---
title: "CNA vs RN: What's the Difference?"
description: What's the difference between a CNA and an RN? Is CNA to RN possible? Achieve Test Prep helps you accelerate your nursing degree and finish faster.
image: https://www.achievetestprep.com/hubfs/nursing%20assistant.jpg
---
Call Today [(888) 900-8380](tel:8889008380)
[Student Login](http://achievetestprep.force.com/)
[](https://atpco.io/)
- [NURSING DEGREES](https://atpco.io/medical)
- PROGRAMS
- BRIDGE PROGRAMS
- [• LPN to RN](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs)
- [• LPN to BSN](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-bsn-program)
- [• Paramedic to RN](https://atpco.io/paramedic-to-rn-program)
- [• Paramedic to BSN](https://atpco.io/paramedic-to-bsn-programs)
- [• CNA to RN](https://atpco.io/cna-to-rn-programs)
- [• Medical Assist to RN](https://atpco.io/medical-assistant-to-rn-program)
- [• EMT to RN](https://atpco.io/emt-to-rn)
- [• Surgical Tech to RN](https://atpco.io/surgical-tech-to-rn-program)
- [• LPN to N Practitioner](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-nurse-practitioner)
- [• LPN to Physician Asst](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-physician-assistant)
- [• RN to BSN](https://atpco.io/rn-to-bsn-programs)
- FULL DEGREE PROGRAMS
- [• Nursing](https://atpco.io/rn-bsn-programs)
- [• Respiratory Therapy](https://atpco.io/respiratory-therapist-healthcare)
- [• Physician Assistant](https://atpco.io/physician-assistant)
- [• Healthcare](https://atpco.io/healthcare-degrees)
- MISC PREP COURSES
- [• NCLEX PN Prep](https://atpco.io/nclex-pn)
- [• NCLEX RN Prep](https://atpco.io/nclex-rn-review)
- COLLEGES
- [• College List](https://atpco.io/earn-your-degree-from-a-fully-accredited-school)
- [• Accreditation](https://atpco.io/accreditationnursing)
- [• Credit Transfer](https://atpco.io/transferring-credits-nursing)
- HOW IT WORKS
- [• How it Works](https://atpco.io/credit-by-examination)
- [• About Us](https://atpco.io/about-us)
- [• FAQs](https://atpco.io/faq-rn-bridge-programs)
- [• Customer Support](https://atpco.io/customer-academic-support)
- [• Students Against Busywork](https://atpco.io/students-against-busywork)
- [• Benefits](https://atpco.io/benefits-rn-bridge-program)
- [• Class Schedule](https://atpco.io/class-schedule)
- CUSTOMER SUCCESS
- [• Nursing Reviews](https://atpco.io/rn-bridge-program-blog/Testimonials)
- [• Exam Results](https://atpco.io/exam-results)
- [• Achieve Customer Support](https://atpco.io/customersupport)
- [• Job Placement](https://atpco.io/jobkeyplacementassistance)
- [• Blog](https://atpco.io/rn-bridge-program-blog)
- [• Nursing Success Stories](https://atpco.io/testimonials-b)
- [COLLEGE DEGREES](https://atpco.io/student)
- PROGRAMS
- [• Business](https://atpco.io/business-degree)
- [• Computer Science](https://atpco.io/computer-science-degree)
- [• Criminal Justice](https://atpco.io/criminal-justice-degree)
- [• Dental Hygienist](https://atpco.io/dental-hygienist-programs)
- [• Education](https://atpco.io/education-degree)
- [• Fire & Emergency Management](https://atpco.io/fire-and-emergency-management)
- [• Fire Science](https://atpco.io/fire-science-degree-program)
- [• Healthcare](https://atpco.io/healthcare-degrees)
- [• Pharmacist](https://atpco.io/pharmacist-programs)
- COLLEGES
- [• College List](https://atpco.io/accredited-colleges)
- [• Accreditation](https://atpco.io/accreditation)
- [• Credit Transfer](https://atpco.io/transferring-credits)
- HOW IT WORKS
- [• How it Works](https://atpco.io/credit-by-examination-student)
- [• About Us](https://atpco.io/about-us)
- [• FAQs](https://atpco.io/faq)
- [• Customer Support](https://atpco.io/customer-academic-support)
- [• Students Against Busywork](https://atpco.io/students-against-busywork)
- [• Benefits](https://atpco.io/benefits-bridge-program-student)
- [• Class Schedule](https://atpco.io/class-schedule)
- STUDENT SUCCESS
- • Reviews
- [• Exam Results](https://atpco.io/exam-results)
- [• Achieve 911](https://atpco.io/customersupport)
- [• Job Placement](https://atpco.io/jobkeyplacementassistance)
- [• Blog](https://atpco.io/college)
Search
S
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/133275/cdbd43ae-7bc2-4364-9a87-d8a5649150a8)
