Can I go from CNA to RN?

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I'm a freshman in highschool and taking health care classes. Senior year I'm going to become a CNA (my school has a program for seniors) and I'll probably work as a CNA and try to become a RN then NP. My question is, can I work as a CNA and get my ADN or BSN then get a job as a RN? Thanks!

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You mean work as a CNA while you're going to school for your RN? Absolutely.

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Well would I be able to get a job as an RN right after graudation, or will CNA experience not count as "nursing" experience. Thanks

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

CNA experience is not nursing experience, so no, it will not count. However, your working as a CNA, provided you treat your job as a working job interview every shift you are there, will get your foot in the door before others who have no working experience in a hospital.

This means it may give you the inside connections that increase your chances of employment after graduation.

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CNA experience is not going to count as "nursing" because it is not nursing, but nonetheless, they could be a plus when you apply for a grad job; i mean better than nothing right? But then again, I did nurse tech a year before I got my first RN job and it was the last spot I wanted and I ended up hating that job while others who never had experience got their dream jobs, so you never know.

i knew a doc who started as a food service person (people who deliver trays), became cna, then lvn, then rn, then a md. I thought that was some amazing progress, so CNA to RN? ABSOLUTELY!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Will you be able to get a RN job right after high school graduation? No

After college graduation and you pass the state nursing exam to give you your license to practice nursing...your CNA will not be counted as "nursing" experience but it will give you a leg up on someone who has never stepped into a hospital before.

To become a RN you must complete a nursing program accredited by a nursing board. There are 3 levels of education that will allow you ot sit for nursing boards.

1) diploma/certificate: This is the "original" educational path to become a nurse. These programs are a dying breed and there are very few left. They are hospital based. While your college core classes may be at a community college. Your nursing education will be at one facility. This typically takes 3 years.

2) Associate degree: These also typically take 3 years. 1 year prerequisites 2 years nursing. These are community college based and associated with several hospitals where you would get your clinical training.

3) BSN (Bachelors degree): These are university based. They typically take 4 years to complete. The first 1 to 1 1/2 are strictly academic courses with the rest for clinical studies.

Nursing schools are VERY competitive right now. Many students wait 2 years on a waiting list for acceptance. Most schools require a 3.0 to be considered for entry. Many require higher. YOU need to take all high level honors or AP classes you can. Focus on chemistry, biology, algebra and trig, anatomy and physiology if your school offers it. Join clubs and be active in your community! Join your health club HOSA if your school participates. You need at least 2 years probably 3 of a language. Take your SAT early and repeat if necessary to be sure you get at least 1100 on your math and critical reading.

If you are considering tech school for your CNA while you are in school. You will have extra college time for your pre courses, English/math/sciences and GPA to be considered for admission to school.

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So should I go from CNA to LPN (for nursing experience) then RN? Or just CNA get my BSN and get a RN job?

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

It really depends on you. Each chooses their path for whatever fits their life. You are still young. Follow what I told you about taking courses in high school. Talk to you adviser/guidance counselor and your family

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i wouldn't really recommend cna to anyone because i know how hard work it was and didn't really help in my nursing career. I wouldn't recommend lvn either unless your financial status compels you otherwise; especially if you are in bigger cities, getting a job as lvn will get harder and harder. I always suggest getting BSN since most hospitals (at least in metroplex areas) skew towards BSNs instead of ADNs. Get your BSN.

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Thank you!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I agree, BSN is the way to go.

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