Portrait of a young smiling nurse

CNA to RN: Taking the Next Step in Nursing

了解注册护士如何以及为什么要继续接受教育成为注册护士.

Portrait of a young smiling nurse

Many people aspire to become nurses. Unfortunately, 不是每个人都有时间或经济能力去获得大专或学士学位. 因此,一些护士选择以注册护理助理(CNA)的身份开始他们的职业生涯。. Becoming a CNA is a great way to enter the healthcare industry and begin your journey toward nursing.

作为一名注册护士,你不会得到与注册护士相同的薪酬或福利. For those looking to advance their career in nursing, there are several advantages to becoming an RN, and it may be easier than you think. 本指南将分解CNA成为注册护士的所有必要步骤, 以及你获得护理学位后所能期待的.

Disclaimer: bbin大全/bbin白菜平台大全目前不提供cna到bsn的桥梁课程. However, we chose to publish this article to provide our readers with as much helpful information as possible about this career advancement opportunity.

CNA vs. RN: What’s the Difference?

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):

注册护理助理站在病人护理的第一线. 他们通常负责病人的一些日常需求. Some of the responsibilities of a CNA include:

  • Checking vital signs (blood pressure, temperature)
  • Making patient beds and cleaning rooms
  • Assisting nurses with procedures
  • Serving meals and helping patients eat

CNAs are required to complete a state-approved educational program that teaches them the basics of nursing and clinical work. After completing their program, 护理助理在进入工作岗位之前必须参加能力考试.

Registered Nurse (RN):

注册护士比注册护士助理有更多的权力和责任. Many CNAs assist the RNs in performing these duties, however, it’s the Registered Nurse who is primarily assigned and accountable for these responsibilities. 注册护士为病人提供护理并教育病人了解他们的健康状况. Some of the responsibilities held by Registered Nurses include:

  • Assessing patient conditions
  • Administering patient medications and treatments
  • Observing and recording patient responses and results
  • Helping perform diagnostic tests
  • Helping analyze test results

RNs typically take one of three career paths to become nurses:

  1. A diploma from an approved nursing program
  2. An associate degree in nursing (ADN), or
  3. A Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN).

Each educational path varies in time and financial commitment.

How Do I Go from CNA to RN?

In order to make the transition from CNA to RN, you’ll have to decide which educational path works best for you. The good news is that you already have experience in nursing education from when you earned your CNA license.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN):

If you’re looking to take your education in nursing to the next level and you’d like to secure higher pay and a greater job outlook down the road, earning your BSN may be the best choice for you. You’ll likely be in school for up to four years, and it will probably cost more than earning your ADN, but there are serious benefits to holding a BSN.

RNs who have their BSN have higher annual wages, more job opportunities, and greater potential job growth. Many employers require a BSN degree, 大多数人更喜欢BSN毕业生,而不是其他护理证书.

BSN sign on a stack of books with a stethoscope

Accelerated BSN Programs:

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject, 加速BSN计划可让您在短短12个月内获得BSN. These programs typically have a minimum GPA requirement but are a great option for those who are eligible.

Online RN-to-BSN Programs:

An online RN-to-BSN program is great if you’re working full-time and can’t commit to a campus-based program. The online education system has grown, with many of the online-accelerated programs allowing current RNs to obtain their BSN in one year.

CNA-to-RN Bridge Programs:

The fastest and most efficient way of becoming an RN is enrolling in a CNA-to-RN bridge program. These programs allow you to earn your associate degree in nursing (ADN) in as little as one year. Since you’ve already taken some of the required courses, the RN program completion time can be reduced. Plus, you’ve already got the foundational knowledge to help you complete the program with confidence, all while still working as a CNA.

Once you’ve picked your educational path, 你很可能需要完成一些通识教育课程. Once you’ve completed your Gen Eds, you’ll be taking courses such as anatomy, chemistry, and biology. 任何注册护士认证都需要临床时间,但在BSN项目中更高级.

所有有抱负的护士都需要通过注册护士执照考试,即NCLEX-RN. 完成注册护士课程后,您就有资格参加NCLEX考试. You must pass the exam in order to receive your license. After completing the requirements designated by your state board of nursing and passing the NCLEX-RN, you will receive your RN license.

(Click here to learn more about the NCLEX-RN exam)

How Much Does a CNA to RN Program Cost?

If you’ve decided to enroll in a registered nursing program, it’s time to figure out how you’ll be paying for it. The cost of an RN program varies depending on how much educational experience you already have. 速成课程需要较少的在校时间,因此较少的财务负担. 速成项目的费用从1.7万美元到9万美元不等. 一个为期四年的BSN项目的费用取决于机构的类型, location, and program curriculum. BSN programs can cost between $40,000 and $200,000.