## CNA vs RN: What's the Difference?
What's the difference between a CNA and an RN? CNAs and RNs both play critical roles in healthcare. In both roles, you can expect to work closely with patients, but that's where the similarities end. There are significant differences between these roles cover everything from required education to pay. If you're thinking of a nursing career, you should learn about the difference between these two healthcare professions. Starting your nursing career by becoming a CNA is an excellent way to break into the field. Learning the difference between CNAs and RNS will help you later on, should you decide to advance your career.
### What is a CNA?
CNAs serve as frontline contacts between medical staff and patients. CNAs often work in elder care at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. CNAs help patients use the bathroom, dress, bathe and eat. As a CNA, your objective would be to help patients (and especially older adults) maintain their dignity in many ways. Because of these skills, CNAs are highly sought after to fill roles in nursing homes.
### What does a CNA do?
CNAs are often the principal caregivers in residential care facilities. Many CNAs also work in home health care, providing more 1-on-1 care for older individuals.
Typical CNA responsibilities include:
- Encouraging patients to exercise
- Helping patients move, turn, rotate, and walk
- Cleaning and dressing wounds;
- Answering call signals;
- Assisting patients with bathing;
- Recording patient temperature.
- Dispensing medication
- Measuring vital symptoms (blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and height)
[**Is a CNA to RN bridge possible? Find out how Achieve Test Prep can help.**](https://atpco.io/cna-to-rn-programs)
### What is an RN?
A registered nurse (RN) is a nurse who has at least an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and has passed the NCLEX-RN exam. Also, RNs have met all the other licensing requirements mandated by their state's board of nursing.
An ADN meets minimum education requirements, but a growing number of health care agencies require RNs to hold a [Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)](https://atpco.io/rn-bridge-program-blog/4-benefits-of-getting-your-bsn), either when they are first licensed or as a way to expand on their expertise after becoming licensed.
### What does an RN do?
Because there are different nursing specialties, RN duties may vary widely. Your responsibilities as an RN will vary based on your work setting, training, education, experience, and specialty. However, some tasks are common to all RNs and that fall under their basic scope of practice:
The most common RN's duties include:
- Performing diagnostic tests
- Reading and interpreting test results
- Giving injections
- Administering medications
- Assisting in medical procedures and processes;
- Assigning tasks to CNAs and LPNs;
- Working with doctors and physician assistants to establish patient care plans.
# CNA vs. RN: Key Differences
The difference between a CNA and an RN doesn't stop there. These two roles vary in training and education, licensure, and pay.
**Training and Education**
If you want to become a CNA, you'll enroll in a training program that can take three to twelve weeks. After you complete the program, you'll have to take a state licensing exam before [applying for jobs](https://atpco.io/rn-bridge-program-blog/which-nursing-job-is-right-for-me). On the other hand, if you want to become a nurse, you'll usually need two to four years of schooling to get your ADN or BSN, respectively.
**Job Outlook**
Fortunately, the future looks bright for CNAs and RNs. CNA jobs are more in demand than ever before. CNA jobs are expected to grow by 21%, with more than 321,200 new jobs being added by 2022. Currently, there are over two million RN jobs in the US. The demand for RNs is projected to grow by 19% percent by 2022, with more than 526,200 new jobs created. The main difference in job outlook between the two is that there are far more RN jobs than CNA jobs.
**Licensure**
Speaking of becoming licensed, RNs and CNAs need very different certifications or licenses before beginning work. After finishing nursing school with either their ADN or BSN, RNs must take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Similarly, after completing their training programs, CNAs must get state-sponsored licensing or certification exams. While both exams have challenges, the one for RNs is much more comprehensive.
**Compensation**
The average pay for a CNA vs. an RN is very different. The yearly salary for a CNA is between $18,000 and $37,000. On the other hand, RNs enjoy salaries ranging between $53,000 and $98,000.
