{"id":1777,"date":"2018-11-14T17:04:33","date_gmt":"2018-11-14T17:04:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/?p=1777"},"modified":"2026-03-04T20:59:04","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T20:59:04","slug":"cna-to-rn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/cna-to-rn\/","title":{"rendered":"CNA to RN Career Path"},"content":{"rendered":"

The CNA to RN career path has grown to be pretty popular. Combine the fact that Baby Boomers and MDs are quickly reaching retirement age with a population that is growing faster every day, the resulting nursing shortage is well documented. The well-publicized nursing shortage<\/a> has driven more aspiring nurses to enter nursing school than ever these days.<\/p>\n

Just getting into a BSN program<\/a> has grown increasingly difficult now that there are so many BSN applicants. Being able to afford a BSN program is another story as Universities and colleges charge a pretty penny for their four-year degrees. The CNA to RN career path below is a significantly cheaper way of becoming an RN than the traditional 4-year degree. It\u2019s important to note that there isn\u2019t a single state in the US that requires a nurse to have a 4-year degree.<\/p>\n

The first step in the CNA to RN career path is to become a Certified Nurse Assistant. CNAs take vital signs and help patients bathe, dress, eat, get out of bed and even use the restroom. There isn\u2019t a single healthcare provider that spends more time with patients than CNAs.<\/p>\n

For one to become a CNA they need to be 18 years or older with high school degree or GED equivalent. Some states will permit 16 or 17-year-old applicants who have signed parental consent. To enroll in a state certified CNA program, you\u2019d need to submit most of the following: proof of age, high school diploma, physical examination, proof of immunization, TB test, background check, cpr and first aid certification and a state issued ID.<\/p>\n

Applicants will have to find a CNA training program that is approved by their state. You can find a list of state-approved CNA classes here.<\/a> The training programs will consist of both classroom and clinical work and can take anywhere from 3 -14 weeks. The American Red Cross Offers Nurse Assistant Training (NAT) in 13 states with each state\u2019s class tailored to the state\u2019s individual requirements. The American Red Cross NAT class costs $1,300 dollars and range from 4-8 weeks in duration.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve completed the necessary CNA training you have to pass the certification exam. Over 25 states, including California, use the National Nurse Aid Assessment Program, or the NNAAP.\u00a0 \u00a0Feel free to take some practice tests here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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