Using a CNA to LPN bridge program to advance a career and wages has become increasingly common for nursing assistants who enjoy their careers. There are differences in the occupations although many LPN programs require the same base knowledge and skills as certified assistants have. Programs may be found online and through local community colleges and nursing colleges. The flexibility of an assistant’s schedule often allows them to continue working while obtaining their degree.
Financial aid for a CNA to LPN bridge program may be found through a variety of sources. Some employers will offer to either reimburse tuition or will help cover the cost for students who sign a contract to work after completing their education. Some grants will pay off student loans for medical specialists and teachers if they will work in impoverished areas after graduating. Local community funds which reinvest in professionals who return to the area are another source of funding to look into.
Furthering careers from CNA to LPN will advance the student’s pay considerably, often more than doubling their salary. The work itself will also be different as will the responsibilities. Nursing assistants are not held liable for the work they do legally to the extent that the nurse in charge of them is. After becoming a licensed nurse the paperwork and responsibility will increase dramatically. Less hands-on patient work is performed and learning to double check on the work of certified assistant under them is vital as the licensed nurse’s license is actually at risk from any mistakes made by the workers under his or her supervision.
Finding CNA to LPN bridge program courses or CNA Online Training classes is not difficult, although finding one which works with scheduling and payment options may limit the choices somewhat. Many students use online courses to further their degree and these colleges can generally make arrangements for the students to perform any actual supervised work locally. Community colleges may offer a combination of online work and classroom/lab work which is supervised. Students will be required to pass the NCLEX-PN exam prior to becoming licensed; however they are able to continue working as a CNA throughout the entire process.
Not every nursing assistant will be interested in CNA to LPN bridge programs. Many assistants enjoy the daily interaction with their patients and receive great satisfaction from helping them perform their daily living tasks. The additional responsibility and paperwork are also possible detriments when considering changing careers. Many nursing assistants chart and make records however they do not have to spend hours going over the fine details of each patients chart and medications. The CNA to LPN bridge programs are an excellent way to progress towards a higher degree with options to later upgrade to an RN license or continue on to become a PhD.
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