4 answers
gabi
Student
Leesville, Louisiana
1
Question
Asked
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If I want to pursue my education after becoming a CNA what can I do nex ?
I am currently in a program to become a certified medical assistant however I would like to become a registered nurse. I am struggling with what steps I need to plan for or take in the near future
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Like you Gabi, many aspiring nurses often begin their careers as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) because it is a fast and inexpensive way to build a solid base of experience in the nursing field. CNAs who wish to transition from entry-level to Registered Nurse (RN) can seek additional clinical training and certification by take the next step by registering in a CNA to RN bridge program. These bridge programs offer CNAs a valuable opportunity to gain the hands-on clinical experience, technical skills, and knowledge required to advance their careers to RNs. These programs are designed to facilitate a smooth transition from CNA to RN by recognizing the experience and skills you'll have already acquired as a CNA. This typically provide a shorter and more streamlined path to becoming an RN compared to Associated and Bachelor's nursing degrees. CNA to RN programs are an attractive option because they allow nurse assistants to earn their associate degree in nursing in significantly less time than a traditional registered nursing program which can take between two and four years to complete. Nurse assistants who enroll in a CNA to RN program often receive credit for coursework completed in their initial CNA classes or are allowed to “test out” of required prerequisite courses, so they do not have to repeat unnecessary courses. This approach will allow you to earn your RN credentials in half the time and cost of traditional programs.
Gabi CNAs can often find bridge programs available at your local colleges or universities, making it convenient for you to continue your RN education without having to relocate. These nursing programs often offer flexible schedules to accommodate working CNAs, which will you allow you to maintain your employment while pursuing your RN certification.
Hope this will be helpful Gabi
Gabi CNAs can often find bridge programs available at your local colleges or universities, making it convenient for you to continue your RN education without having to relocate. These nursing programs often offer flexible schedules to accommodate working CNAs, which will you allow you to maintain your employment while pursuing your RN certification.
Hope this will be helpful Gabi
L. M.
RN
15
Answers
Arlington, Texas
Updated
L.’s Answer
Find a college/university near you that provide nursing courses then go from there. Apply to those colleges, and see what they offer. Most institutions have advisors that will help you pick your classes and guide you into the right direction.
Cheryl Gamble
Nurse Anesthesiology
7
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Cheryl’s Answer
Hi Gabi!
First, how exciting to be considering a nursing degree. I just have to say I love being a nurse and it was the best decision I ever made! I started off as a certified nurse assistant, CNA, while I was in school for my Associates Degree in Nursing. This is a 2 year program, but after I sat for the boards, I became a Registered Nurse with that Associates Degree. I started immediately working as a RN, then when I decided to go back for my Bachelors, the hospital actually paid me to go back to school. It was an educational benefit offered. I obtained my Bachelors Degree in Nursing, and then they also offered more monies to go back for my Masters Degree in Nursing. Although not fully paid for this degree, it was a significant reduction in cost for attending college again. And by then, most of the classes were offered online, what a plus!
However, being a CNA and then going to RN program is totally different from your program of certified medical assistant, MA.
The biggest difference between the two careers is that MAs perform both office tasks and patient care tasks, while CNAs generally perform only direct patient care tasks. Generally, CNAs have considerably more patient care duties than medical assistants and spend more time with patients one-on-one.
There are CNA to RN bridge programs: click this link: www.registerednursing.org/cna-to-rn/
But there are no MA to RN bridge programs. This is because the curriculum and clinicals for medical assistants and registered nurses are very different. Medical assistants would need to pursue the traditional education rout; including community colleges, universities, vocational schools, or test out/self-paced instruction if the program would allow that.
If you are thinking of becoming a nurse, find our more information.
Obviously as we do not know how far into your medical assistant program you are, but perhaps changing your focus now would be easier and more beneficial. But first, speak with the school guidance counselor and ask what the options are.
I would definitely research both the MA program vs the nursing program to see the exact differences, as well as career advancement opportunities available for both careers. Remember education is an ongoing life- time exercise.
What you may do now, may not be both challenging and exciting as you grow older. Our priorities change as we grow and keeping that in mind for which health care career to invest may be the most valuable research topic for you.
Have fun and keep exploring!
First, how exciting to be considering a nursing degree. I just have to say I love being a nurse and it was the best decision I ever made! I started off as a certified nurse assistant, CNA, while I was in school for my Associates Degree in Nursing. This is a 2 year program, but after I sat for the boards, I became a Registered Nurse with that Associates Degree. I started immediately working as a RN, then when I decided to go back for my Bachelors, the hospital actually paid me to go back to school. It was an educational benefit offered. I obtained my Bachelors Degree in Nursing, and then they also offered more monies to go back for my Masters Degree in Nursing. Although not fully paid for this degree, it was a significant reduction in cost for attending college again. And by then, most of the classes were offered online, what a plus!
