Last updated: February 2026 | Data sources: BLS, NCSBN, ACEN
From $39K to $63K: The Fastest Salary Jump in Nursing
If you are working as a Certified Nursing Assistant right now, a CNA to LPN bridge program is the single fastest way to increase your income in healthcare. The numbers are hard to argue with: CNAs earn a median salary of $39,530 per year while Licensed Practical Nurses earn $63,540 per year. That is a $24,010 raise — a 61% salary increase — and most bridge programs get you there in 6 to 12 months.
Unlike the CNA-to-RN pathway, which requires 2-4 years of additional education, the CNA to LPN bridge program is designed for working professionals who want a meaningful career upgrade without spending years in school. You already have the clinical foundation. A bridge program builds on what you already know.
This guide covers everything: requirements, timelines, costs, online options, what you will study, how to pass the NCLEX-PN, and where the LPN role can take you next.
Start Preparing Now — It Is Free
Whether you are reinforcing your CNA fundamentals before applying or already looking ahead to the NCLEX-PN after graduation, free practice is the best way to stay sharp.
CNA vs. LPN: Side-by-Side Comparison
Before committing to a bridge program, understand exactly what changes when you move from CNA to LPN:
| Category | CNA | LPN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,530/year | $63,540/year |
| Salary Difference | — | +$24,010/year (61% raise) |
| 10th Percentile | $31,390 | $44,090 |
| 90th Percentile | $50,140 | $77,860 |
| Education Required | 4-12 week certificate | 12-24 months (6-12 via bridge) |
| Licensure Exam | State CNA exam | NCLEX-PN |
| Scope of Practice | Basic patient care, vitals, ADLs | Medication administration, wound care, IV therapy, patient assessment |
| Supervision | Works under RN or LPN | Works under RN; supervises CNAs |
| Work Settings | Nursing homes, hospitals, home health | Hospitals, clinics, long-term care, physician offices, schools |
| Job Growth (2023-2033) | 4% | 6% |
| Career Ceiling | Specialized aide roles | LPN to RN bridge, charge nurse, specialty LPN |
The bottom line: For 6-12 months of additional education and $4,000-$15,000 in tuition, you gain $24,010 more per year. At a community college average of $8,000, the program pays for itself in roughly 4 months of your new LPN salary.
What Is a CNA to LPN Bridge Program?
A CNA to LPN bridge program is an accelerated practical nursing program designed specifically for certified nursing assistants. It differs from a standard LPN program in several important ways:
Standard LPN Program: 12-24 months. Starts from scratch. Assumes no prior healthcare experience. Includes foundational coursework that CNAs have already completed.
CNA to LPN Bridge Program: 6-12 months (full-time). Recognizes your CNA training and clinical experience. Grants credit for competencies you already possess. Skips introductory content and moves directly into LPN-level coursework.
Why It Is Faster
Bridge programs are shorter because they acknowledge what you already know. As a CNA, you have demonstrated competency in:
- Vital signs — blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration
- Patient positioning and transfers — body mechanics, fall prevention
- Activities of daily living (ADLs) — bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting
- Infection control — hand hygiene, PPE, standard precautions
- Medical terminology — the language of healthcare from daily use
- Communication — patient interaction, reporting to nurses, documentation basics
Instead of re-teaching these skills, bridge programs test you on them (often through a challenge exam or skills validation) and then move directly into LPN-specific content like pharmacology, medication administration, and advanced patient assessment.
CNA to LPN Bridge Program Requirements
Most accredited bridge programs require the following. Check with individual programs because requirements vary by state and institution.
Standard Admission Requirements
- Current CNA certification in good standing (active, not expired)
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum CNA work experience — typically 6 months to 1 year of active employment
- Entrance exam — most commonly the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills), though some accept the HESI A2
- Prerequisite courses — English composition and college-level math (algebra) at minimum; some programs require Anatomy & Physiology I
- Minimum age — 18 years old
- Background check and drug screening — required by virtually all nursing programs
- Current CPR/BLS certification — American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers
- Immunization records — including TB test, hepatitis B series, and COVID-19 vaccination (varies by state)
- Letters of recommendation — some programs request 1-2 professional references, ideally from nursing supervisors
GPA and Test Score Expectations
| Requirement | Minimum | Competitive |
|---|---|---|
| High school GPA | 2.5 | 3.0+ |
| Prerequisite GPA | 2.5 | 3.0+ |
| TEAS composite score | 55-60% | 70%+ |
| TEAS Science subscore | 50% | 65%+ |
Tip: Your CNA work experience carries significant weight in admissions. If your GPA or test scores are borderline, strong letters of recommendation from nursing supervisors and a solid work history can tip the balance in your favor.
