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How Does a CNA Become an LPN?
While both Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are both required to work under the supervision of a doctor or registered nurse, LPNs are given greater responsibility and thereby receive higher salaries than their CNA counterparts. LPNs, referred to as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas, make the natural “second step” between CNAs and RNs.
The LPN’s role is often that of a middle-manager. A self-starter who, by virtue of added experience, is able to prepare procedural rooms, and in some states set-up IVs and administer medication to patients. RNs often give LPNs added independence that CNAs do not have.
Salary Difference
On average, LPNs earn $40,000 per year. This is $13,000 more than the average CNA salary of $27,000.
What Additional Education is Necessary?
Would You Pass the NCLEX?
NCLEX Review: Part INCLEX Review: Part II
NCLEX Review: Part III
NCLEX Review: Part IV
NCLEX Vocab Review
NCLEX Math Review
The training/education requirements vary from state to state. According to one NursingLink member who is making the switch, the state of California requires 51 months of experience in an acute hospital. Clinical specialty requirements include: 200 hours in pediatrics; 200 hours in genitourinary or maternity; 64 hours in Pharmacology; and 64 additional hours in one of these specialty areas.
Keep in mind that the method described above only refers to the requirements of one state. Please refer to your home state’s board of nursing for more specific information.
Where do LPNs Work?
Traditionally LPNs have worked in a wide variety of patient care settings. With the trend towards shorter and more affordable RN-focused programs, hospitals are now hiring less and less LPNs. Most new LPNs are working in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities. These types of facilities are expected to witness strong job growth due to large increases in the over-65 population. This trend should compensate for the decline of LPN positions available in hospitals.
What Education Programs Are Available?
Most LPN/LVN programs are available at vocational and community colleges throughout the country. They vary in length depending on each state’s requirements, but on average these programs require two years of study. Prospective LPN/LVNs must also pass the national NCLEX-PN before they can begin working in a hospital setting. For additional information on specific LPN/LVN programs, please check out this page.
Sources
About.com, LPN/VN Career and Education Options
Nursing Degree Guide, Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
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cnatraining
12 months ago
2 comments
CNA and LPN training both are related with nursing training programs but some what different in services and nature. CNA students can also pursue the LPN courses to become licensed practical nurse. There is high demand of CNA and LPN both in the health care industry.
http://www.nursingschoolsprograms.com/
jessiepplum
12 months ago
2 comments
I've been a certified nursing assistant for 11 years and now I'm looking and searching the web to see if I can go for my lpn online. Then if I need to go for clinical I can find a school close by to go to.
jean001
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I'm seriouly thinking about going back to school to get my LPN license. I'm a CNA right now I love what I do,but
it's not enough money in it. Especially when you are a single parent and want nothing, but the best for your
child.
antig30
about 1 year ago
2 comments
This is a great info. I also found something similar here http://www.lpntrainingprograms.org/cna-to-lpn which adds more to the education part of the transition from cna to lpn.
ladytaurus40
over 1 year ago
2 comments
How do I find schools in Orange County or Los Angeles County (California) that you can bridge over from CNA to LVN?
blueangel_067
over 1 year ago
2 comments
I am currently a CNA I work full time at a nursing home doing restorative therapy.. I also work full time at the hospital on the cardiac/cancer unit ive been there 4yrs and at the nursing home for 6yrs.. where can I go to take online classes to become an LPN? nobody offers online clasees for an RN so I have to go this route.. any help will be appreciated.
Keshia123
about 2 years ago
4 comments
I am a CMA but the pay rate is not much more than a CNA. I have them both but I would rather become a LPN and just work one job and have a degree. I am in the Atlanta and I need some pointers on a good place to start.
amanbrewo
over 3 years ago
2 comments
i have not read trough to many of the responses, but i was a cna for 1 year then got my cma, i applied to an lpn program and while i was on the waiting list to start the program i took my medical terminoly and when i got into the program i did not have to retake the things that i had already been certified in. im not sure if all programs do this but i do no that it is not that uncommon. if they do except them and when you get into the program and they find that you are lacking in the things that you have prevously been certified in then they will make you retake those courses. but for the most part you should be safe. im pretty sure most lpn programs are offered at vocational centers(google if you don't no, many should pop up, might be a little drive but not bad). as far as online for nursing progam they are never completly online all states require clinical hours(hours were you apply what you have learned in an actual hospital, nursing home, doctors office etc..) if you go from and lpn and want to be an rn, you will usually get alot of credit for what you have already learned in school prevously. in my opinion it does help to walk up the ladder, it helps to make that extra 10 or so more dollars an hour while goiing to school to get you RN. sorry i no this responce was a little lengthy butit hope it might help a little.
Diana3310
over 3 years ago
2 comments
I am a state certified cna, nationally certified phlebotomist, ekg tech and dialysis tech, I am currently attending classes to become a medical assistant. I am wondering what other classes I would need to become a lpn beside going to a cookie cutter program with a repeat of a lot of the classes that I have already had. I am also 49 years of age and do not want to go to school any longer than necessary. I have been out of work for 1 1/2 years and funds are short. Can someone give me a straight answer on what else education wise i would need to become an lpn.
1donna
over 3 years ago
2 comments
I'm current and CNA trying to become and RN. How can you help me to get started and how can i also can get and free grant. Please help me.
topele
almost 4 years ago
2 comments
why would anyone want to take an online nursing course? Some careers you can get away with an online degree, but anything dealing with the care of another human being, nothing would beat classroom training. If I was a patient I would hope my nurse to have gotten training in a class/clinic/hospital.
mrbrownrn49
almost 4 years ago
68 comments
LPN school? But if there are any schools in your area that offer a ladder program (4 years and get your LPN after the 1st, your ADN/RN after the 2nd and continue to get your BSN in 4) I would strongly urge that route.
tamiwood
almost 4 years ago
2 comments
I have just became a CNA in the state of Georgia and would like to go on to LPN. What do I have to do? Where do I start??