CNA to RN: Taking the Next Step in Nursing
Key Differences Between CNAs and RNs—Including Job Duties, Salary, and Education
For people with a passion for making a difference, there are many potential paths to a successful career in nursing. Some nurses get started by spending a few years in school to earn an associate degree or bachelor’s degree. Others who need a faster route to a reliable healthcare career choose to start their journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Becoming a CNA can be an excellent way to get your foot in the door of the healthcare industry, and learn foundational skills you’ll use for the rest of your career.
However, because CNAs have a limited scope of practice and less room for growth, they don’t have the same earning potential or possibilities for advancement as registered nurses (RNs). Leveling up from CNA to RN can lead to exciting opportunities in many different areas of nursing—not to mention much better compensation and benefits.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the key differences between CNAs and RNs, the benefits of becoming an RN, and what it takes for a CNA to upgrade their skills and become a registered nurse. The good news is that it may be easier than you expect!
Disclaimer: Provo College does not currently offer a CNA-to-BSN bridge program. 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):
CNAs care for patients by performing basic medical tasks and supporting their day-to-day needs like bathing, dressing, and eating. They ensure the care environment is safe, clean, and comfortable, and support nurses and other healthcare professionals during procedures and examinations. CNAs always work under the supervision of more advanced healthcare providers—often registered nurses or licensed practical nurses.
Daily job duties for CNAs commonly include:
- Checking vital signs like blood pressure and temperature
- Communicating with patients to understand their needs
- Serving meals and helping patients eat
- Helping patients bathe, dress, and perform other daily tasks
- Making patient beds and cleaning rooms
- Assisting nurses with more advanced medical procedures
CNAs complete state-approved educational programs where they learn the basics of nursing and clinical work. After completing their training, all states also require CNAs to pass a competency exam to prove they can care for patients safely and effectively. CNA programs can typically be completed within a few months or less, allowing eager healthcare professionals to start their careers ASAP.
Registered Nurse (RN):
Registered nurses have more advanced medical training that gives them much more responsibility in a clinical environment. They’re qualified to deliver a wider variety of treatments and procedures and have the authority to administer medications, order tests, and perform other important clinical duties. RNs frequently supervise other healthcare professionals like CNAs and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
Common daily responsibilities of registered nurses include:
- Monitoring and assessing patients’ condition
- Administering a variety of medications and treatments
- Performing or assisting with more advanced medical procedures
- Delivering emergency care to patients in life-threatening conditions
- Educating patients and caregivers about health issues or treatment plans
- Documenting treatments, medications, or changes in patient condition
- Performing diagnostic tests and analyzing their results
Because they have so much responsibility, registered nurses must complete a college degree program that includes extensive skills training. Before RNs can earn their license and begin working, they must also pass a national-level certification exam (NCLEX-RN) to demonstrate they’re ready to care for patients effectively and ethically.
How Do I Go from CNA to RN?
If you’re currently working as a CNA, you can become a registered nurse by earning either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Both options have their own timelines, benefits, and drawbacks.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree Programs
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is the gold standard of nursing education. A BSN is the best choice if you want to maximize your future earning potential and give yourself the most options to specialize in areas like surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, orthopedic nursing, etc. Many employers also require a BSN degree to move into management, educational, or administrative roles.
A BSN degree at most traditional colleges is a four-year commitment, although there are many options for accelerated BSN programs that can be completed in as little as 3 years. While it takes hard work and dedication to complete a BSN program, it’s an accomplishment that comes with arguably the greatest potential rewards among all the nursing degree options.
A growing number of BSN programs offer online or hybrid courses that combine flexible online learning with hands-on skills training, making them popular options for CNAs and other healthcare providers who want to advance their careers.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs
It’s also possible to become a registered nurse after earning your ADN degree. These associate-level nursing degree programs can typically be finished faster than a BSN program—often in as little as 2 years. However, the highest-paying nursing specialties frequently require a BSN degree, so you may be limiting your long-term potential.
You can certainly earn your ADN degree and then earn your BSN later, though you may end up paying more educational costs in the long run by earning two degrees vs. what you would pay by completing a BSN program the first time around. Be sure to look closely at tuition costs (and what’s included with each program) when weighing your options.
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Programs
For people who aren’t able to commit to the longer timeline required to earn an ADN or BSN, a practical nursing program can also be a good intermediate step for CNAs who want to upgrade their skills and become licensed practical nurses (LPNs), with the potential to become an RN after additional education in the future.
CNA-to-RN Programs
These programs build upon the education you received during your CNA training to help you become a registered nurse faster than starting from scratch—often somewhere between 1-2 years. CNA-to-RN programs can be a great option to upgrade your nursing skills and your income potential. They’re generally associate-degree-level programs, so you may need additional education if you want to progress to the highest levels of nursing.
How Much Does a CNA to RN Program Cost?
How much it costs to get your nursing degree depends on the degree you’re pursuing, how much educational experience you already have, and the program you choose. Accelerated programs can save you money in the long run by minimizing the amount of time you spend in school, and allowing you to start your new career (and your new salary!) sooner.