Why the wide range? It all depends on your location, credentials, experience, and education—however, RNs out-earn CNAs by a large margin.
[**Thinking about getting your RN degree? Finish faster with Achieve Test Prep.**](https://atpco.io/request-more-information-RN-bridge-program)
### Achieve Test Prep Can Help!
**Are you thinking about advancing your career by getting your RN degree? Earn your ADN or BSN degree in half of the time (and cost)!**
At Achieve Test Prep, we help you finish faster. Our test-out program allows you to bypass your prerequisite courses and save time on the length of your degree. Already a CNA? We'll help you get maximum credit for any past courses or work experience you have and create an individualized plan to finish your degree.
See how Achieve Test Prep can help you [reach your career goals](https://atpco.io/rn-bridge-program-blog/what-are-career-goals-for-nursing). [Contact us today.](https://www.achievetestprep.com/request-more-information-rn-bridge-program)
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/133275/ef9396f6-97a2-4cab-b49b-03717fb4659b)
Topics: [Nursing Careers](https://atpco.io/rn-bridge-program-blog/topic/nursing-careers)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque vitae convallis lectus.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam libero eros, dapibus vitae eleifend et, dapibus vel felis. Nulla condimentum sem a venenatis aliquam. Nam at nunc eget neque blandit bibendum sit amet et purus. Nulla nec tellus venenatis, sodales enim ut, sagittis nibh. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Etiam dapibus, lorem in suscipit interdum, enim leo vulputate mauris, quis rhoncus ex nisi sed ex. Suspendisse ornare venenatis quam, sed feugiat nisi interdum nec. Curabitur eget pulvinar velit, sed pellentesque nulla.
Proin non hendrerit quam, sit amet placerat lorem. Fusce nisi tellus, vestibulum vitae elit pretium, luctus aliquet massa. Quisque ultricies magna est, nec aliquam neque dignissim rutrum. Aliquam cursus orci nibh, ut scelerisque ipsum pellentesque in. Donec molestie ex nec neque egestas, et posuere orci tristique. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Nam finibus euismod arcu, vel tristique augue ornare nec. Vestibulum tristique dapibus ullamcorper.
Fusce vel orci nec diam tempor pellentesque. Suspendisse sit amet felis sed nisl efficitur condimentum nec vel turpis. Aenean mauris elit, cursus eget est at, pretium vehicula lectus. Pellentesque imperdiet ut magna sed rhoncus. Suspendisse viverra elit a semper porta. Praesent eu lacus tortor. Suspendisse at velit leo. Morbi a mi mauris. Fusce ut condimentum diam. Nullam aliquam rhoncus venenatis. Etiam est diam, congue ac faucibus ac, luctus id nisi.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam libero eros, dapibus vitae eleifend et, dapibus vel felis. Nulla condimentum sem a venenatis aliquam. Nam at nunc eget neque blandit bibendum sit amet et purus. Nulla nec tellus venenatis, sodales enim ut, sagittis nibh. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Etiam dapibus, lorem in suscipit interdum, enim leo vulputate mauris, quis rhoncus ex nisi sed ex. Suspendisse ornare venenatis quam, sed feugiat nisi interdum nec. Curabitur eget pulvinar velit, sed pellentesque nulla.
Proin non hendrerit quam, sit amet placerat lorem. Fusce nisi tellus, vestibulum vitae elit pretium, luctus aliquet massa. Quisque ultricies magna est, nec aliquam neque dignissim rutrum. Aliquam cursus orci nibh, ut scelerisque ipsum pellentesque in. Donec molestie ex nec neque egestas, et posuere orci tristique. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Nam finibus euismod arcu, vel tristique augue ornare nec. Vestibulum tristique dapibus ullamcorper.
Fusce vel orci nec diam tempor pellentesque. Suspendisse sit amet felis sed nisl efficitur condimentum nec vel turpis. Aenean mauris elit, cursus eget est at, pretium vehicula lectus. Pellentesque imperdiet ut magna sed rhoncus. Suspendisse viverra elit a semper porta. Praesent eu lacus tortor. Suspendisse at velit leo. Morbi a mi mauris. Fusce ut condimentum diam. Nullam aliquam rhoncus venenatis. Etiam est diam, congue ac faucibus ac, luctus id nisi.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam libero eros, dapibus vitae eleifend et, dapibus vel felis. Nulla condimentum sem a venenatis aliquam. Nam at nunc eget neque blandit bibendum sit amet et purus. Nulla nec tellus venenatis, sodales enim ut, sagittis nibh. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Etiam dapibus, lorem in suscipit interdum, enim leo vulputate mauris, quis rhoncus ex nisi sed ex. Suspendisse ornare venenatis quam, sed feugiat nisi interdum nec. Curabitur eget pulvinar velit, sed pellentesque nulla.
