Last updated: February 2026 | Data sources: BLS, NCSBN, AACN, HRSA
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 $39,530 per year, you have something most nursing students do not: real clinical instincts built from hands-on experience.
Registered Nurses earn a median of $93,600 per year. That is a 137% salary increase and roughly $54,070 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 | $39,530 | $93,600 |
| Mean Salary | ~$41,000 | $98,430 |
| 10th Percentile | $31,390 | $66,030 |
| 90th Percentile | $50,140 | $135,320 |
| Education Required | 4-12 week certificate | ADN (2 yr) or BSN (4 yr) |
| Training Cost | $600-$2,000 | $10,000-$120,000 |
| Licensure Exam | State CNA exam | NCLEX-RN |
| Scope of Practice | Basic patient care, vitals | Full nursing assessment, medications, care plans |
| Job Growth (2024-2034) | 4% | 5% (189,100 openings/year) |
| Supervision | Works under RN/LPN | Independent clinical judgment |
| Career Ceiling | Specialized aide roles | NP, CRNA, management, education |
The bottom line: For 2-4 years of additional education, you gain $54,070 more per year for the rest of your career. Over a 30-year career, that is over $1.6 million in additional earnings.
Ready to Start? Nail Your First Exam
Over 12,000 CNAs used our free practice tests last month to prepare for their next career step. Whether you are reinforcing your CNA knowledge or already looking ahead to the TEAS, start with the exam that matches where you are right now.
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 Fastest Route
The ADN pathway through a community college is the most popular option for working CNAs. It is the most affordable and gets you to RN licensure in the shortest time.
Timeline: 2-3 years (including prerequisites) Cost: $10,000-$25,000 (community college) Best for: CNAs who want to start earning an RN salary as quickly as possible
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 TEAS, score 60-65% minimum (higher is better) |
| Application | Months 9-10 | Apply to ADN programs, submit CNA license for credit transfer |
| 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 for ATT, study for NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed RN | Month 36 | Pass NCLEX-RN, begin working as an RN |
CNA Advantage: Many ADN programs grant credit or waive prerequisites for active CNAs, which can shave up to 6 months off your timeline. Your clinical experience also strengthens your application in competitive programs.
Pathway 2: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - The Most Common Entry
The BSN is increasingly the standard entry point for nursing. The AACN reports that 51.5% of entry-level nurses now start with a BSN or higher. Many hospitals, especially Magnet-designated facilities, prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses.
Timeline: 4-5 years (including prerequisites) Cost: $40,000-$120,000 (university) 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 TEAS, target 70-80%+ for BSN admission |
| 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 for ATT, study for NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed RN | Month 60 | Pass NCLEX-RN, begin working as a BSN-prepared RN |
Salary difference: BSN-prepared RNs earn an average of $92,560 compared to $80,660 for ADN-prepared RNs. That $11,900 annual difference adds up to nearly $360,000 over a 30-year career.
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 12-18 months of intensive, full-time study.
Timeline: 12-18 months (nursing coursework only) Cost: $40,000-$90,000 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 | Score 75%+ on entrance exam |
| 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 for ATT, study for NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed RN | Month 18 | Pass NCLEX-RN, begin working as a BSN-prepared RN |
Warning: ABSN programs are extremely demanding. Most require you to stop working entirely. However, your CNA experience gives you a significant clinical advantage over classmates who have never touched a patient.
Which Pathway Is Right for You?
| Factor | ADN | BSN | Accelerated BSN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Time | 2-3 years | 4-5 years | 12-18 months |
| Cost | $10,000-$25,000 | $40,000-$120,000 | $40,000-$90,000 |
| Can Work During? | Part-time, yes | Part-time, yes | Usually no |
| Starting Salary | ~$80,660 avg | ~$92,560 avg | ~$92,560 avg |
| Prior Degree Needed? | No | No | Yes (any field) |
| Career Ceiling | RN (bridge to BSN later) | Management, NP, CRNA | Management, NP, CRNA |
| TEAS Score Needed | 60-65% | 70-80%+ | 75%+ |
| Best For | Fast RN licensure | Long-term flexibility | Career changers |
Pro tip for ADN graduates: You can always complete an online RN-to-BSN bridge program in 12-18 months while working as an RN. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for this.