Talk with an admissions advisor at any nursing school you’re considering, and be sure to get a clear understanding of your tuition costs, plus other expenses like textbooks, lab fees, or any required equipment.
How to Get Help Paying for Nursing School
Nursing school can be expensive, but there are several options available to help you cover the cost of your education, including:
Nursing Scholarships – Scholarships offer essentially free money that can be used for educational expenses, as long as you qualify, stay in school, and complete your program. They may be awarded based on academic merit, financial need, cultural identity, or to students pursuing specific specialties.
Tuition Reimbursement Programs – Many healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement and other types of financial assistance to encourage employees to continue their education.
Federal Student Loans – The U.S. Department of Education offers reduced-interest-rate loans and multiple options for long-term repayment plans. Learn more at studentaid.gov.
Educational Grants – Grants can come from state governments or the federal government as well as private sources. They’re similar to scholarships and are often based on financial need.
Private Student Loans – Private loans can be a useful way to help with the cost of your nursing degree, but they may also be subject to higher interest rates than federal loans.
To learn more about nursing scholarships and how to find them, you can explore our ultimate guide to nursing scholarships and financial aid for nursing students.
CNA vs. RN: Salary and Job Outlook
CNA Job Outlook
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of August 2024, employment of CNAs is projected to grow 4% between 2023 to 2033. The demand for CNAs is expected to keep pace with the average growth rate of all other careers.
How Much Do CNAs Make?
The latest BLS data as of May 2023 shows the average salary* for nursing assistants works out to $39,610 per year, or just over $19.00 per hour. CNAs among the top 10% of earners made about $48,780 per year. However, it’s important to keep in mind that salary* can be dependent on location, experience, and more.
Highest Paying Industries for CNAs
According to the BLS, as of May 2023, these are the industries where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for Nursing Assistants:
| Industry | Average Hourly Pay | Average Salary |
| Dental Offices | $ 27.62 | $ 57,450 |
| Junior Colleges | $ 26.35 | $ 54,820 |
| Federal, State, or Local Government | $ 23.36 | $ 48,580 |
| Scientific Research and Development | $ 23.31 | $ 48,490 |
| Technical and Trade Schools | $ 22.52 | $ 46,850
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Highest Paying States for CNAs
According to the BLS, as of May 2023, these are the states where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for Nursing Assistants:
| State | Average Hourly Pay | Average Salary |
| District of Columbia | $ 23.01 | $ 47,860 |
| Alaska | $ 22.63 | $ 47,080 |
| California | $ 22.63 | $ 47,070 |
| Oregon | $ 22.58 | $ 46,970 |
| Washington | $ 22.32 | $ 46,430 |
RN Job Outlook
RNs have a slightly better job outlook compared to CNAs. The most recent BLS data as of August 2024 predicts that employment of registered nurses will increase a 6% between 2023 and 2033, largely due to an ongoing shortage of qualified nurses. Becoming a registered nurse is an excellent choice if you want a career where your skills will be in demand.
How Much Do Registered Nurses Make?
Registered nurses’ more advanced training pays off when it comes to the salary* difference compared to being a CNA. According to the BLS, the average annual salary* for registered nurses in May 2023 was about $94,480 per year, which works out to around $45.42 per hour.
Registered nurses in the top 10% of salaries earn over $132,000 per year, which is a major upgrade over the top of the pay scale for CNAs.
Highest Paying Industries for Registered Nurses
According to the BLS, as of May 2023, these are the industries where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for registered nurses:
| Industry | Average Hourly Pay | Average Salary |
| Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) | $ 55.22 | $ 114,860 |
| Employment Services | $ 53.00 | $ 110,230 |
| Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing | $52.23 | $ 108,640 |
| Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing | $ 51.19 | $ 106,470 |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods | $ 49.97 | $ 103,940 |
Highest Paying States for Registered Nurses
According to the BLS, as of May 2024, 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 | $ 66.20 | $ 137,690 |
| Hawaii | $ 57.55 | $ 119,710 |
| Oregon | $ 54.54 | $ 113,440 |
| Washington | $ 53.38 | $ 111,030 |
| Alaska | $ 52.51 | $ 109,210 |
Start Your Nursing Career at Provo College
If you want to give yourself the most options for your future career as a nurse, the accelerated BSN program at Provo College could be the best choice for going from CNA to RN. While you’ll spend a little bit longer in school than you might with an ADN-level nursing program, the difference in future employment possibilities makes the choice an easy one for many people.
Our nursing programs offer small class sizes, experienced instructors, and dedicated support staff to help you with everything from admissions to passing the NCLEX to finding your first job. We pride ourselves on creating a career-focused learning environment where anyone with big dreams can take their healthcare career to the next level.
Still looking to learn more about a career in nursing? Explore our list of the highest-paying nursing specialties, check out our detailed guide on how to become a registered nurse, or read up on how to prepare for nursing school.
