Nursing
CNA to ADN (Registered Nurse)
Turn your CNA experience into an associate nursing degree. The fastest route to RN licensure.
- We’ll help you earn your CNA
- Then we map ADN programs that take it
- Admission checklist tracked to acceptance
Nursing
- CNA
- ADN
The payoff.
Figures are national medians. Your state, shift, and employer will vary.
How this pathway works.
- 1
Earn your CNA
We help you become certified. Already hold your CNA? Skip ahead. Everything you complete counts toward the next rung.
- 2
Map ADN programs
See ADN programs side by side: prerequisites, entrance exams, tuition, and timelines.
- 3
Track your admission checklist
Every remaining requirement (TEAS, prerequisite courses, references, applications) becomes a checklist item you can finish one by one.
- 4
Apply and get accepted
When your checklist is green, you apply with everything schools ask for. No surprises.
Institutions where you'll finish
Common questions.
How long does the CNA to ADN pathway take?
Most students complete this pathway in about 2 years, depending on prerequisites already met and whether you study full- or part-time.
Do I need my CNA credential before I start?
No. The pathway starts with enrolling in a CNA program, and we help you do that. If you already hold the credential, you skip ahead: your experience and coursework count toward the next program's admission requirements.
How much more can I earn after finishing?
Nationally, the median jump is from about $34,000 to $79,000 a year. Pay varies by state, employer, and shift.
Which schools offer this pathway?
Dozens of accredited institutions across the US offer the destination program, including Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations, Advance Science International College.
Is TransitionU free to use?
Yes. Mapping your credentials, comparing programs, and tracking your admission checklist are all free for students.