Proin non hendrerit quam, sit amet placerat lorem. Fusce nisi tellus, vestibulum vitae elit pretium, luctus aliquet massa. Quisque ultricies magna est, nec aliquam neque dignissim rutrum. Aliquam cursus orci nibh, ut scelerisque ipsum pellentesque in. Donec molestie ex nec neque egestas, et posuere orci tristique. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Nam finibus euismod arcu, vel tristique augue ornare nec. Vestibulum tristique dapibus ullamcorper.
Fusce vel orci nec diam tempor pellentesque. Suspendisse sit amet felis sed nisl efficitur condimentum nec vel turpis. Aenean mauris elit, cursus eget est at, pretium vehicula lectus. Pellentesque imperdiet ut magna sed rhoncus. Suspendisse viverra elit a semper porta. Praesent eu lacus tortor. Suspendisse at velit leo. Morbi a mi mauris. Fusce ut condimentum diam. Nullam aliquam rhoncus venenatis. Etiam est diam, congue ac faucibus ac, luctus id nisi.
### Subscribe to Our Blog Via Email
#### Get in Touch
## Your degree and dream job are closer than you think
Call us at [(888) 900-8380](tel:8889008380)
or
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/133275/4e750952-eaed-49ed-bdb6-2f7c6885429b)
## Location
Achieve Test Prep,
228 Park Avenue South #29831,
New York, New York 10003-1502
## Contact
Phone: [(888) 900-8380](tel:8889008380)
Fax: [(888) 900-0825](tel:8889000825)
Email: [info@achieve-test-prep.com](mailto:%20info@achieve-test-prep.com)
## Hours
Mon to Fri: 9 AM to 9 PM EST
Sat: 9 AM to 2 PM EST
## Connect With Us
## Resources
- [About Us](https://atpco.io/about-us)
- [FAQs](https://atpco.io/faq)
- [Course Schedule](https://atpco.io/class-schedule)
- [Course Descriptions](https://atpco.io/classes-description)
- [Customer Success](https://atpco.io/customersupport)
- [Customer Support](https://atpco.io/customer-academic-support)
- [Privacy Policy](https://atpco.io/achieve-test-prep-privacy-policy)
- [Terms & Conditions](https://atpco.io/terms-and-conditions)
- [Customer Announcements](https://atpco.io/rn-bridge-program-blog)
- [Customer Exam Results](https://atpco.io/exam-results)
- [Prep Portal Login](https://prep.achievetestprep.com/)
- [Careers at Achieve](https://atpco.io/careers)
View All Locations
- [BIRMINGHAM, AL](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-alabama-birmingham)
- [TAMPA, FL](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-florida-tampa)
- [DETROIT, MI](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-michigan-detroit)
- [WAYNE, NJ](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-nj-wayne)
- [CLEVELAND, OH](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ohio-cleveland)
- [YORK, PA](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-pa-york)
- [MONTGOMERY, AL](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-al-montgomery)
- [ATLANTA, GA](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-georgia-atlanta)
- [GRAND RAPIDS, MI](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-michigan-grand20rapids)
- [WOODBRIDGE, NJ](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-nj-woodbridge)
- [COLUMBUS, OH](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ohio-columbus)
- [PROVIDENCE, RI](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-rhode-island-providence)
- [ANCHORAGE, AK](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-nursing-programs-in-alaska-anchorage)
- [BOISE, ID](https://atpco.io/lpn-rn-nursing-programs-in-idaho-boise)
- [LANSING, MI](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-michigan-lansing)
- [WAYNE, NJ](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-nj-wayne)
- [TOLEDO, OH](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ohio-toledo)
- [COLUMBIA, SC](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-south-carolina-columbia)
- [LITTLE ROCK, AR](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-arkansas-little-rock)
- [CHICAGO, IL](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-illinois-chicago)
- [MINNEAPOLIS, MN](https://atpco.io/lpn-rn-programs-in-minnesota-minneapolis)
- [ALBUQUERQUE, NM](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-nm-albuquerque)
- [OKLAHOMA CITY, OK](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-oklahoma-oklahoma-city)
- [SIOUX FALLS, SD](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-sd-sioux-falls)
- [DENVER, CO](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-colorado-denver)
- [FORT WAYNE, IN](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-indiana-fort-wayne)
- [SAINT PAUL, MN](https://atpco.io/lpn-rn-programs-in-minnesota-saint-paul)
- [MELVILLE, NY](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ny-melville)
- [TULSA, OK](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-oklahoma-tulsa)
