Last updated: October 2026 | Data sources: BLS, NCSBN, AACN, HRSA, College Board, ATI
CNA to RN: The Career Move That More Than Doubles Your Salary
You already work in healthcare. You already know what patient care looks like at 3 AM when nobody else is watching. As a Certified Nursing Assistant earning a median of $42,260 per year, you have something most nursing students do not: real clinical instincts built from hands-on experience.
Registered Nurses earn a median of $97,550 per year. That is a 131% salary increase and roughly $55,290 more per year in your pocket. This guide breaks down every pathway, timeline, cost, and exam you need to get there.
At a Glance: CNA vs. RN Comparison
| Category | CNA | RN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,260 | $97,550 |
| 10th Percentile | $33,940 | $68,940 |
| 90th Percentile | $51,980 | $137,470 |
| Education Required | State-approved training, at least 75 hours (federal minimum) | ADN, BSN or diploma program (BLS: ADN and BSN programs typically take 4 years to complete) |
| Training Cost | Varies by state; free for aides employed by, or with a job offer from, a nursing facility when training starts | Tuition varies by school (public community colleges averaged $4,150 a year in 2025-26, College Board) |
| Licensure Exam | State CNA exam | NCLEX-RN |
| Scope of Practice | Basic patient care, vitals | Full nursing assessment, medications, care plans |
| Job Growth (2025-2035) | 3% | 6% (180,800 openings/year) |
| Supervision | Works under RN/LPN | Assesses patients, plans care and delegates to LPNs/CNAs |
| Career Ceiling | Specialized aide roles | NP, CRNA, management, education |
The bottom line: The median gap is $55,290 a year (BLS, May 2025). If that gap held for 30 years, it would add up to about $1.66 million before taxes.
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Three Pathways from CNA to RN
There is no single route from CNA to RN. Your best pathway depends on your timeline, budget, and long-term career goals. Here are the three most common options:
Pathway 1: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - The Lowest-Tuition Route
Many ADN programs are at public community colleges, where published tuition and fees averaged $4,150 a year in 2025-26, about 35% of the $11,950 public four-year in-state average (College Board).
Timeline: The sample plan below takes 3 years including prerequisites; BLS says ADN programs typically take 4 years to complete Cost: About $4,150 a year in tuition and fees at the 2025-26 public community college average (state averages range from $1,440 to $8,900 a year), for each year you enroll, plus nursing program fees Best for: CNAs who want RN licensure at the lowest tuition
Month-by-Month ADN Timeline
| Phase | Months | What You Are Doing |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-planning | Months 1-2 | Research programs, check prerequisites, request transcripts |
| Prerequisites | Months 3-8 | Anatomy & Physiology I/II, Microbiology, English, Math (can work as CNA) |
| TEAS Prep & Exam | Months 7-9 | Study for the TEAS and aim above each program's published minimum |
| Application | Months 9-10 | Apply to ADN programs; ask how each program treats your CNA certification |
| Nursing Year 1 | Months 11-22 | Fundamentals, Med-Surg I, Pharmacology, clinical rotations |
| Nursing Year 2 | Months 23-34 | Med-Surg II, OB, Pediatrics, Mental Health, Capstone |
| NCLEX Prep | Months 34-36 | Graduate, apply to your board and register for the NCLEX, study for NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed RN | Month 36 | Pass NCLEX-RN, begin working as an RN |
CNA Advantage: You are in good company: nursing aide or nursing assistant was the most common health-related job RNs held before their first nursing degree (45.4% of RNs, HRSA 2022 survey). Ask each program whether it gives credit or admission points for CNA certification or healthcare experience.
Pathway 2: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - The Most Common Entry
More first-time NCLEX-RN candidates now hold a BSN than an ADN: 100,258 versus 89,549 among U.S.-educated first-time candidates in 2025 (NCSBN). HRSA's 2022 survey found that 51.7% of RNs who graduated in the previous five years entered the workforce with a bachelor's degree. BLS says employers, particularly hospitals, may require a bachelor's degree.