How Long Does a CNA to LPN Bridge Program Take?
The answer depends on whether you attend full-time or part-time, and whether you need prerequisite courses.
| Enrollment Type | Prerequisites Needed? | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time, no prerequisites | No | 6-9 months |
| Full-time, with prerequisites | Yes (1-2 courses) | 9-12 months |
| Part-time, no prerequisites | No | 12-15 months |
| Part-time, with prerequisites | Yes | 15-18 months |
| Accelerated/intensive | No | 4-6 months |
Semester-by-Semester Breakdown (Full-Time, 9-Month Program)
| Phase | Months | What You Are Studying |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge Assessment | Month 1 | Skills validation, CNA credit transfer, orientation |
| Semester 1 | Months 1-4 | Anatomy & Physiology review, Pharmacology, Fundamentals of Nursing, Health Assessment |
| Semester 2 | Months 5-8 | Medical-Surgical Nursing, Maternal/Child Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, clinical rotations |
| Final Phase | Month 9 | Capstone clinical, comprehensive review, NCLEX-PN preparation |
| Post-Graduation | Month 10 | Apply for ATT, take NCLEX-PN, begin working as LPN |
Important: Accelerated programs (4-6 months) exist but are extremely intensive. They typically require full-time attendance with no outside employment. If you need to continue working while in school, a standard full-time or part-time program is more realistic.
Online and Hybrid Options: An Honest Assessment
One of the most common questions is whether you can complete a CNA to LPN bridge program online. Here is the straightforward answer:
Fully online CNA to LPN programs do not exist. Nursing licensure in every state requires documented, in-person clinical hours supervised by a licensed instructor. There is no way around this requirement, and any program claiming to be 100% online should be treated with extreme caution.
What Hybrid Programs Actually Look Like
Many accredited programs offer a hybrid format that combines:
- Online coursework (40-60% of program): Anatomy review, pharmacology, nursing theory, ethics, legal issues, nutrition. These are delivered through recorded lectures, discussion boards, and online exams.
- In-person skills labs (10-20% of program): Hands-on practice with medication administration, IV insertion, wound care, catheterization, and other LPN skills. Usually scheduled on weekends or specific lab days.
- Clinical rotations (30-40% of program): Supervised patient care at approved healthcare facilities. Some programs allow you to complete clinicals at your current workplace if it meets accreditation standards.
Hybrid Program Advantages for Working CNAs
- Study theory content on your own schedule (evenings, days off)
- Reduce commuting to campus to 2-3 days per week
- Some employers allow clinical hours at your existing workplace
- Recorded lectures can be reviewed multiple times before exams
Red Flags to Avoid
- Programs claiming 100% online completion
- Programs without ACEN or state board of nursing approval
- Programs that do not clearly state their clinical hour requirements
- Tuition that seems too good to be true (under $2,000 for a full LPN program)
Cost Breakdown and ROI Analysis
How much you pay depends on the type of institution. Here is a realistic breakdown:
| Institution Type | Tuition | Books & Supplies | Clinical Fees | NCLEX-PN + Licensure | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community College | $4,000-$8,000 | $500-$1,000 | $300-$800 | $400-$600 | $5,200-$10,400 |
| Technical/Vocational School | $8,000-$15,000 | $800-$1,500 | $500-$1,000 | $400-$600 | $9,700-$18,100 |
| Private Institution | $15,000-$25,000 | $1,000-$2,000 | $500-$1,200 | $400-$600 | $16,900-$28,800 |
Return on Investment Analysis
The math is compelling no matter which path you choose:
| Scenario | Program Cost | Monthly Salary Gain | Months to Break Even |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community College (average $8,000) | $8,000 | $2,001/month | 4 months |
| Technical School (average $12,000) | $12,000 | $2,001/month | 6 months |
| Private Institution (average $20,000) | $20,000 | $2,001/month | 10 months |
The monthly salary gain is calculated as ($63,540 - $39,530) / 12 = $2,001 per month. Even in the most expensive scenario, you recoup your investment within your first year as an LPN.
Financial Aid Options
- Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year for eligible students — no repayment required
- WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding: Many states classify LPN as a high-demand occupation, making you eligible for free training
- Employer tuition assistance: Hospitals and nursing homes often reimburse $2,000-$5,250/year for employees pursuing nursing credentials
- State nursing workforce scholarships: Check your state board of nursing for healthcare worker education grants
- Federal student loans: Subsidized Stafford loans for those with demonstrated financial need
- Payment plans: Most schools offer monthly installment plans with zero or low interest
What You Will Study: Curriculum Overview
Bridge program curricula build on your CNA foundation and add the clinical knowledge required for LPN practice. Here is what to expect:
Core Coursework
Anatomy & Physiology (Review and Advanced): You learned basic A&P as a CNA. Bridge programs review organ systems and go deeper into pathophysiology — how diseases affect body systems and how LPNs monitor and respond to changes.
