Ways for Certified Nursing Assistants to Advance Their Careers

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is one of the most in-demand professions within healthcare, playing an indispensable role from emergency rooms to long-term care facilities and often being their patient’s most consistent source of comfort throughout their journey.

CNAs serve an integral role as caregivers, many opt to expand their careers into roles with more responsibilities and progress their careers further. If you’re a CNA looking to advance in your career, this blog could help guide you through some of your options, what training is necessary, and how your role may evolve.

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant?

A Certified Nursing Assistant provides hands-on care and support to patients who require assistance with daily tasks like bathing, eating, dressing, and mobility. Working under the direction of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs), CNAs work primarily within hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities to report changes in patient health to nursing staff.

Although physically and emotionally taxing at times, a CNA’s work can be a rewarding entry point into lifelong healthcare career.

How to advance your CNA career

CNAs can advance their careers by seeking further education, obtaining specialty certifications, or pursuing more advanced roles. To get started, you might:

Obtain new certifications: Additional certifications such as Restorative Nursing Assistant (RNA), Geriatric Aide or Medication Aide could broaden your skillset and employment opportunities.

Earn an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing: Returning to school can open doors to higher-paying jobs and leadership roles in nursing. Earning your ADN or BSN are common ways that nurses advance their careers.

Discover other healthcare roles: CNAs may diversify into other healthcare roles with additional short-term training, such as medical assistant, phlebotomy technician, or patient care technician positions.

By investing in further education and experience, CNAs can advance in healthcare with more autonomy, higher pay, and greater impactful patient care.

Which next step right for you: LPN or RN?

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and registered nurse (RN) are popular next steps for many CNAs. Each offers its own path and responsibilities.

Becoming an LPN typically takes 12 months of practical nursing education and passing the NCLEX-PN exam. LPNs provide basic nursing care, administer medication under supervision by registered nurses or doctors, and often provide more cost-effective and faster pathways towards career advancement than more expensive options.

Becoming an RN typically involves more schooling–normally either a 2-year associate degree (ADN) or 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)–and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. As an RN, your scope of practice expands considerably with care planning, critical decision-making, and supervising LPNs and can. Though becoming an RN takes longer, it opens up numerous job opportunities and has a higher salary ceiling.

Before choosing between these roles, consider your long-term goals, the amount of time and money available, and whether or not you intend to pursue professional nursing as your long term career.

CNA salary and career outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNAs in the United States earn an average hourly wage of approximately $19.09 or yearly wages of $39.610 depending on location, experience level, facility type, and other factors. For example, hospital CNAs typically earn slightly more than their peers in nursing homes or home healthcare environments.

CNA experience provides a strong platform for future roles with higher salaries. For example, LPNs/Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) earn an average annual salary of $60,790, and RNs can expect an average of $89,010 per year.

As healthcare jobs are expected to expand steadily over the coming decade, progressing beyond CNA could offer financial and professional security.

Start small, aim big

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is a fulfilling career with a significant impact on healthcare today, but it doesn’t have to be your final destination. By enrolling in bridge programs, additional certifications, or nursing degrees, you can turn your CNA experience into a long-term healthcare career. Whether that means becoming an LPN, RN, or exploring another role within healthcare, each path forward presents endless opportunities.

As you advance in your nursing career, it’s important to protect yourself professionally. Many CNAs, LPNs, and RNs consider nursing malpractice insurance to safeguard themselves against potential legal claims related to patient care. Whether you’re just starting out or taking on more responsibilities, this coverage can provide peace of mind as you grow in the healthcare field.