As a certified nursing assistant (CNA), it’s obvious that you have a heart for making a positive difference. Now imagine life as a registered nurse (RN). Beyond the bedside care you’re already an expert in, becoming an RN can open doors to advanced skills, greater autonomy, and a bigger role in shaping patient outcomes.
Whether it’s creating patient plans, leading a team, or specializing in critical care, the opportunities as an RN are endless — and so are the rewards. Ready to take your compassion and expertise to the next level? Let’s dive into why the CNA-to-RN path may be the perfect next step for you.
- CNA to RN educational requirements
- CNA to RN job responsibilities
- Benefits of becoming an RN
- Explore a travel nursing career with Fusion Medical Staffing
- ✨BONUS✨ Frequently asked questions
Want To Grow Your Career from CNA to RN? Here’s How!
CNA to RN educational requirements
To grow your career from CNA to RN, you may need to add “additional educational requirements” to your to do list.
While CNAs typically complete a state-approved training program, followed by a certification exam, RN’s usually need a more extensive education — either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Regardless, after graduating with your nursing degree, you must then pass the National Council Licensure Exam for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). Here’s more on what you need to know to go from CNA to RN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs
If you want to maximize your nursing career options, earning a BSN is one of the best moves you can make. Not only does this four-year program provide advanced clinical training and leadership skills, but it also opens doors to specialized nursing roles like those in intensive care units, pediatrics, oncology, and more that typically require a BSN. However, a BSN isn’t your only option if you want to go from CNA to RN.
Associate Degree in Nursing programs
Not yet ready to commit to a four-year program? Cut to an ADN, which can be a faster, more affordable path. Typically taking around two years to complete, ADN programs cover essential nursing skills like patient care, medication administration, and clinical decision-making. After graduating, you’ll be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and start working as a registered nurse.
Related: ADN vs BSN: Which Nursing Degree Is Right For You?
Licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs
Alternatively, becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) can be a great middle ground between CNA and RN! These programs typically take about a year to complete and focus on nursing education like basic patient care, wound care, and medication administration.
Related: The Difference Between an LPN and CNA
After passing the NCLEX-PN exam, you’ll be able to work in various healthcare settings with more responsibilities and potentially a higher pay rate than a CNA. And the best part is there's still growing room for you to go from LPN to RN, if that aligns with your career growth plan.
CNA-to-RN bridge programs
For CNAs ready to level up without starting from scratch, CNA-to-RN bridge programs can offer a quicker path to adding “registered nurse” to your LinkedIn profile. These RN programs are designed to build on the nursing experience, knowledge, and skills you already have, allowing you to complete RN coursework faster than a traditional program. With flexible scheduling and online options available, a bridge program could be a gamechanger for you in reaching RN status.
CNA to RN job responsibilities
From helping patients get dressed to making sure they’re comfortable and well-fed, your role as a CNA helps keep things running smoothly at the bedside. But as an RN, you won’t just care for patients — you’ll lead their care.
Beyond general care, RNs are responsible for assessing patient symptoms and vital signs, completing diagnostic tests, communicating with doctors, and making critical care decisions. And in emergency situations, RNs are trained to provide life-saving interventions and coordinate complex care plans.
“Being a CNA is a great steppingstone to begin as an RN,” said one travel nurse on Reddit. “The things you do as a CNA are still part of being an RN. It teaches you the very basics of patient care, communication, and what it’s like to work under someone.”
Additionally, as an RN, you’ll guide CNAs and act as a bridge between the medical team and the patient’s bedside care. Going from CNA to RN allows you to step up, take care, and use your skills to make an even bigger impact.
Benefits of becoming an RN
Making the leap from CNA to RN isn’t just about a higher earning potential (although that's a notch in the "pro" column).
As an RN, you’ll step into a role where you can advocate for patients in ways you couldn’t before. You’ll also gain a more advanced skill set, learning everything from administering medications to managing emergency situations, giving you the confidence to handle more complex care.
But the perks don’t stop there. With an RN license, you can look forward to more career flexibility and job security, meaning even more opportunities to make a broader impact on patient outcomes.
Explore a travel nursing career with Fusion Medical Staffing
What’s better than growing your career from CNA to RN? Doing it with us and adding “travel” to your title!
Imagine not only advancing your nursing skills but also exploring new cities, meeting people from all walks of life, and earning top pay while doing it. That could be you as a travel RN, living the best of both worlds — the chance to step into more specialized roles while experiencing the adventure of working in different healthcare settings across the country.
And when it comes to travel nursing, there’s no better partner than Fusion Medical Staffing. With us, we won’t blindly send you to assignments; we’ll support you every step in every state. From finding the right contract to offering housing resources to navigating the transition from CNA to RN, our team’s main priority is making sure you feel empowered, confident, and ready to shine. You’re ready to take your RN career to new heights, and we’re ready to help you get there.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work as a traveling CNA with Fusion Medical Staffing while pursuing my RN degree?
As long as you have one to two years of recent nursing assistance experience within the last three years, you can take travel CNA assignments with us. That way, you can work in different clinical settings, build your resume, and see new places — all while being flexible enough to focus on your studies.
How much more can I expect to earn as a traveling RN vs CNA?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses can earn an average salary of $93,600 per year, while CNAs bring in around $39,430 annually.
Even better, RNs who choose to travel nurse can make even more, thanks to higher hourly rates, housing stipends, and potential bonuses. With Fusion Medical Staffing, you can take advantage of competitive pay packages while gaining valuable experience in different healthcare settings across the country.
Why do travel nurses choose to work with Fusion Medical Staffing?
When you travel with us, you’re not just signing up for great assignments — you’re signing up for a company that truly takes care of its people.
From day one health insurance, $0 copays for mental health services, and free access to an employee resource program, we’re here to support you through life’s ups and downs. Need a little extra guidance? In addition to your travel nurse recruiter, our clinical and dedicated traveler experience teams are always here to help you handle whatever comes your way.
“What I love most about working with Fusion Medical Staffing is definitely my recruiter Tyler,” said Traveling LPN Maya. “He goes above and beyond in every way. Tyler truly cares about me and my family, always looking out for our best interests. He takes the time to understand exactly what I’m looking for in a contract and consistently finds me the best travel nursing opportunities. It’s rare to find someone so dedicated and genuine in this industry.”
And with benefits like retirement investment matching and having the same recruiter for every contract, you’ll feel like more than an employee — you’ll feel like you belong to something bigger than yourself.
No matter where you are on your nursing journey — from CNA to RN and beyond — there’s a path that’s right for you. And with us by your side, you’ll have the support, resources, and opportunities to continue to learn and grow.
