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. Become certified, then we map the degree and the schools that take you.
Nursing
- CNA
- LPN
- ADN
- BSN
The credential ladder
- $35,000 /yr median
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.
- $54,000 /yr median
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
About 12 months
A practical nursing diploma and the NCLEX-PN let you administer medication and supervise aides.
- $77,000 /yr median
Registered Nurse (ADN)
2 years
An associate degree in nursing plus the NCLEX-RN, the fastest route to the RN license. Many programs require or prefer a current CNA.
- $86,000 /yr median
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
CMA → LPN
Medication Aide to LPN
- CMA
- LPN
CNA → LPN
CNA to LPN
- CNA
- LPN
LPN → ADN
LPN to RN Bridge
- LPN
- ADN
CNA → BSN
CNA to BSN
- CNA
- BSN
CNA → ADN
CNA to ADN (Registered Nurse)
- CNA
- ADN
CNA → BSN
Georgia CNA to RN Pathway
- CNA
- BSN
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. TransitionU helps you become certified, then maps the degree.
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 about 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.