CNA to RN: every route compared

WHY MAKE THE JUMP

1. The pay difference is real

• CNA: $42.7K averageNursing assistants, U.S. average pay
• LPN: $67K averageLicensed practical nurses
• RN: $101K averageRegistered nurses

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 (annual mean wages).

ROUTE 1 · USUALLY CHEAPEST

2. CNA → ADN (associate degree)

• About 2 years of nursing classesOnce your prerequisites are done
• Offered at most community collegesIn-district pricing keeps it low
• Then pass the NCLEX-RNSame RN license as a BSN

ROUTE 2 · EARN ALONG THE WAY

3. CNA → LPN → RN

• LPN school takes about 1 yearLPNs average $67K while you keep going
• Then an LPN-to-RN bridgeMany give credit for your LPN classes
• Best if you can't stop workingYou move up the pay ladder twice

ROUTE 3 · THE LONG GAME

4. CNA → BSN

• About 4 yearsFaster with an accelerated BSN if you already have a bachelor's
• More hospital jobs prefer a BSNMagnet hospitals and leadership roles
• The road to NP or CRNAGrad school starts from a BSN

YOUR CNA YEARS COUNT

5. Use your head start

• Some schools give admission points for healthcare experience
• You already know patient care, ADLs and how a floor runs
• Ask your employer about tuition help before you enroll
• Clinicals feel less scary when you've done the job

KNOW THIS FIRST

6. No shortcut skips RN school

• Prerequisites like A&P and microbiology come first
• Even online programs have in-person clinicals
• Every route ends with the NCLEX-RN
• Check each program's NCLEX pass rate and accreditation