Pharmacology: This is often the most challenging course for bridge students. You will learn drug classifications, mechanisms of action, dosage calculations, side effects, drug interactions, and the nursing responsibilities for medication administration. As a CNA, you observed nurses giving medications. As an LPN, you will be the one administering them.
Fundamentals of Nursing (LPN Level): Expands beyond CNA fundamentals to include sterile technique, wound assessment and care, urinary catheterization, nasogastric tube management, and basic IV therapy (in states where LPNs are authorized).
Medical-Surgical Nursing: The largest component of most programs. Covers care of adult patients with cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, and renal conditions. Emphasizes clinical decision-making, prioritization, and recognizing when to escalate care to an RN.
Maternal and Child Nursing: Prenatal care, labor and delivery basics, postpartum assessment, newborn care, and common pediatric conditions. LPNs in OB/peds settings need these competencies.
Mental Health Nursing: Therapeutic communication, common psychiatric conditions, psychotropic medications, crisis intervention, and caring for patients with substance use disorders.
Clinical Rotations
Clinical hours are where your CNA experience becomes a superpower. While other students are nervously approaching patients for the first time, you have already spent hundreds or thousands of hours in direct patient care.
| Clinical Setting | Typical Hours | Skills Practiced |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term care | 80-120 hours | Medication administration, wound care, resident assessment |
| Medical-surgical unit | 80-120 hours | Acute patient care, IV monitoring, documentation |
| Community/outpatient | 40-60 hours | Patient education, clinic workflows, health screening |
| Specialty rotation | 40-60 hours | Pediatrics, OB, mental health, or rehabilitation |
Total clinical hours: Most programs require 300-400 hours of supervised clinical experience.
NCLEX-PN: What to Expect After Graduation
After completing your bridge program, you must pass the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) to become a licensed LPN. This is a non-negotiable step — no state will license you without it.
NCLEX-PN at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Format | Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) |
| Questions | 85-205 (adaptive — the computer adjusts difficulty based on your answers) |
| Time Limit | 5 hours maximum |
| Question Types | Multiple choice, select-all-that-apply, ordered response, fill-in-the-blank, hot spot, drag-and-drop |
| Pass Rate (first-time, US-educated) | ~84-86% |
| Cost | $200 registration fee + state licensure fee ($50-$200) |
| Results | Typically available within 48 hours via Quick Results |
| Retake Policy | 45-day waiting period between attempts |
NCLEX-PN Content Areas
| Category | Percentage of Exam |
|---|---|
| Coordinated Care | 18-24% |
| Safety and Infection Control | 10-16% |
| Health Promotion and Maintenance | 6-12% |
| Psychosocial Integrity | 9-15% |
| Basic Care and Comfort | 7-13% |
| Pharmacological Therapies | 11-17% |
| Risk Reduction | 9-15% |
| Physiological Adaptation | 7-13% |
Preparation Strategy
- Start NCLEX-PN prep during your final semester — do not wait until after graduation
- Use practice questions daily — aim for 75-100 questions per day in the final month
- Focus on pharmacology and coordinated care — these are the highest-weighted categories
- Practice CAT-style testing — get comfortable with adaptive question difficulty
- Review your weakest areas — use practice test analytics to identify and target gaps
Accreditation Matters: Protect Your Investment
Not all LPN programs are created equal. Before enrolling in any CNA to LPN bridge program, verify its accreditation status. This is not optional — it directly affects your ability to get licensed and employed.
What to Look For
ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing): The primary accrediting body for LPN/LVN programs in the United States. ACEN accreditation ensures the program meets national quality standards for nursing education.
State Board of Nursing Approval: Every legitimate LPN program must be approved by the state board of nursing in the state where it operates. This approval is required for graduates to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN.
