CNAs are the unsung heroes of the healthcare sector, who give patients vital support and care in a variety of situations. While CNAs are very vital in providing direct patient care, it’s also important to emphasize that this entry-level job can be used as a steppingstone for advancement in the healthcare industry. Fortunately, there are various career advancement pathways available to CNAs, ranging from becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN) to transitioning into related healthcare professions such as medical billing and coding or becoming a physical therapy assistant. In this blogpost, we will explore:
- Career Advancement Pathways
- Educational requirements
- Job responsibilities
CNAs
CNAs are responsible for assisting patients with daily activities, including bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. They also provide emotional support, monitor vital signs, and communicate any changes in the patient’s condition to the nursing staff. CNAs are an essential member of the healthcare team and work under the supervision of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.
Read up: The levels in Nursing.
To become a CNA, you must complete a state-approved training program, which typically takes 4-12 weeks, and pass a certification exam. Once certified, CNAs can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, government agencies and home health agencies.
While some CNAs may aspire to advance their careers, being a CNA can be a fulfilling and rewarding career in itself. Here are some of the advantages of a CNA career:
- Low entrance barrier: Some programs come with full funding which makes it a rather inexpensive way to start a career and also a fast pathway into the healthcare industry.
- Practical knowledge: CNAs work closely with patients, giving them hands-on care and building strong bonds with them.
- Opportunity to research healthcare occupations: Being a CNA allows people the chance to research various healthcare careers and determine which ones interest them.
What career advancements are possible for a CNA?
CNAs can advance into a variety of different positions. The most popular include:
CNA – LP/LVN
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): Many CNAs decide to further their education and training in order to become an LPN or LVN to improve in their employment. In order to provide more complex nursing care, such as dispensing medication, caring for wounds, and tracking patient progress, LPNs/LVNs build on their CNA expertise. This development creates new possibilities for advancement and bigger obligations within the healthcare industry. Compared to RNs, LPNs have much less strict education requirements. Additionally, a lot of institutions have CNA-to-LPN bridge programs that enable you to leverage the credits you obtained while pursuing your goal of becoming an LPN.
Why you should consider an LPN/LVN Career
- LPNs can usually start working in the field within a year.
- LPNs earn a lot more money than CNAs.
- LPNs hold a nursing license.
- If you desire to improve your career after becoming an LPN, there are fast-track programs to help you become an RN.
Educational Requirements
To become an LPN or LVN, you must complete a state-approved LPN/LVN program, which typically takes one year. After completing the program, you must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain licensure.
CNA – RN
CNAs that are passionate about patient care and want to take on additional responsibility frequently decide to become registered nurses. The knowledge and abilities of CNAs can be increased by earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), which will allow them to assess patients, create care plans, administer medicines, and work with other healthcare professionals. The employment opportunities are improved, and there is more autonomy in decision-making and patient care when one becomes an RN.
Why you should consider an RN Career
- During their education, RNs might choose to specialize.
- RNs carry out more complex procedures while working under the direction of doctors.
- There is a huge demand for nurses.
- Of the three primary nursing-related vocations, RNs earn the highest.
- RNs have greater employment options once they graduate. They could work in public health, the integrated healthcare sector, offices or clinics (as a clinical nurse), or as nurse consultants in the legal field.
- RNs have a closer working relationship with doctors and a deeper comprehension of nursing and healthcare.
Educational Requirements
To become an RN, you must complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
CNA – Patient Care Technician
Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) are healthcare professionals who provide basic patient care, such as monitoring vital signs, assisting with medical procedures, and administering medications. PCTs work under the supervision of RNs and physicians.
Why you should consider a PCT Career
The role of a PCT is similar to that of an LPN/LVN, but with more emphasis on hands-on patient care. Other advantages of a PCT career include:
- Diverse Skill Set: As a Patient Care Technician, you develop a wide range of skills that can be applied across different healthcare settings.
- Exposure to Different Specialties: Patient Care Technicians have the advantage of working in diverse healthcare settings, this exposure allows you to gain insight into different specialties and areas of healthcare.
- PCTs can earn more than CNAs and have more advanced duties.
Educational Requirements
To become a PCT, you must complete a state approved PCT program, which typically takes one year. After completing the program, you must pass a certification exam to obtain licensure.
Specialized Roles for CNAs
CNAs may also choose to specialize in a particular area of healthcare. By pursuing additional certifications or training programs, CNAs can become certified in areas such as geriatric care, pediatric care, or mental health. Specializing in a specific field allows CNAs to work with specific populations and provide specialized care to patients with unique needs.
While the role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is critical in providing direct patient care, it also serves as a starting point for achievable career progression in the healthcare field. CNAs have the opportunity to gain valuable experience, build essential skills, and pursue further education and training to advance their careers. Whether transitioning to become an LPN, an RN, or specializing in a specific area of healthcare, CNAs can embark on a fulfilling and rewarding journey of professional growth. The path to career advancement in nursing is a testament to the dedication, compassion, and commitment of CNAs who continually strive to make a difference in the lives of patients and their communities.