Timeline: The sample plan below takes 5 years including prerequisites; BLS says BSN programs typically take 4 years Cost: Published tuition and fees averaged $11,950 a year at public four-year colleges (in-state) and $45,000 at private nonprofit colleges in 2025-26 (College Board) Best for: CNAs who want maximum career flexibility, management potential, or plan to pursue advanced practice (NP, CRNA)
Month-by-Month BSN Timeline
| Phase | Months | What You Are Doing |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-planning | Months 1-2 | Research BSN programs, review financial aid options |
| General Education | Months 3-24 | Sciences, humanities, psychology, statistics (can work as CNA) |
| TEAS Prep & Exam | Months 20-24 | Study for the TEAS and aim above each program's published minimum |
| Application | Months 22-26 | Apply to BSN programs, highlight CNA experience |
| Nursing Year 1 | Months 25-36 | Fundamentals, Health Assessment, Pathophysiology |
| Nursing Year 2 | Months 37-48 | Med-Surg, OB, Peds, Mental Health, Community Health |
| Senior Year | Months 49-56 | Leadership, Research, Capstone, Advanced Clinical |
| NCLEX Prep | Months 56-60 | Graduate, apply to your board and register for the NCLEX, study for NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed RN | Month 60 | Pass NCLEX-RN, begin working as a BSN-prepared RN |
Salary: BLS does not publish RN wages by degree, so compare local employers' pay scales. ADN and BSN graduates take the same NCLEX-RN and hold the same RN license.
Pathway 3: Accelerated BSN (ABSN) - For Those With a Prior Degree
If you already hold a bachelor's degree in any field and are working as a CNA, an Accelerated BSN lets you earn your nursing degree in 11-18 months of intensive, full-time study, including prerequisites (AACN).
Timeline: 11-18 months, including prerequisites (AACN) Cost: Varies by school; AACN notes that financial aid for accelerated programs is limited Best for: Career changers who already have a bachelor's degree and CNA experience
Month-by-Month ABSN Timeline
| Phase | Months | What You Are Doing |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-planning | Months 1-2 | Verify prerequisite sciences are current, take any missing courses |
| TEAS/HESI Prep | Months 2-3 | Aim above each program's published entrance-exam minimum |
| Application | Months 3-4 | Apply to ABSN programs with CNA license and prior degree |
| Semester 1 | Months 5-8 | Fundamentals, Pharmacology, Health Assessment (intense pace) |
| Semester 2 | Months 9-12 | Med-Surg, OB, Pediatrics, clinical rotations |
| Semester 3 | Months 13-16 | Mental Health, Community, Leadership, Capstone |
| NCLEX Prep | Months 16-18 | Graduate, apply to your board and register for the NCLEX, study for NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed RN | Month 18 | Pass NCLEX-RN, begin working as a BSN-prepared RN |
Warning: AACN says accelerated courses run full-time with no breaks between sessions, and it encourages students not to work. Your CNA experience means you start with hands-on patient care behind you.
Which Pathway Is Right for You?
| Factor | ADN | BSN | Accelerated BSN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Time | Sample plan: 3 years with prerequisites (BLS: typically 4 years) | Sample plan: 5 years with prerequisites (BLS: typically 4 years) | 11-18 months, including prerequisites (AACN) |
| Tuition and Fees | About $4,150 a year at public community colleges (2025-26 average) | About $11,950 a year public in-state; $45,000 private nonprofit (2025-26 averages) | Varies by school |
| Can Work During? | Depends on the program schedule | Depends on the program schedule | AACN encourages students not to work |
| 2025 NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | 86.1% (associate degree) | 87.6% (baccalaureate) | 87.6% (all baccalaureate graduates) |
| Prior Degree Needed? | No | No | Yes, a non-nursing bachelor's |
| Career Ceiling | RN (bridge to BSN later) | Management, NP, CRNA | Management, NP, CRNA |
| Best For | Lowest tuition | Long-term flexibility | Career changers |
Pro tip for ADN graduates: You can earn a BSN later through an RN-to-BSN program (BLS); 29.1% of RNs who entered the workforce with an associate degree went on to a bachelor's (HRSA). Some employers offer tuition reimbursement (BLS).
The Exam Sequence: CNA to TEAS to NCLEX-RN
Your journey from CNA to RN involves passing three major exams. Here is what to expect from each one:
Exam 1: CNA Certification Exam (Already Completed)
You have already conquered this one. Your CNA certification proves you have foundational patient care skills, and it gives you clinical credibility throughout nursing school applications.