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 TEAS is the entrance exam for most nursing programs. It measures your readiness for the academic rigor of nursing school.
| TEAS Section | Questions | Time | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 45 | 55 min | ~24% |
| Math | 38 | 57 min | ~22% |
| Science | 50 | 60 min | ~31% |
| English & Language | 37 | 37 min | ~23% |
Score requirements:
- ADN programs: typically 60-65% minimum
- BSN programs: typically 70-80%+ minimum
- Competitive programs: 80%+ preferred
Your CNA background gives you an advantage on the Science section, which covers anatomy, physiology, and basic life sciences you have seen in practice.
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) | ~87-91% |
| 2025 Pass Rate | 87.1% (slight decline from prior years) |
| Cost | $200 registration + state fees |
| Results | Typically within 48 hours |
What the pass rate drop means for you: The NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate dipped to 87.1% in 2025, down from higher rates in previous years. This makes thorough preparation more important than ever. Do not rely on your program alone.
9 out of 10 NCLEX test-takers pass on their first try. Will you?
Those who fail often say they did not practice enough outside of their nursing program. Our free NCLEX-RN question bank is built to fill that gap with thousands of practice questions, detailed rationales, and AI-powered explanations for every wrong answer.
Cost Breakdown: What You Will Actually Pay
Understanding the full financial picture helps you plan and avoid surprises. Here is a realistic cost breakdown for each pathway:
ADN Pathway (Community College)
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites (if needed) | $1,500-$4,000 |
| ADN Tuition (2 years) | $8,000-$20,000 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,000-$2,000 |
| TEAS Exam | $70-$115 |
| Clinical Fees & Uniforms | $500-$1,500 |
| NCLEX-RN Registration | $200 |
| State Licensure Fee | $50-$200 |
| Total | $11,320-$28,015 |
BSN Pathway (University)
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| General Education (2 years) | $15,000-$40,000 |
| BSN Nursing Courses (2 years) | $20,000-$60,000 |
| Books & Supplies | $2,000-$4,000 |
| TEAS Exam | $70-$115 |
| Clinical Fees & Uniforms | $1,000-$2,500 |
| NCLEX-RN Registration | $200 |
| State Licensure Fee | $50-$200 |
| Total | $38,320-$107,015 |
Accelerated BSN Pathway
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| ABSN Tuition (12-18 months) | $35,000-$80,000 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,500-$3,000 |
| TEAS/HESI Exam | $70-$115 |
| Clinical Fees & Uniforms | $1,000-$2,000 |
| NCLEX-RN Registration | $200 |
| State Licensure Fee | $50-$200 |
| Total | $37,820-$85,515 |
Financial Aid Options
Do not let sticker prices scare you. Most nursing students receive significant financial assistance:
- Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year (2025-2026) for eligible students - no repayment
- NURSE Corps Scholarship: Covers tuition, fees, and monthly stipend in exchange for 2-year service commitment in underserved areas
- State nursing scholarships: Many states offer scholarships to address their nursing shortage
- Employer tuition reimbursement: Hospitals like HCA, Ascension, and Kaiser often pay $3,000-$5,250/year for employees pursuing nursing degrees
- Federal student loans: Subsidized Stafford loans for demonstrated financial need
- Workforce development grants: Many states fund healthcare worker education through WIA/WIOA programs
- Military benefits: GI Bill and military tuition assistance cover most nursing programs
Return on investment: Even at the highest cost estimate ($107K for BSN), the $54,070 annual salary increase means you recoup your investment in under 2 years.
