Overview of CNA Bridge Programs

The CNA career is a stepping stone to advance in your career in the nursing field. Nursing professionals are in great demand in the health care industry. You can work as a nursing assistant while you are still undergoing the training and this is one of the major advantages of the nursing profession. Many nursing professionals choose to gain relevant experience by working at an entry level position as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then climb their way up the career ladder by pursuing higher education and grabbing bigger and better career opportunities. Here is an overview of CNA Bridge Programs.

CNA bridge programs are a recent and popular trend in the nursing industry. The CNA bridge programs are offered by many community schools and colleges. The normal CNA training program usually takes around 6 to 12 weeks for completion and it prepares the students for the next higher level of training. This course equips the candidates with all the necessary knowledge and required skills to become a CNA. Once the candidates finish their CNA training, they can opt for the CNA bridge programs to progress in their career.

Overview of CNA Bridge Programs

The CNA bridge programs are also at times referred to as accelerated CNA programs. These programs are for a shorter duration as compared to the regular CNA programs and aim at completing the training at a faster rate. There is a system of credit units of the base CNA program which can be transferred to the CNA bridge program that allows you to complete the graduation in a lesser span of time. There is a fixed educational curriculum for these CNA bridge programs. Some of the common CNA bridge programs offered in the United States are listed below.

CNA to LPN Bridge Programs 

CNAs who aspire to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can opt for the CNA to LPN bridge program. One of the requirements for this program is that you need to hold a CNA license that is active and you also need to submit a proof of your employment record. You have to work for a certain number of hours while doing this program which you get paid for. The numbers of hours vary depending on the state.

The CNA to LPN bridge programs require another 6 months to one year for completion and may be conducted on a full time or part time basis. The time taken for completing the course depends on the framework of the CNA to LPN bridge program.

The charges or the fees for these programs usually range from $750 to $2500. On an average the tuition fees are around $2000. The fees include laboratory fees, health insurance as well as affiliation fee for partnering with a health care facility. Other expenses that you need to take care of include charges for books, uniforms and medical equipments.

The CNA to LPN bridge program may help you to lessen the time frame for completing the course by a semester. The usual program has around 3 semesters that spans for a period of 9 months to a year. The program consists of theoretical or class room training as well as practical or clinical skills training. You need to complete the necessary amount of hours for successful completion of the CNA to LPN bridge program. The program can be completed in a short span of time and also helps you save money and hence it is an option worth considering for all CNAs who aspire to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

CNA to RN Bridge Programs 

The CNA to RN bridge program are good for CNAs who aspire to work as a Registered Nurse (RN). Even these programs require you to hold an active CNA license. This program needs around 1 to 1 ½ years of extra study for successful completion. After completion of the CNA to RN bridge program, the candidates can register for a license examination for registered nurses with the NCLEX-RN.

The charges for the CNA to RN bridge program depend on the community school or college that you have enrolled in and also on the kind of program coursework. The tuition fees are usually around $3000 on an annual basis for community colleges. Private schools tend to charge higher for the program and it can amount to $10,0000 every year. There is also a testing fee charged for NCLEX-RN which is around $200 – $300 based on the state.

The CNA to RN bridge program lasts for two years. However, if you have completed the LPN program, then you can finish the CNA to RN bridge program within a year or so. This time frame does not include the time period required for applying, preparing, as well as registering for the NCLEX-RN. This may require additional 3 to 6 months. Just like the CNA to LPN bridge program, even the CNA to RN bridge program may be conducted on a full time or part time basis. The program can also be completed online.

Besides the CNA to LPN and CNA to RN bridge program, there are a variety of other CNA bridge programs available such as CNA to LVN or CNA to BSN or CNA to MSN bridge programs. The CNA bridge programs offer a good facility for working professionals who are pressed for time to study while working. The CNA bridge programs help you in saving your time as well as costs while advancing your nursing career.