CNA is step one. The ladder goes much higher.
Every rung of the healthcare ladder unlocks the next paycheck — and the next door. Here's what each step looks like in California.
The ladder, step by step
Step 1: CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)
Training time: ~6–12 weeks · California median pay: ~$38,000/yr
CNAs provide direct hands-on patient care — bathing, mobility assistance, vital signs, communication, and basic clinical tasks. CNAs work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health, hospice, and assisted living. It's the fastest, cheapest way to start working in healthcare.
Step 2: LVN / LPN (Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse)
Training time: 12–18 months after CNA · California median pay: ~$55,000–$65,000/yr
LVNs take vitals, administer medications, change dressings, and provide more advanced patient care under the supervision of an RN or physician. Many LVNs work in nursing homes, clinics, and physician offices.
Step 3: RN (Registered Nurse)
Training time: 2–4 years (ADN or BSN) · California median pay: $90,000–$130,000+/yr
RNs assess patients, develop care plans, supervise lower-level nursing staff, and administer treatments. RNs work everywhere in healthcare — hospitals, surgery centers, schools, public health, research, and travel positions.
Step 4 and beyond
With an RN, the ladder keeps going: BSN (Bachelor's), MSN (Master's), Nurse Practitioner ($130K+), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist ($200K+), Nurse Educator, Director of Nursing, Healthcare Administrator. The CNA-to-NP path is a real path that real people walk every year.
Why we built CNA Pathways around the ladder
Most CNA programs sell you the certification. We're building one that sells you the career — the first step on a real ladder that goes much higher than CNA. We want to help students think about steps two, three, and four, not just step one.
Join the waitlist.
Be the first to know when enrollment opens. The first 30 students to enroll receive a free clinical starter kit.