Online/Hybrid CNA to RN Bridge Programs: Learn How to Advance Your Nursing Career

Path 1 – Direct: CNA to ADN/BSN

You can enroll directly in an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

It’s worth noting that CNA certification alone doesn’t usually qualify you for any advanced placement or credit. You’ll be entering the program at the same level as any other applicant.

That said, some programs are designed with flexibility in mind for working healthcare professionals. You can often complete the program in two to four years (ADN vs. BSN). This route is generally best for CNAs who want the most direct path to a nursing career and can manage several years of school alongside work without an intermediate step.

Path 2 – Stepwise: CNA to LPN to RN

With this option, there are three steps you’ll take:

1. Complete an LPN program, which typically takes 12-18 months
2. Begin working as an LPN and gain helpful work experience, alongside an increased wage
3. Enroll in an LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-BSN bridge program to earn an RN credential

This route takes longer overall, but many LPN bridge programs do offer formal advanced placement. In other words, your LPN licensure and coursework will pay dividends when you enter an RN program.

This path will take three to five years to complete, depending on how long you want to work as an LPN before bridging. Generally, it’s best for CNAs who want to increase their earning potential in the short term and save up for school while building toward an eventual RN license.

Excelsior University

Excelsior University’s Associate Degree in Nursing is built for working healthcare professionals, meaning CNAs and LPNs are a natural fit. The program is delivered online with no on-campus requirements for didactic coursework, though students must demonstrate clinical competency through a separate performance exam.

Excelsior accepts credit by exam (CLEP and DSST) and recognizes prior learning from non-collegiate training. This can meaningfully reduce the number of credits you need to complete, which may also help lower your costs.

Note that CNA certification alone does not qualify applicants. Completion typically takes two to three years, depending on how many transfer credits you bring in.

Herzing University

Designed specifically for working LPNs, Herzing University’s online LPN-to-BSN bridge program is a strong fit for CNAs who want to take the stepwise path. The program is primarily online, with asynchronous didactic coursework.

Students must attend two to three in-person intensives as well as complete clinical hours with a preceptor at a healthcare site near their home.

Current LPN licensure counts as 14 credit hours toward the BSN degree. While not a huge advantage, it is a meaningful bonus that can lower your costs and help you complete the program faster. Typically, the program lasts 20 to 28 months.

Midway University

Midway University’s hybrid ADN program delivers lecture coursework online while concentrating skills labs and clinical hours into weekend sessions. This can be a great structure for CNAs balancing shifts with schoolwork. The program can be completed in as few as 16 months and is accredited by ACEN.

Midway University also offers an LPN-to-BSN bridge program for LPNs who have graduated from an accredited institution within the last five years. Although CNA certification doesn’t carry formal credit, CNAs entering without LPN licensure can still be accepted and complete the full program on the hybrid track.

Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University’s ACEN-accredited hybrid ADN program combines online coursework with on-campus lab simulations and in-person clinical experiences across campuses in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.

With eight start dates per year and limited waitlists, this is one of the most accessible options for working CNAs who are ready to enroll without a long delay. No prerequisite coursework is required for admission, which also helps lower the barrier to entry. From start to finish, the program takes roughly 21 months of full-time study.

As usual, CNA certification doesn’t translate to formal credits, but Rasmussen also offers an LPN-to-RN bridge program for those taking the stepwise path.

Chamberlain University

As the nation’s largest nursing school by enrollment, Chamberlain University offers working CNAs two practical entry points into RN licensure. The online BSN option delivers 100% online coursework paired with clinical placements coordinated near the student’s location across more than 35 states. This allows you to keep working as a CNA alongside your studies.

LPNs enrolling at Chamberlain’s Chicago campus may earn up to nine proficiency credits toward their BSN degree, though CNA certification doesn’t count for credits. The program is CCNE-accredited and can be completed in as few as three years.

HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

This federal program covers full tuition and fees, plus a monthly stipend, for nursing students who commit to working at a Critical Shortage Facility after graduation.

Amount: Full tuition + monthly stipend of $1,642

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Be enrolled full-time in an accredited ADN, BSN, or graduate nursing program
• Commitment to serve a minimum of two years at an eligible Critical Shortage Facility after graduation
• Financial need is given preference in selection

FNSNA Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Awarded by the Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association, this scholarship supports students enrolled in ADN, BSN, LPN-to-RN, and RN-to-BSN programs, with funds that can be applied to tuition, fees, and books.

Amount: Up to $10,000 per academic year

Eligibility Requirement:

• Be enrolled in a state-approved ADN, BSN, LPN-to-RN, and RN-to-BSN program
• Be taking a minimum of six credits per semester
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Demonstrate involvement in student nursing organizations or community health activities

National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) Scholarship

NAHN awards annual scholarships to active members pursuing LPN, ADN, BSN, or graduate nursing degrees. Selection is based on financial need, academic merit, and professional potential.

Amount: Varies by year and available funding

Eligibility Requirement:

• Active NAHN membership
• Enrolled in an accredited LPN, ADN, BSN, or graduate nursing program
• Demonstrate financial need and academic merit
• Commit to serving Hispanic communities in nursing

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Foundation Scholarships

The AACN partners with several organizations and private foundations to offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for nursing students. Some are restricted to those pursuing specialties like critical care, while others are based on academic merit or financial need.

Amount: Varies

Eligibility Requirement: Varies

AAPACN Frontline Heroes in Post-Acute Care Scholarship

Awarded by the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing Education Foundation, this scholarship is one of few nationally available awards created specifically for CNAs pursuing RN or BSN licensure.

Amount: $4,000

Eligibility Requirement:

• Currently working as a CNA in a post-acute care setting
• Be pursuing an RN, BSN, or higher degree from an accredited nursing school
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Have not won this scholarship previously