It can be difficult to fund your higher education, but you should know that there are options available to you. Here are some of the best ways you can fund your education:

  • Federal Based Student Aid (FAFSA): The U.S. Department of Education offers special loans to students with reduced interest rates and personalized repayment plans. Find out more here.
  • 向你的雇主询问有关继续教育援助或勤工俭学项目的事宜: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement and other types of assistance in order to help you earn your RN credential while working.
  • Find a grant: 联邦政府每年发放数十亿美元的补助金. 你只需要做一些搜索,找到最适合你情况的资助.
  • Student Loans: This is a solid option for funding your education, however, 一旦你完成课程,你将偿还4%-11%的利息.
  • Scholarships: 找到适合你情况的奖学金可能是一项艰巨的任务, but it could lead to significant financial assistance. Government-sponsored scholarships allow you to earn your degree while also gaining valuable work experience. Many educational institutions offer private scholarships as well. Here at Provo College, bbin宝盈娱乐客户端下载为那些希望继续护理教育的人提供指定的CNA奖学金.

支付学费可能很困难,没有人喜欢负债的想法. However, obtaining your RN certification will allow you to earn significantly more money and ultimately will be worth the financial commitment in the end. Luckily for you, 你可以选择在获得学位的同时仍然作为全职CNA工作.

Hand arranging blocks of wood with medical icons

CNA vs. RN: Salary and Job Outlook

CNA Salary & Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)报告称,从2020年到2030年,CNAs的就业预计将增长8%. According to the BLS, the average annual wage for nursing assistants was about $33,000 截至2021年5月,最高10%的注册会计师收入超过4.4万美元.

How Much Do CNAs Make?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary* earned by Nursing Assistants was about $33,000 or about $16 per hour as of 2021. 年薪排在前10%的cna年薪超过4.4万美元.

Highest Paying Industries for CNAs

According to the BLS, these are the industries where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for Nursing Assistants:

Industry Average Hourly Pay Average Salary
Junior Colleges $29.48 $61,310
Insurance Carriers $20.58 $42,810
Specialized Hospitals $17.02 $35,400
General Hospitals $16.92 $35,190
Nursing Care Facilities $15.43 $32,090

Highest Paying States for CNAs

According to the BLS, these are the states where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for Nursing Assistants:

State Average Hourly Pay Average Salary
Alaska $20.71 $43,080
New York $19.56 $40,680
California $19.12 $39,760
Washington D.C. $18.94 $39,390
Oregon $18.67 $38,830

Highest Paying Cities for CNAs

According to the BLS, these are the cities where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for Nursing Assistants:

City Average Hourly Pay Average Salary
San Jose, CA $22.93 $47,690
San Francisco, CA $22.84 $47,500
Salinas, CA $21.26 $44,210
Fairbanks, AK $21.10 $43,880
Napa, CA $20.34 $42,310
New York, NY $20.17 $41,940
Anchorage, AK $19.99 $41,580
Santa Cruz, CA $19.74 $41,070
Santa Rosa, CA $19.60 $40,770
Seattle, WA $19.51 $40,590

RN Salary & Job Outlook

The job outlook of an RN is about the same as a CNA. The BLS 报告称,从2020年到2030年,注册护士的就业人数将增长9%, which is also about the same as all occupations (8%).

According to the BLS, the average annual wage for RNs was about $83,000 as of May 2021, with the highest 10% earning more than $120,000. RNs earn almost $50,000 more annually than CNAs.

An added benefit of becoming an RN in terms of job outlook is the opportunity for RNs who have their BSN degree. 这些护士更适合担任管理或行政职务. 这些职位通常会有更高的加薪和更高的工作职责.

How Much Do Registered Nurses Make?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary* earned by RNs in 2021 was about $83,000 or about $40 per hour. 收入在前10%的注册护士年收入超过12万美元.

Highest Paying Industries for Registered Nurses

According to the BLS, these are the industries where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for Registered Nurses:

Industry Average Hourly Pay Average Salary
General Hospitals $40.88 $85,020
Offices of Physicians $35.51 $73,860
Home Health Care Services $37.59 $78,190
Outpatient Care Centers $44.74 $93,070
Nursing Care Facilities $34.74 $72,260

Highest Paying States for Registered Nurses

According to the BLS, these are the states where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for Registered Nurses:

State Average Hourly Pay Average Salary
California $59.62 $124,000
Hawaii $51.22 $106,530
Oregon $47.42 $98,630
Washington D.C. $47.38 $98,540
Alaska $46.74 $97,230

Highest Paying Cities for Registered Nurses

According to the BLS, these are the cities where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for Registered Nurses:

City Average Hourly Pay Average Salary
San Jose, CA $74.63 $155,230
San Francisco, CA $72.90 $151,640
Vallejo, CA $70.37 $146,360
Santa Rosa, CA $68.00 $141,440
Napa, CA $67.15 $139,680
Santa Cruz, CA $67.11 $139,590
Sacramento, CA $65.14 $135,490
Salinas, CA $62.75 $130,520
Modesto, CA $61.41 $127,730
Hanford, CA $60.00 $124,790

Kind nurse with a clipboard

Time to Take the Next Step

既然你已经掌握了所需的所有信息,是时候决定你的未来了. Making the transition from a Certified Nursing Assistant to a Registered Nurse is a decision that requires a lot of commitment. There are several benefits of entering into an RN program that justify this commitment, including:

  • Higher annual wages
  • More job opportunities
  • Greater job security
  • Greater potential job growth

如果你准备迈出下一步,你可以找到更多关于bbin大全/bbin白菜平台大全的BSN计划 here.