State-by-State RN Salary Comparison (Top 10)
Where you practice dramatically affects your earnings. Here are the highest-paying states for registered nurses:
| Rank | State | Mean Annual RN Salary | Cost of Living Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | ~$148,000 | High COL, but salary premium is significant |
| 2 | Hawaii | ~$119,000 | Very high COL; consider net purchasing power |
| 3 | Washington | ~$115,000 | High COL in Seattle metro; lower elsewhere |
| 4 | Oregon | ~$113,000 | Moderate-high COL; no state income tax |
| 5 | Massachusetts | ~$113,000 | High COL in Boston; strong union presence |
| 6 | Alaska | ~$107,000 | High COL; travel nurse rates even higher |
| 7 | New York | ~$106,000 | NYC drives the average; upstate is lower |
| 8 | Connecticut | ~$101,000 | Moderate-high COL; proximity to NYC/Boston |
| 9 | New Jersey | ~$100,000 | High COL; strong hospital systems |
| 10 | Nevada | ~$98,000 | Lower COL than CA; growing healthcare sector |
National median: $93,600 | National mean: $98,430
CNA salary context: Even in the lowest-paying RN states, registered nurses earn significantly more than the highest CNA salary percentile ($50,140 at the 90th percentile nationally). The floor for RN salaries ($66,030 at the 10th percentile) exceeds the ceiling for CNA salaries.
Why CNAs Make the Best RNs
Nursing programs are competitive. The AACN reported that 65,766 qualified applicants were turned away from nursing programs in 2023-2024, primarily due to faculty shortages. Your CNA experience is not just a resume booster. It is a genuine clinical advantage that sets you apart both in admissions and in practice.
Clinical Skills You Already Have
Patient communication. You have spent hundreds of hours talking to patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams. Nursing students without CNA experience often struggle with this in their first clinical rotations. You will not.
Time management in chaos. You know what it feels like to have six call lights going off simultaneously. That ability to prioritize under pressure translates directly to RN-level decision-making.
Body mechanics and patient safety. Transfers, repositioning, fall prevention: you have done these thousands of times. Your classmates will be learning them for the first time.
Comfort with the uncomfortable. End-of-life care, incontinence, confused patients, emotional families. You have already navigated these situations. This emotional resilience is one of the biggest predictors of nursing school success.
Medical terminology fluency. While your classmates are memorizing terminology flashcards, you already speak the language of healthcare from daily use.
What Admissions Committees See
Nursing program admissions committees view CNA experience favorably because:
- Lower dropout risk: CNAs already understand the realities of nursing and are less likely to leave the program due to "reality shock"
- Clinical readiness: CNA students require less orientation during clinical rotations
- Patient safety awareness: You understand infection control, HIPAA, and safety protocols from real-world practice
- Commitment evidence: Your CNA certification demonstrates genuine commitment to healthcare, not just an interest
The Bridge Program Advantage
Many programs offer CNA-to-RN bridge components that can reduce your timeline by up to 6 months. These programs recognize your existing competencies and allow you to test out of foundational skills you have already mastered. Ask specifically about bridge credit when evaluating programs.
Your TEAS score is the key that unlocks nursing school
Competitive programs receive 3-5 applicants for every seat. A strong TEAS score, combined with your CNA experience, makes you a standout candidate. Our free TEAS practice test covers all four sections with the same question types you will see on exam day.
2026 Nursing Shortage: Why Now Is the Time
The data is clear: America needs more nurses, and the window of opportunity for career advancement has never been wider.
The Numbers
- 189,100 RN openings per year projected by the BLS through 2034
- 5% job growth for RNs from 2024-2034 (faster than average)
- 29 states projected to still have nursing shortages by 2037 (HRSA)
- Nursing shortage expected to peak in 2027 before gradually improving
- 65,766 qualified applicants turned away from nursing programs in 2023-2024 due to faculty shortages (AACN)
What This Means for You
Job security. With 189,100 openings per year, RNs who pass the NCLEX-RN have near-guaranteed employment. Many hospitals offer sign-on bonuses of $5,000-$20,000 for new graduate RNs.
Salary leverage. The shortage gives nurses bargaining power. Wages have been rising faster than inflation in most markets, and the trend is expected to continue through 2030.
Geographic flexibility. Nursing shortages exist in virtually every state, giving you the freedom to live and work where you want. Compact nursing licenses (available in 40+ states) make relocation even easier.