- [KNOXVILLE, TN](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-tn-knoxville)
- [EAST BERLIN, CT](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ct-east20berlin)
- [INDIANAPOLIS, IN](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-indiana-indianapolis)
- [ST. LOUIS, MO](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-bridge-programs-missouri-st-louis)
- [NEW YORK CITY, NY](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ny)
- [PORTLAND, OR](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-oregon-portland)
- [MEMPHIS, TN](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-nursing-programs-memphis)
- [HARTFORD, CT](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ct-hartford)
- [DES MOINES, IA](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-nursing-programs-in-iowa-des-moines)
- [NASHUA, NH](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-nursing-programs-in-nh-nashua)
- [CHARLOTTE, NC](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-nc-charlotte)
- [ALLENTOWN, PA](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-pa-allentown)
- [NASHVILLE, TN](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-nursing-programs-nashville)
- [NORWALK, CT](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ct-norwalk)
- [BALTIMORE, MD](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-md-baltimore)
- [MARLTON, NJ](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-nj-marlton)
- [RALEIGH, NC](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-nc-raleigh)
- [KING OF PRUSSIA, PA](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-pa-king-of-prussia)
- [AUSTIN, TX](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-texas-austin)
- [JACKSONVILLE, FL](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-florida-jacksonville)
- [BOSTON, MA](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-massachusetts-boston)
- [PRINCETON, NJ](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-nj-princeton)
- [FARGO, ND](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-nursing-programs-in-north-dakota-fargo)
- [PHILADELPHIA, PA](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-pa-philadelphia)
- [DALLAS, TX](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-texas-dallas)
- [ORLANDO, FL](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-florida-orlando)
- [WORCESTER, MA](https://atpco.io/rn-bsn-programs-in-ma-worcester)
- [SEA GIRT, NJ](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-nj-seagirt)
- [CINCINNATI, OH](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-ohio-cincinnati)
- [PITTSBURGH, PA](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-pa-pittsburgh)
- [HOUSTON, TX](https://atpco.io/lpn-to-rn-programs-in-texas-houston)
\* Only the latest pass/fail result per course per customer is used. We use approximately the last 24 months of results in our calculation. Customer failed results are only counted as part of this calculation if the customer completed the course, which is defined as at least 85% attendance and 85% completion of assignments for that specific course. Results do not include college entrance or state license exams.
\*\* Achieve Test Prep is a college education consultant and test preparation center that helps you earn your degree faster. Achieve Test Prep is not a college and does not issue degrees or give college credit. The programs listed above and elsewhere on this website are test preparation programs offered by Achieve Test Prep to prepare you to take exams from an independent accredited college or an independent testing center. Achieve purposefully remains independent and does not align itself with any college nor do we commit to any agreements with any college. By being truly independent, we offer a non-biased approach to recommending the best possible college route to our customers. While Achieve Test Prep is very knowledgeable on the policies and procedures of many colleges, the final decisions about credits and degrees rest with the colleges. You must independently apply for and be accepted into a college.
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "BlogPosting",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"name" : "Moriah John",
"url" : "https://atpco.io/rn-bridge-program-blog/author/moriah-john"
},
"dateModified" : "2023-01-03T13:58:50.820Z",
"datePublished" : "2021-01-28T16:00:00.000Z",
"headline" : "CNA vs RN: What's the Difference?",
"image" : [ "https://www.achievetestprep.com/hubfs/nursing%20assistant.jpg" ],
"mainEntityOfPage" : {
"@id" : "https://atpco.io/rn-bridge-program-blog/cna-vs-rn-whats-the-difference",
"@type" : "WebPage"
},
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://atpco.io/hubfs/Achieve%20Only%20Logo-1.png"
},
"name" : "Achieve Test Prep"
}
}
```