Newbie- CNA to Nurse path?

If my understanding is that your son wants to be a Registered Nurse (RN) the only option is a formal education as through a college or university. If a he is interested in an LPN (a licensed practical nurse also called a vocational nurse) there are training programs, but he wouldn't hold the RN title.

As far as I know, there are no part-time CNA to Associate RN programs. All associate programs are full-time course work. Having a CNA will provide valuable experience and more importantly provide extra points in the community college application process. The only part time programs are ADN to BSN (or BSN to Ph.D which you can take up to 10 years to complete!)


For the most part having a CNA is very helpful, but I've had a few classmates say they have had to unlearn some things now that they are in nursing school.

My other bit of advice is don't limit your application to one school. The programs are all very, very competitive. The more places you apply the better your chances are at getting in on the first try. Some of the more rural community colleges have less competition. I also think it would be good for the kid to experience college life! Don't discount the private colleges either. Many provide substantial scholarships.

Another interesting note is that the American Nursing Association calls for a Baccalaureate as the minimum educational requirement for a nurse... (though that debate has been going on since 1965.) A BSN will give your son a lot opportunity down the road. For example I heard a rumor Salem Hospital will only hire BSN nurses.

In summary you really want your son to have a formal education, be it an ADN or BSN. "Training"or "diploma" programs are really inadequate for the complex field of nursing as it stands today, and I can't think of any those programs left in Oregon.