CNA to BSN
Bridge from frontline care to a four-year nursing degree, with your patient-care hours working for you.
Your path
Start with CNA training, earn patient-care hours, finish your prerequisites, and apply to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The BSN is the degree most hospitals want, and it opens the way to charge nurse, specialty and graduate roles later.
- Listed timeframe
- 4 years
- Programs to explore
- 1056 BSN programs
- School locations
- See individual programs
Before you start
- 18 or older
- High school diploma or GED
- US citizen or eligible to work in the US
- Social Security number
- Criminal background check
- Drug screen
- Immunizations and TB test
- Physical exam
- CPR or BLS certification
- Entrance exam (TEAS or HESI)
- Prerequisite courses (anatomy and physiology, microbiology)
- Minimum GPA
More about this path
Timeframe. 4 years is the timeframe listed for this path. Confirm the full timeline, including prerequisites and application waits, with your schools.
Locations. Programs are drawn from the credential directory. Check each school’s location, attendance, and residency requirements.
Annual pay by credential. Catalog averages for each credential, not one salary range.
- CNA-associated roles: $34,000/year
- BSN-associated roles: $94,000/year
Tuition, admission requirements and total time vary by school. Completing this path does not guarantee admission.
Programs on this path
Compare programs and keep your application steps in one place.
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, Texas
BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online
Addison, Texas
BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Tifton, Georgia
BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Adams State University
Alamosa, Colorado
BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Adelphi University
Garden City, New York
BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing
AdventHealth University
Orlando, Florida
BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Alaska Pacific University
Anchorage, Alaska
BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Albany State University
Albany, Georgia
BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Showing 8 of 1,056 programs
How this path works
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Compare BSN programs
Compare the connected programs and check prerequisites, costs and dates.
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Complete your CNA training
Pick a provider and finish the program and credential steps.
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Meet entry requirements
Prepare the experience, exams, and prerequisites your chosen programs require.
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Apply
Gather your documents and check each program’s requirements before you apply.
Completing this path does not guarantee admission. Each program sets its own requirements.
Common questions
Why start with CNA if I want a BSN?
It gets you working in patient care within months, confirms nursing is for you, and gives you experience that strengthens your BSN application.
How long is the BSN program itself?
Two to three years once you are admitted, after about a year of prerequisite courses. Accelerated options exist if you already hold a bachelor's degree.
Is an ADN a better first step?
If you want to be an RN as fast as possible, yes. If you want the bachelor's from the start, this path saves you the bridge later.
Can I do any of this online?
Prerequisite courses are often available online. Nursing courses and clinicals are in person.
Similar paths
Other routes students explore alongside this one.