CNA to LPN – How the Transition Is Made
You have the option to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), if you are already a certified nursing assistant (CNA). LPNs earn on average 50% more than CNAs and have better career prospects. Making the CNA to LPN transition is not an easy and simple task, but it is perfectly possible.
There are bridge study programs available for certified nursing assistants to become registered practical nurses. These are specifically designed for students who have completed the basic part of their nursing education. Generally, your credits from your CNA course will be taken into account, so the LPN training will be shorter and less intensive compared to the standardized one for people with no relevant education and experience.
The CNA to LPN training courses are designed to be flexible so that students can go to work while studying. Classes are organized in the evenings and on weekends. It is also possible for you to sign up for an online transition program. These are readily available and usually offer the highest level of flexibility and convenience you can require.
The entry requirements for transitional programs vary from one state to another depending on the regulations set by the local state’s board of nursing. Hence, you have to check the criteria applicable to you. In general, you will be required to have worked as a certified nursing assistant for some time, such as 50 months (which is the case in California). In addition, there are usually some clinical specialty requirements regarding the number of hours spent in pharmacology, pediatrics and maternity or genitourinary.
The cost of the CNA to LPN programs differs depending on various factors. In any case, you can expect your tuition fees to be no less than a couple of thousand dollars for this type of lpn training. Still, financial support is available. You can get grants from the federal and state government and even some form of financial aid from your employer to complete the lpn program of your choice.
