How CNA to LPN works
CNA to LPN is not a separate license track: CNAs enroll in a state-approved practical nursing program like any other student, then take the NCLEX-PN to be licensed.[ooh_lpn][nclex_fee] We found no public college that publishes a dedicated "CNA to LPN bridge" with its own length and price, so plan on a regular practical nursing program. Admission rules, including whether prior nurse aide training earns any credit, vary by school, so check the program's own admissions page.
- Keep your CNA certification active and gather patient-care hours; programs and employers both value them.
- Complete prerequisites the program lists, often anatomy, math or English placement.
- Finish a practical nursing program of about one year.[ooh_lpn]
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Registration costs $200 and rises to $350 on February 1, 2027.[nclex_fee]
How long is CNA to LPN?
CNA to LPN takes about one year: BLS says practical nursing programs typically take about 1 year, and the two public programs below list 11 to 14 months full-time.[ooh_lpn][s_miracosta][s_manatee] Part-time options take longer; MiraCosta College lists 24 months for its part-time LVN track.
| Program | Length | Published cost | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiraCosta College (CA) | 14 months full-time (24 part-time) | $3,500 | Tuition, uniforms, books, physical and immunizations (approximate) |
| Manatee Technical College (FL) | 1,350 hours, about 11–13 months (day) | $9,196 | Estimated total including tuition, lab and fees ($7,553), books, uniforms and pre-admission costs |
CNA vs LPN pay
LPNs earn $22,140 more than CNAs at the national medians, $64,400 against $42,260, or $30.96 against $20.32 an hour.[onet_lpn][onet_cna] The raise is largest in Alaska ($34,430) and smallest in South Dakota ($13,950).
| State | CNA median | LPN median | Raise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $46,370 | $80,800 | $34,430 |
| Washington | $49,180 | $83,150 | $33,970 |
| Rhode Island | $46,440 | $80,090 | $33,650 |
| Massachusetts | $46,680 | $80,220 | $33,540 |
| Arizona | $44,780 | $77,070 | $32,290 |
| California | $47,630 | $79,750 | $32,120 |
| Maryland | $43,240 | $74,660 | $31,420 |
| Nevada | $45,490 | $76,160 | $30,670 |
See every state on LPN salary and CNA salary, and the full license comparison on RN vs LPN.
Is CNA to LPN worth it?
CNA to LPN pays back in a little over 2 years of LPN work in our examples, mostly because of pay given up during school. A CNA at the national median who keeps half of that pay during school and starts as an LPN at the 25th percentile ($59,000) recovers the cost of the Manatee Tech program plus the NCLEX fee and the pay given up in about 2.3 years, or 2.1 years at the MiraCosta price.[onet_lpn][onet_cna][s_manatee][s_miracosta][irs]
| Program | Total cost incl. half of pay given up | After-tax raise per year | Years to pay back |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manatee Tech PN (FL) | $30,526 | $13,451 | 2.3 |
| MiraCosta LVN (CA) | $28,352 | $13,451 | 2.1 |
The bigger raise comes one step later: registered nurses earn $33,150 more than LPNs at the median, and LPN to RN bridge programs give LPNs credit toward an ADN. Program prices for every route are on nursing school cost.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to go from CNA to LPN?
About one year in a full-time practical nursing program, plus any prerequisites, then the NCLEX-PN. Part-time programs can take about two years.
Is there a CNA to LPN bridge program?
We found no public college publishing a formal CNA-to-LPN bridge. CNAs enter a regular practical nursing program; whether nurse aide training earns credit depends on the school.
How much more does an LPN make than a CNA?
$22,140 a year at the national medians ($64,400 vs $42,260, BLS May 2025).
Should I go from CNA straight to RN instead?
An RN earns $55,290 more than a CNA at the median, but an ADN takes about two years of nursing courses plus prerequisites. LPN first lets you earn more sooner and later use an LPN-to-RN bridge.
Sources
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- NCLEX Fees and Payment ($200 registration; $350 from Feb. 1, 2027)
- Licensed Vocational Nursing program (14 months; about $3,500)
- Practical Nursing program (1,350 hours; estimated total cost)
- Local Wages: 29-2061.00 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (state and metro percentiles)
- Local Wages: 31-1131.00 Nursing Assistants (state and metro percentiles)
- Local Wages: 29-1141.00 Registered Nurses (state and metro percentiles)
- IRS releases tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026 (Rev. Proc. 2025-32)