How to Go From CNA to LPN: 5 Steps
What does it really take to go from CNA to LPN? If you’re a certified nursing assistant (CNA) looking to expand your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and take on greater responsibilities while earning a higher salary, becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) could be the next big step in your career. Plus, becoming an LPN can serve as a stepping stone towards pursuing higher levels of nursing, such as becoming a registered nurse (RN) and even an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), down the line.
How do CNA to LPN bridge programs work, and what’s the step-by-step path for CNAs to become LPNs? This article is your guide to making the transition, covering education, job responsibilities, salaries, and work opportunities.
CNA to LPN Programs: A Snapshot
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; CNA certification
- Education: LPN/LVN program at a vocational school or community college
- Certification: Pass the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses)
- Licensing: State licensure required to practice as an LPN
- Clinical training: Hands-on experience in patient care settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics
- Length of time: Typically 12–18 months
- Salary potential: Higher than a CNA, with variations based on state, employer, and experience
CNA and LPN: What’s the Difference?
While both CNAs and LPNs work closely with patients, their roles aren’t quite the same. The CNA scope of practice focuses on helping with daily living activities like feeding, bathing, and assisting with mobility, as well as taking vital signs and supporting patients’ comfort.
The LPN scope of practice involves more advanced clinical tasks, such as giving medications to stable patients, performing simple wound care, and assisting nurses with medical procedures.
Here’s a chart comparing CNA vs. LPN career paths:
| Feature | CNA | LPN |
|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Provide basic hands-on care and support to patients. | Perform basic clinical tasks and patient monitoring. |
| Daily tasks | Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), hygiene, and taking vital signs. | Work alongside RNs on clinical responsibilities, such as performing routine medical care for stable patients. |
| Education | Complete a CNA training program (typically 4 weeks to a few months). | Finish a LPN program at a vocational school or community college (typically 12–18 months). |
| Certification and licensure | Obtain CNA certification. | Pass the NCLEX-PN and obtain state licensure. |
| Supervision | Work under the guidance of LPNs or RNs. | Work under the guidance of RNs, nurse practitioners (NPs), or other healthcare professionals. |
From Nursing Assistant to LPN: Step-by-Step Guide
Moving from CNA duties to an LPN role requires a combination of schooling, clinical experience, and licensure. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process:
Step 1: Meet the Prerequisites
Before applying to an LPN program, you’ll need to meet the standard prerequisites. While specific requirements vary by institution, here are some examples of eligibility criteria that LPN programs may ask for:
- Educational background: A high school diploma or GED is usually required.
- Prerequisite coursework: Some programs may require applicants to complete courses like human anatomy and physiology, mathematics, psychology, and English. Check with the admissions office to confirm that you’ve completed all required courses before applying.
- Admission testing: Some programs require a passing score on a nursing entrance exam, such as the HESI, TEAS, or NEX, or a school-specific test that evaluates basic math and reading skills. Learn more about how to prepare for a nursing entrance exam.
- Health and safety requirements: Expect to provide proof of immunizations, complete a health screening, and undergo a background check and drug screening either before or after admission.
- CNA certification: If you’re applying to a bridge program, you’ll need to submit proof of an active CNA certification.
Step 2: Apply to the CNA-to-LPN Bridge Program
So, how can a CNA bridge to LPN? These programs are specifically designed to help experienced CNAs transition into the LPN role by building on the skills and knowledge you already have. Look for the following types of programs:
- Accredited: Accreditation by organizations like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) ensures that your program meets national education standards and that you’ll qualify for an LPN license upon graduation.
- Flexible: LPN programs come in various formats, from traditional in-person to online classes. Some also offer evening and weekend courses to accommodate working CNAs.
- Recognize CNA experience: Some programs may grant credit or waive certain basic courses for CNAs with experience, reducing your total time in school.
Need an application checklist? Requirements can vary by program, but here’s a general list of what you should have ready before applying:
- Proof of high school diploma or GED
- Transcripts from any completed courses
- CNA certification
- CNA resume (if required)
- Standardized test scores for entrance exams (if required)
- Letters of recommendation or references (if required)
Step 3: Complete Coursework and Clinical Training
Once accepted, you’ll begin training that combines classroom instruction with clinical practice, giving you the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to safely care for patients as an LPN.
What do CNA-to-LPN classes typically cover, and how are they different from CNA programs? Here are a few examples of courses you’ll take on your journey to becoming an LPN:
- Introduction to nursing practice
- Communication and therapeutic relationships
- Gerontological nursing
- Mental health nursing
- Pharmacology
- Health assessment
- Leadership in nursing practice in the gerontological setting
- Maternal-child nursing
- Medical-surgical nursing
In addition to coursework, you’ll complete supervised clinical hours in real healthcare settings. During clinical rotations, you’ll work with a nursing preceptor to learn essential nursing skills, such as the following:
- Administering oral and injectable medications to stable patients
- Performing basic wound care and dressing changes
- Inserting and managing Foley catheters
- Starting and maintaining IVs (in states where it’s within the LPN scope of practice)
- Collecting lab specimens such as blood, urine, or sputum
- Monitoring IV fluids and reporting abnormalities
- Performing EKGs and basic diagnostic testing
- Documenting patient care in electronic healthcare records (EHRs), such as Epic
Step 4: Get Licensed
Graduating from your LPN program is a big achievement, but the journey isn’t complete until you pass the NCLEX-PN — the national exam that tests your readiness to safely practice nursing in real-world healthcare environments. Once you’ve passed, you’ll be eligible to apply for your state LPN license, which allows you to start working as an LPN.
Step 5: Maintain Your LPN License
Your LPN license must be renewed regularly based on your state’s requirements. Most states require renewal about every two years and may ask for proof of continuing education hours, completion of specific courses, or verification of recent work experience.
CNA and LPN Salary
One of the biggest motivators for CNAs to pursue LPN licensure is the earning potential. While salaries vary by state, healthcare facility, and years of experience, LPNs generally make more than CNAs. A typical CNA salary in the U.S. is $41,270 a year, while the national average LPN salary is $64,150 per year.
Wondering where LPNs earn the most? According to recent data, these states offer the best salaries for LPNs:
Certified Nursing Assistant to Licensed Practical Nurse: FAQs
How long is a typical CNA to LPN bridge program?
The length of a bridge program usually ranges from 9 to 12 months. This is generally shorter than a traditional LPN program, which takes about 12 to 18 months to complete if enrolled full-time. If you study part-time, your program may take 18 to 24 months to complete.
Do you have to be a CNA before LPN?
No, you don’t have to be a CNA before becoming an LPN. Although CNA programs may give you a head start (such as qualifying you for a bridge program), they’re not a requirement to become an LPN.
Are there LPN online programs?
Yes, there are CNA-to-LPN online programs. However, keep in mind that all programs require clinical training. This practical, hands-on training will still need to be completed in person at a clinical site or lab.
Can I go from CNA to RN?
Yes. To become an RN, you’ll need to complete either a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Learn more about how to go from CNA to RN.
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