Going from a CNA to an RN: What You Need to Know
Working as a certified nurse assistant (CNA) is rewarding, yet you may aspire to explore new ways to care for patients. Observing the responsibilities and pace of registered nurses (RNs) may spark your interest in advancing your career. If you're a CNA considering this transition, what steps are involved in becoming an RN? Let's explore these questions: Why pursue a career as an RN? What are the steps to becoming an RN? What are the costs associated with RN programs? What alternatives exist to becoming an RN? FAQs
Why pursue a career as an RN?
CNAs are vital across healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home care. Despite the high demand, some CNAs opt to become RNs for reasons such as higher pay, more opportunities, and greater responsibilities.
Salary
Although nursing is a caregiving profession, financial incentives matter. Many CNAs are driven by the potential for increased earnings as RNs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median CNA salary of $30,290 in 2021, while RNs with a bachelor's degree earned about $82,750 annually. RN salaries typically double those of CNAs, though they vary by state.
Career Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 6% growth in nursing jobs from 2021 to 2031 due to ongoing COVID-19 research and care needs, an aging population, and demand for long-term care as hospital stays shorten.
Responsibility Levels
CNAs often pursue further education for broader job options and more responsibility. CNAs usually handle tasks like vital signs and daily activity assistance, whereas RNs manage comprehensive patient care, including dressing changes, obtaining physician orders, patient education, medication administration, and surgery preparation, with opportunities for specialization.
Steps to Becoming an RN
If you are a CNA, you likely have a solid healthcare foundation to pursue further education. What does it take to become an RN?
Educational Requirements
Most RN programs require prerequisite courses such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, English, human development, microbiology, nutrition, psychology, sociology, and statistics. Program-specific requirements should be checked.
Applying to RN Programs
Application requirements vary but commonly include interviews, prerequisite completion with a minimum GPA, vaccination records, references, entrance exams, transcripts, and essays. Once accepted, programs typically last 18 months to 4 years.
NCLEX
Graduation from nursing school is crucial, but licensure requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam, covering areas like safe care, patient management, infection control, and health promotion.
Cost of RN Programs
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) costs around $7,000 to $12,000 over 18-24 months, while a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) ranges from $15,000 to $40,000 annually, providing leadership and management opportunities.
Funding Your Education
While the RN financial outlook is positive, tuition can be daunting. Employers may offer tuition reimbursement for RNs who commit to working post-graduation. Scholarships, grants, and financial aid are available, and completing the FAFSA® can reveal federal aid options. Many students work as CNAs for financial support and flexible schedules during studies.
Alternatives to Becoming an RN
If committing to RN programs isn't feasible, consider other nursing pathways.
LPN
LPNs face less demand than RNs, but their entry process is shorter. LPNs work in various settings, though RNs typically supervise them. LPN salaries are lower, but LPNs may later transition to RNs.
Other Career Alternatives
If nursing isn't your path but healthcare interests you, consider roles like phlebotomist, surgical technologist, ultrasound technician, or X-ray technician.
Next Steps
The journey to becoming an RN may seem long, but education engagement will make time pass quickly.
