Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an excellent stepping stone in the world of healthcare. It offers a chance to gain hands-on experience and witness firsthand the demands and rewards of nursing. But what can you do once you have that CNA title under your belt? The possibilities are numerous, ranging from immediate career advancements to future educational prospects. Let’s dive in.
The foundation laid by a CNA training program is a fertile ground for moving up the healthcare ladder. By combining your CNA experience with additional certifications or training, you can target roles like Patient Care Technician, Medication Aide, or even move into administrative or leadership roles in healthcare facilities. Each advancement usually comes with an improved salary and increased responsibility.
How to: To move into specialized roles, you may need additional training and certifications. Investigate your desired position’s requirements and enroll in relevant programs, ensuring that your current CNA experience can be applied.
Advertisement: CAL ACE Nursing Academy offers 7-week CNA Program
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) are just one step above CNAs on the nursing career ladder. Completing a bridge program can fast-track your path to becoming an LVN or LPN. This role allows you to carry out more nursing tasks and can be a significant pay raise from a typical CNA role.
How to: Research accredited LVN or LPN bridge programs in your area. Typically, these programs acknowledge your CNA training and experience, allowing you to complete the course in a shorter time frame than those starting from scratch.
How to: To move into specialized roles, you may need additional training and certifications. Investigate your desired position’s requirements and enroll in relevant programs, ensuring that your current CNA experience can be applied.
Advertisement: CAL ACE Nursing Academy offers 7-week CNA Program
Once you’ve become an LVN or LPN, you don’t have to stop there. Many programs exist that allow LVNs or LPNs to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), giving you the credentials to become a Registered Nurse (RN). RNs not only earn a higher salary but also have greater autonomy in patient care and access to a broader range of specialties.
How to: Seek out bridge programs from LVN/LPN to BSN in your region. These programs are designed specifically for those with vocational or practical nursing training and often provide flexible schedules for working professionals.
Advertisement: 12 CNA Graduates of CAL ACE Nursing Academy are now working at Stanford’s Lucille Packard Childrens’ Hospital. Enroll now!
How to: Research accredited LVN or LPN bridge programs in your area. Typically, these programs acknowledge your CNA training and experience, allowing you to complete the course in a shorter time frame than those starting from scratch.
How to: To move into specialized roles, you may need additional training and certifications. Investigate your desired position’s requirements and enroll in relevant programs, ensuring that your current CNA experience can be applied.
Advertisement: CAL ACE Nursing Academy offers 7-week CNA Program
Once you’ve become an LVN or LPN, you don’t have to stop there. Many programs exist that allow LVNs or LPNs to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), giving you the credentials to become a Registered Nurse (RN). RNs not only earn a higher salary but also have greater autonomy in patient care and access to a broader range of specialties.
How to: Seek out bridge programs from LVN/LPN to BSN in your region. These programs are designed specifically for those with vocational or practical nursing training and often provide flexible schedules for working professionals.
Advertisement: 12 CNA Graduates of CAL ACE Nursing Academy are now working at Stanford’s Lucille Packard Childrens’ Hospital. Enroll now!
How to: Research accredited LVN or LPN bridge programs in your area. Typically, these programs acknowledge your CNA training and experience, allowing you to complete the course in a shorter time frame than those starting from scratch.
How to: To move into specialized roles, you may need additional training and certifications. Investigate your desired position’s requirements and enroll in relevant programs, ensuring that your current CNA experience can be applied.
Advertisement: CAL ACE Nursing Academy offers 7-week CNA Program
The world of healthcare is vast. With your foundational knowledge as a CNA, you’re in a prime position to branch out into specialized fields like geriatrics, pediatrics, or even surgical assistance. Additional certifications can make you more marketable, potentially leading to roles in more niche areas of healthcare.
How to: Research the various healthcare specializations that interest you. Identify any certifications or additional training you might need and work towards acquiring them. Remember, every bit of education and training enhances your portfolio and job prospects.
How to: Seek out bridge programs from LVN/LPN to BSN in your region. These programs are designed specifically for those with vocational or practical nursing training and often provide flexible schedules for working professionals.
Advertisement: 12 CNA Graduates of CAL ACE Nursing Academy are now working at Stanford’s Lucille Packard Childrens’ Hospital. Enroll now!
How to: Research accredited LVN or LPN bridge programs in your area. Typically, these programs acknowledge your CNA training and experience, allowing you to complete the course in a shorter time frame than those starting from scratch.
How to: To move into specialized roles, you may need additional training and certifications. Investigate your desired position’s requirements and enroll in relevant programs, ensuring that your current CNA experience can be applied.
Advertisement: CAL ACE Nursing Academy offers 7-week CNA Program
Being a CNA is more than just a job; it’s a launchpad. Whether you’re aiming for a higher paycheck, a more specialized field, or further academic achievements, your CNA experience provides a robust foundation. With dedication and the right steps, the sky’s the limit in the expansive world of nursing and healthcare. Seize the opportunities and shape your future!
