Career path
Nursing career paths: CNA to LPN, RN & BSN
Nursing is a ladder, not a leap. Each credential you earn — CNA, LPN, RN, BSN — counts toward the next one, and most programs give working caregivers credit for experience. Here is the full route, rung by rung.
The credential ladder
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
4–12 weeks
State-approved training plus a competency exam puts you on the nurse aide registry and into paid patient care fast.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
About 12 months
A practical nursing diploma and the NCLEX-PN let you administer medication and supervise aides.
Registered Nurse (ADN)
2 years
An associate degree in nursing plus the NCLEX-RN — the fastest route to the RN license. Many programs require a current CNA.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
4 years, or 12–18 months RN-to-BSN
The degree hospitals increasingly prefer; opens leadership, specialty, and graduate routes.
Mapped pathways you can start today
Common questions
Do I need to be a CNA before nursing school?
Many ADN programs require or strongly prefer a current CNA certification, and the patient-care hours strengthen every application. It is the most common first rung.
What entrance exams do nursing programs use?
Most use the ATI TEAS or HESI A2, covering reading, math, science, and English. Competitive programs look for TEAS scores above ~70%.
Can I work while climbing the ladder?
Yes — the ladder is designed for it. CNAs work while finishing LPN or ADN programs, and RN-to-BSN bridges are mostly online for working nurses.
Ready to map your nursing route?
Add what you've already earned and see exactly what each program still requires.
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