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CNA to BSN

Your credential ladder

CNA BSN

Bridge from frontline care to a four-year nursing degree, with your patient-care hours working for you.

Typical timeline 4 years
Start enrollment Browse all pathways

The payoff

CNA median pay $34,000/yr
BSN median pay $86,070/yr

That's a potential +$52,070 a year after 4 years. Figures are national medians — your state and employer will vary.

How this pathway works

  1. 1

    Map what your CNA already counts for

    Add your certifications, courses, and experience once — we show you exactly which admission requirements you already meet.

  2. 2

    Compare programs that fit

    See BSN programs side by side — prerequisites, entrance exams, tuition, and timelines — instead of digging through school websites.

  3. 3

    Track your admission checklist

    Every remaining requirement (TEAS, prerequisite courses, references, applications) becomes a checklist item you can finish one by one.

  4. 4

    Apply and get accepted

    When your checklist is green, you apply with everything schools ask for — no surprises, no missed requirements.

Schools where you can finish this pathway

Abilene Christian University Abilene, Texas 4-Year University Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online Addison, Texas 4-Year University Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton, Georgia 4-Year University Adams State University Alamosa, Colorado 4-Year University Adelphi University Garden City, New York 4-Year University AdventHealth University Orlando, Florida 4-Year University Alaska Pacific University Anchorage, Alaska 4-Year University Albany State University Albany, Georgia 4-Year University Alcorn State University Alcorn State, Mississippi 4-Year University Allen College Waterloo, Iowa 4-Year University Alma College Alma, Michigan 4-Year University Alvernia University Reading, Pennsylvania 4-Year University
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Common questions

How long does the CNA to BSN pathway take?

Most students complete this pathway in about 4 years, depending on prerequisites already met and whether you study full- or part-time.

Do I need my CNA credential first?

Yes — this route is built for people who already hold a CNA credential (or are finishing one). Your experience and coursework count toward admission requirements.

How much more can I earn after finishing?

Nationally, the median jump is from about $34,000 to $86,070 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 Abilene Christian University, Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

Is TransitionU free to use?

Yes — mapping your credentials, comparing programs, and tracking your admission checklist are free for students.