Transitioning from a CNA to a Registered Nurse (RN) is a significant career move that offers numerous benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth. This transition involves expanding one’s scope of practice, pursuing further education, and taking on greater responsibilities in the healthcare field.
Why Become an RN?
One of the primary reasons individuals choose to become RNs after working as CNAs is the expanded scope of practice. RNs have a more comprehensive role in patient care, which includes assessing patients, developing care plans, administering medications, and providing advanced medical interventions. This increase in responsibilities can be intellectually stimulating and professionally fulfilling. CNAs, while essential members of the healthcare team, primarily assist with activities of daily living and basic patient care. Becoming an RN allows individuals to take on a more active and critical role in patient care, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.
Another compelling reason to transition to an RN role is the potential for higher earning potential. RNs typically earn higher salaries than CNAs due to their advanced education and skill set. This increase in income can lead to improved financial stability and job satisfaction. Additionally, RNs often have better opportunities for career advancement. They can specialize in various nursing fields, such as pediatrics, critical care, oncology, or gerontology, depending on their interests. RNs can also pursue leadership roles, such as charge nurse, nurse manager, or nurse educator, further enhancing their career prospects.
RN Programs in San Diego
For CNAs looking to become an RN in the San Diego area, the following programs are available. Here are some details.
Marsha Fuerst School of Nursing
240 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 696-0101
The Associate of Arts in Nursing Program at the Marsha Fuerst School of Nursing offers a comprehensive education and training program for individuals aspiring to become Registered Nurses (RNs). The program is designed to empower graduates with the knowledge and skills required for a rewarding career in nursing. It emphasizes scholarship, leadership, and lifelong learning in the ever-evolving healthcare environment.
This ADN program is structured to enable students to begin their RN careers efficiently. It features year-round, six 16-week semesters spanning over 24 months, allowing graduates to enter the workforce sooner compared to traditional nursing programs. The curriculum covers a wide range of nursing areas, including fundamentals, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical/surgical nursing, mental health, obstetrics, and pediatric nursing. This well-rounded education equips students to function effectively as RNs in various healthcare settings.
The Associate of Arts in Nursing program is accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and is recognized by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). It is offered at multiple campuses, including Glendale, San Diego, West Covina, and Bakersfield, catering to students in different California communities.
With a strong job growth outlook for the healthcare industry, becoming an RN is a promising career choice. The demand for healthcare services is expected to rise due to an aging population and the need for outpatient care centers. Consequently, job opportunities for Registered Nurses are projected to grow significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
Upon completing the ADN program, students are eligible to apply for licensure through the BRN and take the NCLEX-RN exam. The college provides ongoing NCLEX-RN preparation and personalized remediation to support student success in this critical step toward becoming a Registered Nurse.
The program meets the education requirements for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of California, and graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX exam, a key requirement for RN licensure. It’s important to note that the program’s licensure requirements may vary by state, and students are encouraged to verify these requirements if they plan to practice nursing outside of California.
San Diego City College
1313 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 388-3400
The San Diego City College Nursing Program offers an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) with a focus on preparing entry-level Registered Nurses (RNs) to provide care across the health/illness continuum. This program values individuality and aims to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills in its students. The goal is to equip graduate nurses to deliver culturally competent care in diverse healthcare settings. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
The program has specific prerequisites, including courses in General Microbiology, Human Anatomy, and Human Physiology, which provide the foundation for nursing education. Additionally, students are required to complete courses in English, Psychology, Communication, and either Cultural Anthropology or Sociology. The core nursing courses cover various aspects of nursing practice, including medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child health nursing, mental health and gerontological nursing, and leadership in nursing.
San Diego City College Nursing Program has gained recognition for its excellence. It ranks as the second-best nursing school in California and third-best in the nation, according to RNCareers.org. With an impressive 3-year average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 99.50%, the program has earned an overall grade of A.
The program’s success is attributed to the dedication of its faculty and staff, including nursing mental health counselors, nursing counselors, nursing student success advisors, nursing faculty, and classified professionals. These individuals provide guidance and support to students, ensuring their competence and safety in serving the community.
Southwestern College
900 Otay Lakes Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 421-6700
The Southwestern College Nursing Program offers a pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) with a focus on comprehensive nursing education. Aspiring RNs complete a minimum of two years of specialized nursing coursework and pass the State Board of Examination to obtain a nursing license. Registered Nurses play a crucial role in patient care, covering all stages of illness, from health promotion to disease prevention.
Continuous education is a fundamental requirement for Registered Nurses, with documentation of completed courses submitted every two years to the licensing authority, such as the California Board of Registered Nursing. Nursing students at Southwestern College are prepared to care for patients of all ages and genders across the lifespan, with clinical work available seven days a week and during various shifts.
The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program at Southwestern College is designed to provide a well-rounded education. It includes studies in the humanities, natural/social sciences, and nursing theory and clinical practice. Graduates of the program become eligible to apply for the California Board of Registered Nursing licensure examination, a significant step toward becoming a Registered Nurse.
The program emphasizes several key outcomes, including the ability to actively participate in patient report meetings and patient/family conferences, professional and competent communication in healthcare settings, medication administration, collegiality and effective communication with diverse healthcare providers, patients, and families, and critical thinking skills for providing care to patients from various cultural backgrounds.
To apply to the ADN Program at Southwestern College, students must complete prerequisites and meet admission criteria. The program uses a Multi-Criteria Points System for admission, with application periods defined for each class. Official transcripts from previous educational institutions must be submitted, and transcripts from institutions outside the United States require evaluation by a certified credentials evaluation service.
The program’s curriculum is developed to align with the college’s mission and philosophy, focusing on student learning outcomes (SLOs) and graduate competencies. The faculty utilizes SLOs to define course content, teaching strategies, and evaluation methodologies. Graduates of the program are expected to demonstrate high standards of nursing practice, competency in providing safe care, effective communication, evidence-based decision-making, clinical reasoning, and leadership skills.
Job Opportunities for RNs vs. CNAs
Job opportunities for RNs are diverse and in high demand across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, and home healthcare agencies. This demand offers job security and the flexibility to choose the type of healthcare environment that aligns with one’s career goals and lifestyle preferences.
Transitioning to an RN role also provides a sense of personal growth. It requires additional education and training, often in the form of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing. This educational journey allows individuals to expand their knowledge and skills in the healthcare field. Moreover, it can serve as a stepping stone for further academic pursuits, such as pursuing a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP), opening doors to more specialized and advanced nursing roles.
In addition to the tangible benefits, becoming an RN can be deeply rewarding on a personal level. RNs have the opportunity to make a significant impact on patients’ lives, provide more comprehensive care, and contribute to positive healthcare outcomes. The sense of fulfillment that comes from being a crucial part of the healthcare team and improving patients’ well-being is a driving force for many individuals who make the transition from CNA to RN.
In conclusion, transitioning from a CNA to an RN is a career move that offers a wide range of advantages, including expanded responsibilities, higher earning potential, career advancement opportunities, job security, personal growth, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. While it requires additional education and dedication, the rewards and opportunities that come with becoming an RN can be truly transformative for individuals in the healthcare field.