Step up from CNA to LPN...help!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jul 3, 2014

Where are you located?

Where I am located, there is no "step-up" programs; most PN programs are a little over a year full-time, though there are part-time programs as well.

PN programs have strict requirements to provide hours required per the BON; so I think there are no "short" programs going this route.

kalengen · Jul 3, 2014

I am located in Glassboro, New Jersey. One of my coworkers was explaining to me that there are "step up" programs but I have never heard of them. I am trying to find a program!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2014

There are "step-up" programs, also called "bridge programs," completion programs or transition programs, for LPNs looking to become RNs. However, CNA-to-LPN completion programs do not exist.

Many LPN programs will grant a small amount of credit for possessing a CNA certificate. Some programs also require possession of the CNA certificate as a prerequisite.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jul 5, 2014

There are "step-up" programs, also called "bridge programs," completion programs or transition programs, for LPNs looking to become RNs. However, CNA-to-LPN completion programs do not exist.
Many LPN programs will grant a small amount of credit for possessing a CNA certificate. Some programs also require possession of the CNA certificate as a prerequisite.

This.

The best thing to do is find out from the schools that you are interested in...I'm in a neighboring state and they do not allow "credit" for being a CNA...plus the way the hours are created per BON guidelines, they possibly couldn't.

Best wishes.

internationalsarah · Jul 7, 2014

My local community college has an LPN program, but the first 5 weeks are essentially the nursing assistant program. If you are already a CNA you don't have to enter until after the first 5 weeks.

FutureRNGreen · Jul 17, 2014

At my school there is a cna-to-lpn and there is a cna-to-adn and I live in Charleston sc

caliotter3 · Jul 17, 2014

In my state (CA) there is no step up program per se, but a person can challenge the NCLEX-PN with proof of certain qualifications that start with 52 months of paid work experience covering the types of nursing found in nursing school. Hard for the typical person to accomplish unless they were a corpsman in the armed services. Info can be found on the state website. I imagine you can find pertinent information on your state's nursing board website.

duskyjewel · Jul 17, 2014

Here in the Phoenix area there is a program at the Maricopa Skills Center that starts with CNA training and then takes you immediately into LPN training. So it would seem your assertion that these programs don't exist is false, Commuter. There seem to be at least a couple from this thread.

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Jul 18, 2014

I would also look up the salary for LPNs in your state. I looked up nursing salaries in my state and was shocked that LPNs were not paid a lot more than CNAs. You may want to consider RN. I was shocked to see that, personally. Obviously it varies by institution and this was an average.

duskyjewel · Jul 18, 2014

Always with the "you should consider RN." Duh. We know that. Most of us don't plan to stop at LPN.

When RN waiting lists are 2 and 3 years long, and you can't afford to take on lots of debt, you start looking at other options. Why do so many commenters assume people pursuing LPN are completely unaware and haven't examined their options thoroughly? :banghead:

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2014

Always with the "you should consider RN." Duh. We know that. Most of us don't plan to stop at LPN.
When RN waiting lists are 2 and 3 years long, and you can't afford to take on lots of debt, you start looking at other options. Why do so many commenters assume people pursuing LPN are completely unaware and haven't examined their options thoroughly?

You have a salient point. Anyone who plans to pursue the LPN license, in all likelihood, already knows that the RN role exists.