Exam 2: TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
The ATI TEAS is a common nursing-school entrance exam; some programs use the HESI A2 instead. The TEAS has 170 questions in 209 minutes, and 150 of them are scored (ATI).
| TEAS Section | Questions (scored + unscored) | Time | Share of the 150 Scored Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 45 (39 + 6) | 55 min | 26% |
| Math | 38 (34 + 4) | 57 min | 23% |
| Science | 50 (44 + 6) | 60 min | 29% |
| English & Language Usage | 37 (33 + 4) | 37 min | 22% |
Score requirements: ATI says there is no universal passing score: each school sets its own minimum, and many weigh the TEAS alongside GPA and other factors. Check the minimum for every program you apply to.
The Science section's largest part is human anatomy and physiology (18 of its 44 scored items, ATI), a topic close to your CNA work.
Exam 3: NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
The NCLEX-RN is the final gatekeeper. You take it after graduating from your nursing program.
| NCLEX-RN Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Format | Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) |
| Questions | 85-150 (adaptive) |
| Time Limit | 5 hours maximum |
| Pass Rate (US-educated, first-time) | 86.7%-91.2% (2023-2025) |
| 2025 Pass Rate | 86.7% (down from 91.2% in 2024) |
| Cost | $200 registration ($350 from Feb. 1, 2027) + state board fees |
| Results | Official results from your board within six weeks; unofficial Quick Results two business days after the exam ($7.95, participating boards) |
What the 2025 figure means: The NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for U.S.-educated candidates was 86.7% in 2025, down from 91.2% in 2024 (NCSBN), so about 13 in 100 first-time candidates did not pass. Plan practice beyond your program's own exams.
About 87 in 100 first-time U.S.-educated candidates passed in 2025. Will you?
Practice beyond your program's exams helps close the gap. Our free NCLEX-RN practice questions are single-answer items with explanations, and you can ask the AI tutor about any question you miss.
Cost Breakdown: Tuition Benchmarks and Fixed Fees
Nursing programs set their own prices, so start with each school's published costs. These national benchmarks and fixed fees help you plan:
| Item | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Public community college tuition and fees (in-district) | About $4,150 a year (2025-26 average; state averages $1,440 to $8,900) | College Board |
| Public four-year tuition and fees (in-state) | About $11,950 a year (2025-26 average) | College Board |
| Private nonprofit four-year tuition and fees | About $45,000 a year (2025-26 average) | College Board |
| Full student budget, including housing and books | $21,320 a year (public two-year) to $65,470 (private nonprofit four-year) | College Board |
| TEAS exam | $120 plus tax at ATI or PSI (school prices vary) | ATI |
| NCLEX-RN registration | $200 ($350 from Feb. 1, 2027) | NCSBN |
| State licensure fee | Set by your state board of nursing | Your board |
At those averages, each year enrolled costs about $4,150 at a public community college and $11,950 at a public in-state university (about $47,800 for four years), before grant aid and before nursing program fees. Accelerated BSN prices vary by school.
Financial Aid Options
Published prices are not what most students pay: 76% of first-time, full-time students at public two-year colleges received grant aid in 2022-23 (College Board). Options include:
- Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395 for the 2026-27 award year for undergraduates with exceptional financial need; unlike a loan, a Pell Grant usually does not have to be repaid
- NURSE Corps Scholarship: Pays tuition, eligible fees and reasonable costs plus a monthly stipend, in exchange for a minimum two-year, full-time service commitment at a critical shortage facility (HRSA)
- State and local scholarships: 13.1% of RNs used state or local government scholarships for their first nursing degree (HRSA)
- Employer tuition reimbursement: Some employers offer it (BLS); ask about annual limits and work commitments
- Federal student loans: Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduates with financial need
- Workforce training funds: Ask your local American Job Center about Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training programs
- Military benefits: The GI Bill and military tuition assistance can help pay for approved programs
State-by-State RN Salary Comparison (Top 10)
Where you practice dramatically affects your earnings. Here are the 10 states with the highest mean annual wage for registered nurses:
| Rank | State | Mean Annual RN Wage (May 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $150,280 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $124,340 |
| 3 | Oregon | $123,140 |
| 4 | Washington | $121,540 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $117,960 |
| 6 | Alaska | $114,870 |
| 7 | New York | $113,440 |
| 8 | New Jersey | $110,100 |
| 9 | Nevada | $105,710 |
| 10 | Connecticut | $105,250 |
National mean: $101,420. National median: $97,550. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (the District of Columbia, not a state, has a mean of $106,980). Higher-wage states often have higher living costs, so compare offers against local housing costs and taxes.