Specialty access. New graduate RN programs in ICU, emergency, labor & delivery, and operating room are expanding to address the shortage. Five years ago, these specialties required years of experience. Today, many hospitals train new grads directly.
The LPN/LVN Alternative
If the 2-4 year RN timeline feels too long, consider the LPN/LVN pathway as an intermediate step:
| Factor | LPN/LVN | RN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,340 | $93,600 |
| Program Length | 12-18 months | 2-4 years |
| Scope of Practice | Limited (under RN supervision) | Full nursing scope |
| Career Ceiling | LPN roles, some specialties | NP, CRNA, management |
Many CNAs choose the CNA to LPN to RN stepping-stone approach, earning more at each level while continuing their education. If this interests you, the NCLEX-PN is your next exam.
ADN vs. BSN: The Salary Reality
This is one of the most debated topics in nursing education. Here is what the data actually shows:
| Metric | ADN Nurses | BSN Nurses | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $80,660 | $92,560 | +$11,900/year |
| 30-Year Earnings Difference | -- | -- | +$357,000 |
| Magnet Hospital Eligibility | Limited | Preferred/required | Significant |
| Management Positions | Rare | Common requirement | Career ceiling |
| NP/CRNA Graduate School | Must complete BSN first | Direct entry | Time savings |
| Entry-Level Market Share | 48.5% | 51.5% | BSN trending up |
The pragmatic approach: Start with an ADN to begin earning $80,660+ as quickly as possible, then complete an online RN-to-BSN bridge program in 12-18 months while working. Many employers pay for this entirely.
The LPN pathway is not a detour. It is a strategy.
Going CNA to LPN to RN means you earn $62,340 as an LPN while finishing your RN degree, instead of $39,530 as a CNA. Over a 2-year RN program, that is nearly $46,000 more in your pocket during school.
Your Action Plan: Starting This Month
If You Have No Prerequisites Done
Months 1-2: Take the TEAS diagnostic 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. Request CNA license verification for bridge credit.
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?
The fastest pathway is the ADN route, which takes approximately 2-3 years including prerequisites. A BSN takes 4-5 years. If you already have a bachelor's degree, an Accelerated BSN can be completed in 12-18 months. CNA experience may qualify you for bridge credits that reduce your timeline by up to 6 months.
How much more does an RN make than a CNA?
The median RN salary is $93,600 compared to the median CNA salary of $39,530, a difference of $54,070 per year (137% increase). Over a 30-year career, this amounts to over $1.6 million in additional earnings. Even RNs at the 10th percentile ($66,030) earn significantly more than CNAs at the 90th percentile ($50,140).
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, 51.5% of entry-level nurses now hold a BSN or higher, and many hospitals (especially Magnet-designated facilities) prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses. ADN nurses average $80,660 compared to $92,560 for BSN nurses.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate?
The NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for US-educated candidates is approximately 87-91%, though it dipped to 87.1% in 2025. This means roughly 1 in 8 first-time test-takers do not pass. Thorough preparation with practice questions and content review is essential.
Can I work as a CNA while in nursing school?
Yes, and many nursing students do exactly this. Working as a CNA during nursing school reinforces clinical skills, provides income, and keeps you connected to patient care. Many hospitals offer flexible scheduling for nursing students who work as CNAs, and some even provide tuition assistance.
Is the nursing shortage real, and will there be jobs when I graduate?
Yes. The BLS projects 189,100 RN openings per year through 2034, with 5% job growth. HRSA data shows the shortage is expected to peak in 2027, and 29 states will still face shortages by 2037. The AACN reported that 65,766 qualified nursing applicants were turned away in 2023-2024 due to faculty shortages, meaning demand for nurses far exceeds the educational pipeline's capacity.
What TEAS score do I need for nursing school?
ADN programs typically require a minimum TEAS score of 60-65%, while BSN programs often require 70-80% or higher. Competitive programs may expect scores above 80%. Your CNA experience gives you an advantage on the Science section, which covers anatomy, physiology, and life sciences.
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 CNAs choose the CNA-to-LPN-to-RN route to earn a higher salary ($62,340 LPN median) while continuing their education.
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.