CNA to RN?

rwshaw · May 30, 2017

In short, there are no quick ways. The education that a CNA gets doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of nursing school, so there is no bridge. That doesn't mean that you can't work as a nursing assistant somewhere while you go to nursing school, but, make sure that you've got lots of support (re: child care). I just finished a BSN program as a non-traditional student, so, it is possible. I had a lot of help, though. My wife took care of all of the "home" stuff, and my retired parents were always available to watch the kids. Between working as an NA and school, I had very little time for anything else.

To be clear, I'm not trying to discourage you from going back to school. It is absolutely worth the time and energy spent, if you have sufficient support at home. I'm only trying to shed light on some of the troubles that non-traditional students face in a program that is as demanding as nursing is.

I wish you the best of luck! If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me, I'd be glad to help.

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · May 30, 2017

You can do an LPN/LVN program and then bridge to LPN-RN or LPN-BSN program. LPN and the bridge programs are not exclusively online, all will have a in-person skills lab and clinicals.

Tanya167, LPN · May 30, 2017

rwshaw, thank you so much for your detailed message. You are definitely right in regards to support system. I did try to enter nursing school at a school that I didn't think was worth it and I had a hard time regarding "support system" so this is definitely going to be difficult for me. I don't know if I should just do the MA route. If I could turn back time things would have been done so differently. I tell my kids how important education is... thank you so much for your input.

Tanya167, LPN · May 30, 2017

Guy in babeland, thank you so much for getting back to me. I wasn't sure if bridging from LON to RN was doable online. If one would do a part online program do you or anyone else know of a reputable online school? Trying to layout what I think I will be able to do and incorporate my home life with kids and stuff. Like rwshaw said- support system! Thanks again

Firefly1009 · May 31, 2017

Hello there.. I would like to suggest doing the LPN/LVN then once you get your LPN/LVN you can work as a nurse make some decent money then do a bridge LPN/LVN to RN or BSN. LVN program is only a year or a year and a half. Best of luck to you!

Tanya167, LPN · May 31, 2017

Thanks Firefly1009. I found an LPN. It's at a vocational school so there is no financial aid... I don't know if I can afford the program. If I can't do that then there is no LPN program convenient for me. Bummer! I have to see what I can do otherwise I may have to think of another route. Thanks for your response.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · May 31, 2017

I wouldn't become a medical assistant as you are following the medical model of care & not the nursing model.

Try looking into community colleges, they are cheaper & offer financial aid. I went to a community college & my LVN program was only a year. I will bridge at a community college as well & the bridge program is only a year as well.

There won't be any LVN or RN program that is completely 100% online as there is the lab & clinical components that need to be done in person. I don't know where you live but there might be part time programs. Good luck in your search!

Tanya167, LPN · May 31, 2017

Thanks Organizedchaos... I'm in Staten Island, NY.... I know there is a CNA program here but not LPN. I was looking at a school in NJ but I don't know if I can afford it. Thank you everyone for your insight.

RNfaster · Jun 1, 2017

Try to get a CNA job at a hospital or other institution that has tuition benefits. Then use those benefits to pursue your LPN or RN. If going for RN, you might start with ADN, and then later RN-to-BSN.

You could also pursue a job as transporter or patient care assistant (PCA)... Not all institutions require that you be a CNA. --Some will train you to be a PCA... that might be helpful to you financially.

I hope this helps.

Tanya167, LPN · Jun 1, 2017

RNfaster - thank you so much for your insight. I have been thinking about what you said... it definitely is in the right direction. Thank u so much for your response.