Every medical professional contributes to the healthcare field equally, and some take on more managerial positions while others provide hands-on care. There are several ways you can level up in your career when it comes to the nursing field. Many medical professionals choose a prevalent path from a certified nursing assistant (CNA) to a licensed practical nurse (LPN).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for certified nursing assistants was $30,850 in May 2020. On the other hand, the employment rate of licensed practical nurses is expected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, and as of May 2020, their median annual wage was $48,820. In addition, about 60,700 openings for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses are projected each year over the decade.
If you're interested to know whether jumping from a CNA to LPN is beneficial, what's the next step after CNA, and how to become an LPN fast, keep on reading!
CNA vs. LPN: An Overview
In the nursing profession, both LPNs and CNAs are vital health providers. While there are differences between the two domains, the most significant differences are the amount of education, the scope of duty, and salary.
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a medical professional who works under the supervision of a nurse and assists patients and nurses with daily tasks.
CNAs assist patients with basic activities of daily living, which include:
bathing,
dressing,
eating,
using the bathroom, and
taking medicine.
On the other hand, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a nurse who is qualified to give primary nursing care to patients.
The tasks of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) vary by state, but in general, an LPN can:
take vital signs,
place catheters,
give injections and enemas,
dress wounds, and
collect samples for lab testing.
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What is a CNA?
A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, aids patients with daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other healthcare needs. They work under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
CNAs work in hospitals, long-term residential facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, adult day care centers, and more.
What is an LPN?
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) handles primary nursing duties in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.
An LPN works under the direct administration of doctors and registered nurses, performing tasks such as collecting samples, taking vital signs, administering medication, ensuring patient comfort, and reporting the status of their patients to the nurses.
The Path From CNA to LPN
As a CNA, you can take the next big step to become an LPN. A CNA who decides to choose this path will need to complete an educational program and then pass a national licensing exam.
CNA to LPN bridge program
CNA to LPN bridge programs are designed to use your existing CNA education as a basis for further training to become an LPN.
Students who have already finished the CNA training programs will find the CNA to LPN programs quite similar. Such bridge programs combine classroom learning with hands-on practice in the clinic.
The course comprises topics such as anatomy, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, physiology, and biology. In addition, the students will also need to take up assignments, regular class examinations, and different group discussions.
There is a balance between both classroom learning and field experience. Students get more confidence in providing their services due to their work experience in the practical medical field.
CNA to LPN Education requirement
CNAs should review the qualifications, responsibilities, and overall distinctions between the two roles before enrolling in a bridge program and becoming licensed practical nurses.
Admission requirements for a CNA to LPN program may differ from one institution to the next. There are, nevertheless, a few essential requirements that practically all nursing programs require. The following are some of them:
A certificate indicating that the CNA program has been successfully completed.
College transcripts.
Documents reflecting the candidate's previous experience as a CNA.
The candidate should have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
The NCLEX Exam
To earn the credential of Licensed Practical Nurse, you will need to take the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN). The National Council of State Boards of Nursing developed and administered the exam. Specific eligibility varies from state to state, so current Nursing Assistants must check beforehand with their State' Board of Nursing for their requirements.
LPN License
CNAs are not licensed, but they must pass a proficiency test and register with their state's nursing board. However, a CNA who wants to become a licensed practical nurse must apply for and be accepted into an LPN certificate or diploma program. LPN programs are available at community colleges and private vocational schools. After graduating, an aspiring LPN must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).
CNA to LPN: How Long Does It Take?
Most CNA to LPN programs run 6 to 12 months and require students to finish 40 to 80 credit hours. Students might acquire their education at vocational schools, technical institutions, or junior colleges.
With primary education, it may be possible to reduce the time it takes to get a degree. Some colleges can accept CNA training credits toward an LPN degree.
Why Make the Jump from CNA to LPN?
Many professionals choose to start their medical career as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in order to lay the groundwork for becoming Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) later on.
Transitioning from a CNA to an LPN comes with a significant number of benefits, including:
1. Increased Pay
In terms of compensation, LPNs earn over 59 percent more than CNAs on an annual basis. With more experience and years of service, you may be able to make even more money.
2. Increased Knowledge
While CNAs learn only the fundamentals during their training, LPNs have a broader understanding of several sectors and are assigned more advanced roles in healthcare settings.
3. Increased Employment Opportunities
LPNs can easily find work in various healthcare settings because they have a better level of understanding in several healthcare sectors.
4. Progression in career
Changing from a CNA to an LPN provides up to additional chances for furthering one's career in the field of nursing, resulting in increased job satisfaction. As an LPN, you can take on more roles than a CNA, which widens the pool of jobs you can get as a nurse.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, jumping from CNA to LPN is a brilliant choice to help you level up your career. Moreover, making such a transition will come with many benefits such as job stability, flexibility, enriching work experience, continued education, and equally important better salaries.
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