CNA to RN - 5 Things You Need to Know

As a CNA, you play an important role in the healthcare industry. Many people are involved in patient care, but it is you who see to a patient’s basic daily needs and comfort. While becoming a CNA is a great entry point into a health career, you may be starting to ask yourself, “What’s next?” 

“What’s next” could be advancing your career in nursing by becoming a registered nurse. There are several advantages to becoming an RN, and it may be easier than you think. One of the fastest and most efficient ways to become an RN is through a CNA to RN Bridge Program. A Bridge Program allows qualified students to shorten the time required to complete an advanced nursing degree.

Here are 5 things you need to know when considering a Bridge Program that can help you make the move from CNA to RN: 

1. You can earn a higher salary as an RN. 

Money isn’t everything, but it is important. You probably already know that an RN salary is higher than a CNA’s, but do you know how much higher? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the current average salary for RNs is $86,070 while the average salary for CNAs is $38,130. This means RNs earn more than double a CNA’s salary—$47,940 more each year on average! 

2. Demand for RNs is higher than ever…and will continue to grow

Jobs for RNs are on the rise and expected to continue growing over the next decade and beyond. The BLS currently predicts a 6% growth in employment of RNs through 2031. This means that around 177,400 RNs will be needed nationwide that don’t currently exist today. In addition, around 193,100 jobs will be posted for RNs every year over the next 10 years. As the population continues to age, job opportunities will grow as well. The rise in chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity across the country will also contribute to the need for more qualified nurses. 

3. You can explore specialties as an RN. 

When you bridge from CNA to RN, you may even be able to specialize in an area that holds particular interest for you. With time and experience, RNs can specialize in areas such as Labor and Delivery, Cardiac Care, Oncology, Pediatrics, Surgical, and others. However, if you enjoy a constantly changing environment, you can also try travel nursing when you earn your RN. Whatever your nursing career goal, you can create a plan and work to achieve it starting with your RN. 

4. You will have new responsibilities and new opportunities as an RN. 

While you currently work with RNs as a CNA, your job duties are very different. Your primary role is caring for the living needs of patients such as bathing, using the bathroom, eating food, and others. As an RN, you may take care of these needs as well, but your primary responsibility will be to assess patient health, provide medical instruction, track medical history, administer medication, and interact with doctors and family members to provide patient care plans. In addition to added responsibility, you could also experience new work environments as an RN such as working in schools, for the military, in the air as a flight nurse, or in other unique environments.

5. You will need to advance your education to become an RN. 

Becoming an RN requires you to earn either an ADN/ASN (associate degree in nursing) or BSN (bachelor’s degree in nursing). On average, it will take around 2 years of full time study to complete an ADN/ASN degree and around 4 years of full time study to complete your BSN degree. 

However, there are options for CNAs who want to go back to school. Credit-by-exam programs can save you time and money while easing back into courses to help you earn your degree. Online programs can be a good option if you’re currently working. Or, you could choose to focus on your studies full time, on campus. 

No matter which CNA to RN program you choose, making the transition from CNA to RN is a decision that requires a lot of commitment. Be sure to do some research to determine what feels right for you. 

CNA to RN - Where Do I Begin? 

Determine if you want to go back to school to become an RN full time or if you’ll want a more flexible option to work towards your nursing degree. If flexibility is a concern, contact Achieve to learn how you can reach your goal to become an RN on your terms. 

The first step we’ll take with you is to complete a college plan. This personalized, detailed plan will tell you exactly what you will need to do to earn the degree of your choice and how you need to do it. You’ll also be assigned a Dedicated Advisor who will guide you on the journey from completing nursing prerequisites and preparing for your TEAS or HESI exam for entry into a nursing school, to tutoring for nursing courses and preparation for your NCLEX-RN exam. 

The journey to earning an RN will require your dedication and determination, but we’ll be there to guide and support you every step of the way. You can achieve your goal to become an RN, and we can help.