However, being a CNA and then going to RN program is totally different from your program of certified medical assistant, MA.
The biggest difference between the two careers is that MAs perform both office tasks and patient care tasks, while CNAs generally perform only direct patient care tasks. Generally, CNAs have considerably more patient care duties than medical assistants and spend more time with patients one-on-one.
There are CNA to RN bridge programs: click this link: www.registerednursing.org/cna-to-rn/
But there are no MA to RN bridge programs. This is because the curriculum and clinicals for medical assistants and registered nurses are very different. Medical assistants would need to pursue the traditional education rout; including community colleges, universities, vocational schools, or test out/self-paced instruction if the program would allow that.
If you are thinking of becoming a nurse, find our more information.
Obviously as we do not know how far into your medical assistant program you are, but perhaps changing your focus now would be easier and more beneficial. But first, speak with the school guidance counselor and ask what the options are.
I would definitely research both the MA program vs the nursing program to see the exact differences, as well as career advancement opportunities available for both careers. Remember education is an ongoing life- time exercise.
What you may do now, may not be both challenging and exciting as you grow older. Our priorities change as we grow and keeping that in mind for which health care career to invest may be the most valuable research topic for you.
Have fun and keep exploring!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Gabi,
Here's your roadmap to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) from a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) position. It's a journey, but with determination, you can achieve it. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Secure a High School Diploma or GED: This is your starting point. You need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent, the GED.
2. Finish Prerequisite Courses: Before applying to a nursing school, you need to complete certain prerequisite courses. These typically include subjects such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy.
3. Opt for the Suitable Nursing Program: There are multiple routes to becoming an RN, including securing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Many employers are now leaning towards candidates with a BSN due to its all-inclusive curriculum.
4. Clear the NCLEX-RN Exam: Once you wrap up your nursing program, you need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to get your RN license.
5. Accumulate Experience: While working towards your nursing degree, consider gaining experience as a CNA. This hands-on experience can be invaluable and might even help you land a job as an RN later.
6. Think about Further Specialization: As an RN, you have the option to specialize in fields such as pediatrics, oncology, or critical care. You can do this by earning additional certifications or advanced degrees.
7. Stay Current: The field of nursing is always evolving. Keep up with the latest developments and technologies by attending workshops, seminars, and enrolling in continuing education programs.
By sticking to these steps and remaining committed to your goal, you can successfully move from a CNA role to an RN position.
Here are the top 3 authoritative sources that I used to answer your question:
- American Nurses Association (ANA): This professional organization offers resources and information about nursing education, licensure requirements, and career growth opportunities for nurses.
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): The NCSBN is responsible for developing the NCLEX-RN exam and setting the standards for nursing practice in the United States. Their website is a great resource for information on licensing requirements and exam preparation.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides data on job outlook, salary details, and educational requirements for various jobs, including registered nurses. It's a reliable source for understanding the landscape of the healthcare industry and the career prospects for nurses.
May God Bless You On Your Journey!
James Constantine Frangos.
Here's your roadmap to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) from a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) position. It's a journey, but with determination, you can achieve it. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Secure a High School Diploma or GED: This is your starting point. You need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent, the GED.
2. Finish Prerequisite Courses: Before applying to a nursing school, you need to complete certain prerequisite courses. These typically include subjects such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy.
3. Opt for the Suitable Nursing Program: There are multiple routes to becoming an RN, including securing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Many employers are now leaning towards candidates with a BSN due to its all-inclusive curriculum.
4. Clear the NCLEX-RN Exam: Once you wrap up your nursing program, you need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to get your RN license.
5. Accumulate Experience: While working towards your nursing degree, consider gaining experience as a CNA. This hands-on experience can be invaluable and might even help you land a job as an RN later.
6. Think about Further Specialization: As an RN, you have the option to specialize in fields such as pediatrics, oncology, or critical care. You can do this by earning additional certifications or advanced degrees.
7. Stay Current: The field of nursing is always evolving. Keep up with the latest developments and technologies by attending workshops, seminars, and enrolling in continuing education programs.
By sticking to these steps and remaining committed to your goal, you can successfully move from a CNA role to an RN position.
Here are the top 3 authoritative sources that I used to answer your question:
- American Nurses Association (ANA): This professional organization offers resources and information about nursing education, licensure requirements, and career growth opportunities for nurses.
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): The NCSBN is responsible for developing the NCLEX-RN exam and setting the standards for nursing practice in the United States. Their website is a great resource for information on licensing requirements and exam preparation.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides data on job outlook, salary details, and educational requirements for various jobs, including registered nurses. It's a reliable source for understanding the landscape of the healthcare industry and the career prospects for nurses.
May God Bless You On Your Journey!
James Constantine Frangos.