Why Accreditation Matters
- NCLEX-PN eligibility: You can only sit for the NCLEX-PN if you graduate from a state-approved program
- Employer recognition: Hospitals and healthcare systems verify program accreditation during hiring
- Financial aid eligibility: Federal financial aid (Pell Grants, Stafford loans) is only available at accredited institutions
- Credit transferability: If you later pursue an LPN-to-RN bridge program, only credits from accredited programs will transfer
- License reciprocity: When applying for licensure in another state, boards verify that your program was accredited
How to Verify
- Check the ACEN website (acenursing.org) for a searchable directory of accredited programs
- Contact your state board of nursing to confirm the specific program is approved
- Ask the program directly for their accreditation documentation — legitimate programs will provide it immediately
After LPN: Your Career Path Keeps Growing
Becoming an LPN is not a dead end. It is a stepping stone with multiple paths forward:
LPN to RN Bridge Programs
The most common next step. LPN-to-RN bridge programs recognize your LPN training and clinical experience, allowing you to earn an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) in 12-18 months instead of 2-3 years.
| Career Step | Median Salary | Time Investment | Cumulative Raise from CNA |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA | $39,530 | Baseline | — |
| LPN | $63,540 | 6-12 months | +$24,010 (61%) |
| RN (ADN) | $93,600 | +12-18 months | +$54,070 (137%) |
| RN (BSN) | $93,600+ | +12-18 months online | Management eligibility |
LPN Specialty Areas
As an LPN, you can specialize in areas that offer higher pay and greater job satisfaction:
- IV Therapy Certified LPN — additional certification for IV administration
- Wound Care LPN — specialized in wound assessment and treatment
- Long-Term Care Charge Nurse — supervisory role in nursing facilities
- School Nurse LPN — work in K-12 educational settings
- Home Health LPN — autonomous patient care with schedule flexibility
- Hospice LPN — end-of-life care coordination
- Correctional Nursing LPN — work in jails and prisons (often higher pay)
The CNA to LPN to RN Ladder
Many nurses use the stepping-stone strategy: earn more at each level while continuing education. The financial advantage is significant. Instead of earning $39,530 as a CNA for 2-4 years while completing an RN program, you earn $63,540 as an LPN. Over a 2-year RN program, that difference puts an extra $48,020 in your pocket compared to staying at CNA pay.
Your Action Plan: Start This Month
Weeks 1-2: Research and Requirements
- Verify your CNA certification is current and in good standing
- Research bridge programs in your area (check community colleges first for affordability)
- Confirm prerequisite requirements and check which courses you may already have
- Register for the TEAS if the program requires it
Weeks 3-4: Application Preparation
- Request official transcripts from high school and any college coursework
- Ask your nursing supervisor for a letter of recommendation
- Schedule your background check and drug screening
- Gather immunization records and update any expired vaccinations
Months 2-3: Apply and Prepare
- Submit applications to 2-3 programs (do not put all your eggs in one basket)
- Take the TEAS entrance exam
- Apply for financial aid (complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov)
- Begin reviewing anatomy, pharmacology basics, and math for dosage calculations
While Waiting for Acceptance
- Practice CNA fundamentals to keep your clinical knowledge sharp
- Start NCLEX-PN practice questions to get a head start on exam preparation
- Ask your employer about tuition reimbursement or schedule accommodations
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a CNA to LPN bridge program take?
Most CNA to LPN bridge programs take 6-12 months for full-time students and 12-18 months for part-time students. This is shorter than standard LPN programs (12-24 months) because your CNA training credits transfer, reducing the coursework required.
How much more does an LPN make than a CNA?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs earn a median salary of $63,540/year compared to $39,530/year for CNAs — a difference of approximately $24,010 per year (61% increase). In high-demand areas, LPNs can earn over $77,000 annually.
What are the requirements for a CNA to LPN bridge program?
Most programs require: current CNA certification in good standing, high school diploma or GED, minimum 6 months of CNA work experience (some require 1 year), entrance exam scores (often TEAS), prerequisite courses in English and math, and being at least 18 years old.
Can I do a CNA to LPN bridge program online?
Partially. Many programs offer hybrid formats with online coursework for theory classes (anatomy, pharmacology, ethics) and required in-person clinical rotations. Fully online programs do not exist because nursing licensure requires hands-on clinical experience. Some programs allow you to complete clinicals at your current workplace.
Do I need to take the NCLEX-PN after completing a bridge program?
Yes. After completing an accredited CNA to LPN bridge program, you must pass the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) to become a licensed LPN. The exam uses computerized adaptive testing with 85-205 questions.
Is a CNA to LPN bridge program worth it financially?
Yes. With a median salary increase of $24,010/year and program costs of $4,000-$15,000, most graduates recoup their tuition investment within 3-8 months of working as an LPN. The 6% projected job growth for LPNs through 2033 also provides strong long-term career security.
Your Next Step Starts With a Free Practice Test
You are already a healthcare professional. You already know what patient care demands. The CNA to LPN bridge program is the fastest, most cost-effective way to turn your existing skills into a 61% salary increase — and it can be done in under a year.
Whether you are solidifying your CNA knowledge before applying or looking ahead to the NCLEX-PN after graduation, start practicing now. It is free, and every question gets you closer to your LPN license.