CNA – Continuing Education

Nursing is one of the fastest growing careers, which offer a number of advancement opportunities. But to acquire the advanced career positions, you need to continue your education in this field. Certified nursing assistants are the entry level professionals in the field of nursing. Through certain short training programs or degree courses, these professionals can opt for professions like, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, clinical nurse specialist or certified nurse midwife. Here, we have discussed some educational paths you can follow to acquire superior career positions.

CNA to LPN Programs

Certified nursing assistants pursue these programs to advance their career as licensed practical nurses. Most of the nursing schools, community colleges and universities are approved by the state board of nursing, to conduct these short training programs. This one year academic training program will cover topics like, nutrition, child care, pharmacy and surgical nursing. Online CNA to LPN programs is also one of the options you can choose to refresh your skills and reactivate your license. Once you are done with the nursing training program, you are expected to qualify NCLEX-PN exam to acquire an LPN licensure.

LPN salary and career

According to U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2011, the mean annual and hourly wages of licensed practical nurse in US was $42,040 and $20.21 respectively. Future job prospects for these professionals are expected to be excellent and a 22 percent increase in job opportunities is predicated for LPNs, by 2020.

Besides these career paths, you can also look for other options, like nursing education certificates in post-masters, PhD in nursing and PhD in administration.

CNA to RN Programs

Certified nursing assistants can advance their career as a registered nurse, after learning skills through CNA to RN programs. For being recognized as an RN in any state, you need to complete a degree program, which is an associate’s degree in nursing (a 2 year program), bachelor’s degree in nursing (a four year program) and a master’s degree in nursing (2 year degree course). After successfully completing these courses, you are expected to qualify NCLEX-RN examination (National Council licensure Examination for Registered Nurses), to acquire a legal permit to practice as a nurse in the nation. A registered nurse assists physicians in whatever they do.

RN salary and career

According to the survey reports of BLS of May 2011, the mean annual and hourly wages of these professionals in the nation were $69,110 and $33.23 respectively. Scarcity of nursing professionals is a growing issue in the states of US. Future job prospects for these professionals are excellent.

Becoming a Patient care technician

For practicing as a patient care technician, a certified nursing assistant has to take the Phlebotomy and EKG Course. After completing these courses, aspiring students are expected to qualify a Certified Patient Care Associate (C.P.C.A./C.N.T.) certification exam. Once you are done with the training and certification process, you can apply for this post in different health care facilities.

Continuing education programs are highly beneficial for aspiring certified nursing assistants. You can expect higher salaries and superior career positions in the nursing field, by pursuing these programs. Besides this, medical professionals are expected to be always updated with the current information for a better patient care. Continuing education is one of the best ways for acquiring a successful career in nursing.