Congratulations on completing your Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) program. Are you looking forward to scaling up the ladder and attaining a fulfilling career in health care? The CNA program is a considerable achievement and the first step towards maneuvering the educational pathways and achieving a career in the health care sector.
In this article, we will expound on the step-by-step educational pathways you can use to transition in the CNA career advancement, highlighting some of the job careers you can pursue.
Reaching New Heights
A career in the health care industry has vast opportunities for growth and advancement. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics lists registered nursing as one of the top occupations for future job growth, with a projected growth trajectory of 6 percent until 2031.
Below are some of the educational pathways that you can take to help you reach new heights in the health care industry:
Advanced CNA
A certified nurse aide is an entry-level health care member who performs patient-centered duties under registered nurse (RN) supervision and works closely with doctors and other health care professionals. Advanced CNAs are provided with additional training and education programs to help equip them with more skills to handle more tasks than ordinary CNAs.
However, the education and licensing requirements are typically less rigorous than other health professionals, and the training is usually for a short time.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/ (LVN)
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) usually provide primary nursing care to patients. They include checking vital signs, administering medication, or performing minor medical procedures in nursing homes, extended care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and private homes.
To be a licensed LPN/LVN, one has to complete a state-approved educational program which takes about 12-18 months. The annual average wage for LPNs and LVNs is approximately $48,000.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered Nurses (RN) are involved with providing and coordinating patient care. They educate patients and the public about various health conditions in hospitals, physician’s offices, home health care services, nursing care facilities, or outpatient clinics. They assess patients, develop care plans, and provide medication and treatments.
It takes about 2-4 years to become a licensed RN. A licensed RN has to acquire a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. The average annual wage for RN is $77,000.
Nursing Home Administrator
Nursing home administrators perform the day-to-day management of all facility business, including admissions and building maintenance, as well as the care of its residents. They are involved in planning, directing, and coordinating business activities.
Qualified Nursing home administrators require a bachelor’s degree and work experience in an administrative or clinical role. A nursing home administrator has an annual average wage of about $101,000.
Geriatric Care Manager
Geriatric Care Managers assist senior adults and their immediate families through the health care system by assessing their needs, coordinating care, and providing family support.
A qualified Geriatric Care Manager must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field, and they have an annual wage of about $50,000.
Nurse Educator or Professor
Nurse Educators or professors teach nursing students, providing training and education to practicing nurses in their subject areas. Nurse Educators or professors must have a master’s or doctorate in nursing or any related field.
They have an annual salary wage of $80,000.
Ready to Climb the Nursing Career Ladder? Contact NC CareGivers Today!
Scaling the nursing career ladder has always been challenging. The opportunities that await you are enormous and career-shaping. Learn more about what’s next after you finish your nursing aide program here from NC CareGivers. For more help with your career, contact us today!
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