CNA salary context: Even the lowest state RN mean wage (Alabama, $77,020 in May 2025) is well above the national 90th percentile for nursing assistants ($51,980). The RN 10th percentile ($68,940) is also above the nursing assistant 90th percentile.
How CNA Experience Helps
Nursing programs are competitive. AACN reports that U.S. nursing schools turned away 92,672 qualified applications (not applicants) from baccalaureate and graduate programs in 2025, mainly for lack of faculty, clinical sites, classroom space and preceptors. CNA work is a common starting point: nursing aide or nursing assistant was the most common health-related job RNs held before their first nursing degree (45.4% of RNs, HRSA 2022 survey).
Skills You Already Practice
Federal rules require CNA training to cover skills you will build on in nursing school:
- Communication and resident rights -- communication and interpersonal skills, privacy and confidentiality
- Infection control and safety -- infection control, safety and emergency procedures
- Basic nursing skills -- taking and recording vital signs, and recognizing and reporting abnormal changes in body function
- Personal care and mobility -- bathing, feeding, skin care, and transfers, positioning and turning
- Care of cognitively impaired residents -- communicating with and responding to residents with dementia
Ask About Credit for Your Experience
Programs differ in how they treat CNA certification. Ask each program whether it gives credit, admission points or a waived course for your CNA training or healthcare experience before you apply.
Prepare for the TEAS
Programs that use the TEAS set their own minimum scores, and many weigh it alongside GPA (ATI). Our free TEAS practice covers all four sections.
2026 Nursing Shortage: What the Projections Say
Federal projections point to continued demand for RNs.
The Numbers
- 180,800 RN openings per year projected by the BLS through 2035
- 6% job growth for RNs from 2025-2035 (faster than average)
- 8% national RN shortage projected in 2028, easing to 3% (108,960 full-time-equivalent RNs) in 2038 (HRSA, December 2025)
- 92,672 qualified applications (not applicants) turned away from baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs in 2025, mainly for lack of faculty, clinical sites, classroom space and preceptors (AACN)
What This Means for You
Job outlook. BLS projects 6% RN employment growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3% average for all occupations, with about 180,800 openings a year.
Where the need is greatest. HRSA projects the largest RN shortfalls in nonmetro areas: 24% in 2028, versus 5% in metro areas.
Moving between states. The Nurse Licensure Compact has 43 member jurisdictions (NCSBN); a nurse who lives in a compact state can apply for a multistate license.
The LPN/LVN Alternative
If the RN timeline feels too long, consider the LPN/LVN pathway as an intermediate step:
| Factor | LPN/LVN | RN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary (May 2025) | $64,400 | $97,550 |
| Program Length (BLS) | About 1 year | ADN and BSN programs typically take 4 years; diploma programs 2 to 3 years |
| Scope of Practice | Basic medical care under the direction of RNs and doctors (BLS) | Full nursing scope |
| Career Ceiling | LPN roles, some specialties | NP, CRNA, management |
Some nurses take the CNA to LPN to RN route: 16.0% of RNs were licensed as LPNs or LVNs before becoming RNs (HRSA 2022 survey). If this interests you, the NCLEX-PN is your next exam.
ADN vs. BSN: What the Data Shows
This is one of the most debated topics in nursing education. Here is what the data shows:
| Metric | ADN | BSN | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (U.S.-educated) | 86.1% | 87.6% | NCSBN |
| 2025 first-time U.S.-educated NCLEX-RN candidates | 89,549 | 100,258 | NCSBN |
| Hiring | Qualifies for entry-level staff nurse jobs | Employers, particularly hospitals, may require it | BLS |
| Administrative, research, consulting and teaching roles | Usually need more education | A bachelor's or higher is often necessary | BLS |
| Nurse anesthesia (CRNA) programs | Need a bachelor's or graduate degree first | Meets the degree requirement (plus at least 1 year of critical care experience) | COA |
| Share of recent graduates entering with this degree | Not reported separately | 51.7% of RNs who graduated in the previous five years entered with a bachelor's | HRSA 2022 survey |
The pragmatic approach: Start with an ADN to reach RN licensure at lower tuition, then earn a BSN through an RN-to-BSN program while working. Of RNs who entered the workforce with an associate degree, 29.1% went on to a bachelor's (HRSA), and some employers offer tuition reimbursement (BLS).
The LPN pathway is not a detour. It is a strategy.
