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CNA Career Paths: LPN, RN, NP, and What Each Step Pays

Typical pay at each step, from federal wage data (May 2025): CNA $42,260, LPN / LVN $64,400, Registered Nurse $97,550, Nurse Practitioner $132,300. Each move has its own guide below.

Pay at each rung

BLS OES May 2025
+$34,750
+$33,150
+$22,140

Typical annual pay · bar length is pay · click a rung

Rung 1 of 4 · this guide

Certified Nursing Assistant

Certified Nursing Assistant · $42,260

Certified Nursing Assistants typically earn $42,260 a year, and about 1,448,910 are employed nationally. Employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2025 to 2035 (BLS).

Rung 2 of 4+$22,140 a year

CNA to LPN

Licensed Practical Nurse · $64,400

Moving from CNA to LPN raises typical pay from $42,260 to $64,400 a year, a gain of about $22,140, according to May 2025 federal wage data. Hourly, typical CNA pay is $20.32 and typical LPN pay is $30.96. The difference is $10.64 an hour. Monthly, that is $3,522 against $5,367.

Rung 4 of 4+$34,750 a year

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioner · $132,300

Nurse Practitioners typically earn $132,300 a year, and about 323,040 are employed nationally. Employment is projected to grow 41% from 2025 to 2035 (BLS).

What each step pays

BLS OES May 2025 · typical annual pay

Questions about the CNA career path

How long does it take to go from CNA to LPN?
A state-approved practical nursing program commonly takes about 12 months full time; part-time tracks run longer. Bridge programs may shorten the classroom portion by granting credit for prior training, though that varies by school and state. After graduation come the NCLEX-PN exam and the state licensure application.
What is a CNA to LPN bridge program?
Many community colleges and vocational schools offer CNA-to-LPN bridge tracks. They grant credit or advanced placement for CNA training and experience, so coursework already covered may not be repeated. Availability, prerequisites, and how much credit is granted vary by school and state.
How long does it take to go from CNA to RN?
An associate degree in nursing commonly takes about 2 years, a BSN about 4. Bridge and part-time tracks vary by school and state, and prerequisite courses may add time up front. The NCLEX-RN and a state licensure application come after graduation, before the title applies.
Is there a CNA to RN bridge program?
Some community colleges offer CNA-to-RN or CNA-to-ADN tracks that grant advanced placement for CNA training. Another route runs CNA to LPN, then an LPN-to-RN bridge of about 12 to 18 months. Availability, prerequisites, and how much credit transfers vary by school and state.
How long does it take to go from LPN to RN?
An LPN-to-RN bridge to an associate degree commonly runs about 12 to 18 months, since schools often give credit for prior coursework and experience. An LPN-to-BSN takes about 2 to 3 years. Passing the NCLEX-RN and applying for state licensure come after graduation, and part-time enrollment stretches the timeline.
What is an LPN to RN bridge program?
A bridge program carries a licensed practical nurse to an RN credential, either an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor's, with credit for prior coursework and experience. Many community colleges and universities offer them, including formats with online coursework and local clinicals. Availability, prerequisites, and credit vary by school and state.

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CNA to LPN guide

Bridge programs, pay by state, how long it takes

CNA to RN guide

Bridge programs, pay by state, how long it takes

CNA salary

Pay by state and city

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