn more than CNAs?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2022 median salary for nursing assistants was $35,740, while the median salary for registered nurses was $81,220 — more than doubling the pay for assistants.
The employment growth outlook for RNs also exceeds that for nursing assistants, with the BLS projecting 6% growth from 2022 to 2032 for RNs compared to just 4% for assistants.2
One of the main reasons RNs have higher salaries than CNAs is because they have more education and training.
RNs have completed a nursing program and passed the NCLEX-RN exam, which allows them to perform more advanced nursing tasks. They also have more responsibilities, such as supervising other healthcare workers and developing patient care plans.
These higher salaries also reflect the higher demand for RNs over CNAs; as the population ages and healthcare needs increase, so too does the need for expert nurses with the clinical skills to manage these.
Checklist for advancing from CNA to RN
By advancing your career from CNA to RN, you can benefit from more job opportunities and greater earning potential.
If you’re ready to begin this process, follow the steps below:
Research nursing programs
Fulfill prerequisite requirements for the program
Apply and enroll in your desired RN programs
Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
Apply for RN jobs
Start your journey from CNA to RN
Going from CNA to RN is a great way to advance your nursing career. While it requires dedication and hard work, the career outlook, enhanced practice capabilities, and higher pay make pursuing RN credentials an attractive prospect.
If you are currently a CNA and want to become a RN, consider enrolling in a CNA to RN bridge program. This program will allow you to use your previous nursing experience and education to fast-track your RN education.
With the proper preparation and mindset, you can achieve your goal of becoming an RN and take the next step in your nursing career.
Connect with Maryville Admissions for more information about our nursing programs. or additional program information.
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