At the May 2025 medians, an LPN earns $64,400 a year and a nursing assistant $42,260, a gap of $22,140 a year for full-time work (BLS). If your RN program's schedule lets you keep working, LPN pay can help fund the rest of your education.
Practice FREE NCLEX-PN Questions | Browse All Healthcare Exams
Your Action Plan: Starting This Month
If You Have No Prerequisites Done
Months 1-2: Take a TEAS practice test to identify weak areas. Begin Anatomy & Physiology I at your local community college. Keep working as a CNA.
Months 3-6: Complete A&P I, start A&P II. Study for the TEAS using practice tests. Research ADN and BSN programs in your area. Check application deadlines.
Months 7-9: Take the TEAS. Apply to nursing programs. Ask each program whether it gives credit or admission points for your CNA certification.
Months 10+: Begin your nursing program.
If You Have Prerequisites Done
Weeks 1-4: Take a TEAS practice test, identify gaps, begin targeted study.
Weeks 5-8: Take the TEAS. Apply to nursing programs for the next cohort.
Weeks 9-12: Accept admission, secure financial aid, give notice for schedule changes if needed.
If You Already Have a Bachelor's Degree
Weeks 1-2: Research ABSN programs in your state. Check prerequisite science requirements.
Weeks 3-6: Take the TEAS or HESI. Apply to ABSN programs.
Weeks 7-12: Accept admission, arrange finances, prepare for full-time intensive study.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to go from CNA to RN?
BLS says both ADN and BSN programs typically take 4 years to complete, and diploma programs 2 to 3 years. If you already have a bachelor's degree, an Accelerated BSN takes 11-18 months including prerequisites (AACN). Ask each program whether it gives credit for your CNA training.
How much more does an RN make than a CNA?
The median RN salary is $97,550 compared to the median nursing assistant salary of $42,260, a difference of $55,290 per year (131% increase). If that gap held for 30 years, it would add up to about $1.66 million before taxes. Even RNs at the 10th percentile ($68,940) earn more than nursing assistants at the 90th percentile ($51,980).
Do I need a BSN, or is an ADN enough to become an RN?
An ADN is sufficient to become a licensed RN and take the NCLEX-RN. Both ADN and BSN graduates take the same licensure exam. However, HRSA found that 51.7% of RNs who graduated in the five years before its 2022 survey entered with a bachelor's degree, and BLS says employers, particularly hospitals, may require a bachelor's degree.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate?
The NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for US-educated candidates was 91.2% in 2024 and 86.7% in 2025 (NCSBN). This means about 13 in 100 first-time U.S.-educated test-takers did not pass in 2025. Thorough preparation with practice questions and content review is essential.
Can I work as a CNA while in nursing school?
Often, yes, depending on your program's schedule (accelerated programs are the exception: AACN encourages those students not to work). Working as a CNA during nursing school reinforces clinical skills, provides income, and keeps you connected to patient care. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement (BLS).
Is the nursing shortage real, and will there be jobs when I graduate?
Yes. The BLS projects 180,800 RN openings per year through 2035, with 6% job growth. HRSA (December 2025) projects an 8% national RN shortage in 2028, easing to 3% (108,960 full-time-equivalent RNs) in 2038. AACN reports that U.S. nursing schools turned away 92,672 qualified applications (not applicants) from baccalaureate and graduate programs in 2025, mainly for lack of faculty, clinical sites, classroom space and preceptors.
What TEAS score do I need for nursing school?
ATI says there is no universal passing score: each school sets its own minimum, and many weigh the TEAS alongside GPA and other factors. Check the published minimum for each program. ATI's score report labels 58.7-79.3% Proficient, 80.0-91.3% Advanced and 92.0-100% Exemplary.
Can I go from CNA to RN without the LPN step?
Absolutely. The CNA-to-RN pathway does not require LPN certification as an intermediate step. You can apply directly to ADN or BSN programs with your CNA credential. However, some choose the CNA-to-LPN-to-RN route to earn a higher salary ($64,400 LPN median) while continuing their education; 16.0% of RNs were licensed as LPNs or LVNs first (HRSA).
Your Future Self Will Thank You
Every shift you work as a CNA, you are building the clinical foundation that will make you an exceptional RN. The question is not whether you can make this transition. The question is when you will start.
The nursing shortage is real. The salary increase is life-changing. And every exam on the pathway has free practice resources available right now.
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