CNA vs. LPN: Which Should You Get First?

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are both entry-level healthcare roles, but they differ in training length, responsibilities, pay, and career advancement. Many people start as a CNA before pursuing their LPN, but that is not the only path. This guide compares both to help you decide which credential to pursue first.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Education & Training

CNA Training

CNA programs are among the fastest healthcare credentials available. Most state- approved programs require 75–180 classroom and clinical hours, which can be completed in as little as 4 weeks in an accelerated format or 8–12 weeks part-time. Many nursing homes and hospitals offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.

LPN Training

LPN programs are more intensive, typically lasting 12–18 months. They cover anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and nursing fundamentals with supervised clinical rotations. Programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and some hospitals. Total tuition ranges from $5,000–$20,000.

Licensing Process

CNAs must pass a state competency exam that includes both a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on skills evaluation. After passing, your name is added to your state’s nurse aide registry. LPNs must pass the NCLEX-PN, a computerized adaptive exam administered by NCSBN. The NCLEX-PN is significantly more rigorous than the CNA competency exam and covers pharmacology, clinical decision-making, and nursing procedures.

Scope of Practice

CNAs provide basic direct patient care under the supervision of RNs or LPNs: bathing, dressing, feeding, turning, vital signs, and assisting with mobility. LPNs perform all CNA tasks plus administering medications (oral, topical, and some injections), wound care, catheter insertion, monitoring IVs (in many states), and documenting patient status in the medical record.

The key distinction: CNAs cannot administer medications or perform clinical procedures. LPNs can, under the supervision of an RN or physician.

Salary & Career Outlook

The salary difference is significant. CNAs earn a median of $35,760, while LPNs earn a median of $54,620 — roughly $19,000 more per year. Both roles are in high demand, with the BLS projecting 4% growth for CNAs and 6% growth for LPNs through 2032.

CNA work can also be a stepping stone — not just to LPN but eventually to RN and beyond. Many RN programs give preference to applicants with direct care experience.

Which Should You Get First?

Can You Get Both?

Yes, and many people do. The CNA-to-LPN path is one of the most popular progressions in healthcare. Working as a CNA gives you hands-on patient care experience, helps you build clinical skills, and often comes with employer tuition assistance for LPN school. Once you earn your LPN, you typically do not need to maintain your CNA certification separately — the LPN credential supersedes it for scope-of-practice purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a CNA before becoming an LPN?

No. CNA experience is not a prerequisite for LPN programs in most states. However, some competitive programs give preference to applicants with CNA certification or healthcare experience.

Can a CNA give medications?

Generally no. In most states, CNAs cannot administer medications. Some states allow Medication Aides or Medication Assistive Personnel (CNAs with additional training) to give oral medications in certain settings, but this is not universal.

How much does a CNA make compared to an LPN?

LPNs earn approximately $19,000–$22,000 more per year than CNAs on average. The gap is wider in states with higher costs of living.

Can I get free CNA training?

Yes. Many nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities offer free CNA training programs in exchange for a commitment to work at their facility for a set period (typically 6–12 months). Some states also offer workforce development funding for CNA training.

Which credential has better job security?

Both roles have excellent job security due to ongoing healthcare staffing shortages. However, LPNs have somewhat more job security because their broader scope of practice makes them harder to replace and qualifies them for a wider range of positions.

Next Steps