CNA to LPN – Career Progression
Are you looking to climb the ladder in your nursing career in order to make more money while taking on a role with an increased amount of responsibility? You might want to consider transitioning from CNA to LPN.
Certified Nursing Assistant vs. Licensed Practical Nurse
While the CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and the LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) generally perform many of the same tasks, the LPN typically is given more responsibility and freedom to complete duties in a manner that they deem suitable. Both still operate under the supervision of a doctor or RN (Registered Nurse), but the LPN is given the privilege of taking on more of a lead role in everyday tasks such as setting up procedural rooms or giving medication to patients. CNAs do not enjoy the freedom of making procedural decisions on their own nor do they make as much money as LPNs.
Educational Requirements
Making the transition from CNA to LPN involves completing an increased amount of training in a number of specialty areas such as pediatrics, pharmacology, and maternity. The additional education and training requirements help to expand the knowledge and skill set of the LPN so that they may make sound decisions in more of a leadership role. The amount of additional education needed will vary from state to state, so individuals must check with their state board of nursing in order to determine what exactly is required of them within their state.
Where To Get Your LPN Education
CNA to LPN programs are readily available in colleges and vocational schools and can take an average of 2 years to complete. Students looking to make the transition according to their own schedule can look at the possibility of completing CNA to LPN online programs. Students must complete the NCLEX-PN exam in order to complete the transition and work in a professional setting. This must be done regardless of whether the student completes their additional education at a college, vocational school, or through an online degree program.
Should You Expect A Salary Increase?
If you plan on making the transition from a CNA to an LPN, you can expect to receive a higher salary because of the increased level of responsibility that the position requires. LPNs can expect to receive anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 more than the average nursing assistant salary. Often times this is one of the primary motivating factors that convinces many to transition from CNA to LPN.