You have taken CNA training classes, passed the certification exam and have been working as a CNA. Then begs the question – should you attempt to become a nurse next after becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA)?

When you take CNA training classes and pass the certification exam, it will allow you to find fulfilling employment at various institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, etc. While you may enjoy helping those in need and the need for CNAs may be greater than the supply, this is still considered an entry level position in the healthcare field and the opportunities for advancement are slim to none.

In addition, since this is considered an entry level position by many in the healthcare field, CNA wages are usually considered entry level as well. While the money that you make as a CNA will be appreciated in the beginning and change your financial outlook for a period, you may start to think about reaching for more in your career as well as your financial life. The difference in wages between a CNA and a nurse can be about $ 5 to $ 10 dollars an hour.

While this may be a rewarding and challenging job for many that enter this field not necessarily for the pay but so that they can make a positive difference in another’s life, at some point, everyone seeks to advance either in the level of their responsibilities or pay.

Life is about growing. Being better and having better than you had yesterday, last week, last month, last year, etc. While some may be content to take CNA training classes, passing the exam, becoming a CNA and remaining a CNA (and there is nothing wrong with this), many others use this as a building block to other professions in the healthcare field including becoming a nurse.

CNA training classes usually last about a month which is very fast when compared to the period of time that it takes to acquire a nursing degree. Becoming a CNA will also allow you to experience how the healthcare industry works and decide whether you would like to build on your education if you do decide to become a nurse after your experience as a CNA.

It makes a lot of sense to become a CNA in about four weeks before you decide whether you want to commit more time (two or more years) and resources to becoming a nurse. CNAs spend a lot of time with nurses and see what they are responsible for so this will give you an opportunity to decide whether nursing is the career for you.

Taking CNA training classes and working as a CNA will allow you to build a solid relationship with your employer so that when you are ready to further your education and take the next step, your employer will work with you to ensure that you achieve this goal by making sure that you are not overloaded with work duties while also going to school. Since most employers are always on the look out for highly qualified and trained individuals in the healthcare field, they may even help you with the financial expense associated with pursuing a nursing degree. Your employer may also have many other incentives for those who choose to further their education.

Taking CNA training classes and working as a CNA before deciding to become a nurse will allow you to have an edge over other graduates since you will have relevant work experience that the other graduates may not have.