Sample roadmap
CNA or LPN → Registered Nurse
Already working in healthcare and want the RN license? Your existing role is an advantage, not a detour — LPNs get advanced placement in bridge programs, and CNAs get clinical hours plus tuition help most applicants never have.
Target
Registered Nurse
Duration
12 mo – 3 yrs
Difficulty
Intermediate
Paths
2 options
The fastest legitimate route to RN. Bridge programs grant advanced placement for your practical nursing education — many let you skip most of the first year and enter the second year directly.
Prerequisites & Placement
General education and advanced placement
Approx
24w
skill
Complete General Education Prerequisites
checkpoint
Take the Advanced Placement Exam
checkpoint
Apply to LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
Bridge Program
Accelerated RN coursework and clinicals
Approx
48w
skill
Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing
skill
Pharmacology & IV Therapy
experience
Specialty Clinical Rotations
skill
Leadership & Delegation
Licensure & Launch
NCLEX-RN and role transition
Approx
16w
skill
NCLEX-RN Preparation
certification
Pass the NCLEX-RN
experience
RN Position
This is a sample.
Yours will be personalized.
Our AI takes your exact starting point — your education, skills, location, and availability — and builds a roadmap tailored to you.