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Certified Nursing Assistants will be required to take the full 12-month program to earn their PN diploma from Herzing University.
At this time Herzing University does not offer a CNA to LPN bridge program. We recommend CNAs experience the full program despite any prior experience in a nursing environment. Same goes for going from CNA to RN.
Potential employers may prefer a candidate with experience as a CNA, but it’s not necessarily a requirement for getting a job as an LPN (same goes for going from CNA to RN).
You aren't required to go from CNA to LPN and there is no prerequisite to be a CNA before enrolling in the Herzing University PN program.
PN program coursework is meant to be challenging, but not impossible. As a Herzing student you’ll find support every step of the way, from faculty, staff, instructors and other students enrolled in the program. You’re never alone—and never be afraid to ask for help when you need it!
Learn more about how hard nursing school is at Herzing University, and read some testimonials from former students describing their experience.
You may find some programs offering 6 month or 9 month paths to a PN diploma to become an LPN. Be mindful that accelerated diploma/degree programs aren’t for everyone and such a fast track can be overwhelming. If you’re considering a few months’ difference in time as a tipping point in your decision, remember the quality of your education is most important!
Herzing University’s 1-year PN diploma program gets you an excellent hands-on education in a short amount of time. You’ll learn the foundational concepts and skills in nursing needed to excel in your new career as an LPN.
Herzing University has no requirement for how much you can or can’t work during nursing school. Many ABSN program students work part-time while pursuing their ABSN coursework and clinicals. However, we recommend prioritizing your education as much as you can afford. The accelerated BSN program is very demanding and our priority is for you is to be successful.
If you’re considering a second career as a nurse but concerned about the workload in an accelerated program, there are several other paths you can take:
It’s our goal to help you succeed in your second career. We’ll work with you to determine the best fit.
Our requirements for the accelerated BSN nursing program option are higher given the rigorous nature of the coursework and how fast it moves.
Herzing University’s goal is to help you find a path to a new career in nursing. If you’re worried a low GPA will keep you from being able to enroll, please get in touch with us and schedule an appointment with an admissions advisor. We may be able to work out a better solution for you.
You can expect fast-paced learning with no traditional breaks over the course of the program.
Surviving nursing school takes hard work and commitment. However, starting a new career is never easy—and a demanding profession requires demanding training.
It’s a challenge just like any other bachelor’s degree program – but compressed into a shorter window it can feel much more demanding. Rest assured you’ll have strong support every step of the way from Herzing faculty, staff and your fellow students to ensure you remain on track.
If you’re considering a second career and want to go from non-nurse to nurse practitioner, degree pathways with Herzing University include:
Option 1:
Our accelerated BSN program is available in Minneapolis, MN, Clarksville, TN, Nashville, TN, Orlando, FL, Tampa, FL and 3 locations in Wisconsin (Kenosha, Brookfield and Madison).
Option 2:
Our ASN program is available in Akron, OH, Birmingham, AL, Clarksville, TN, Nashville, TN, Orlando, FL, and Tampa, FL. You may also elect to earn your BSN on the way by enrolling in our online RN to BSN program. Non-nurses who want to become an NP must first earn an undergraduate nursing degree before applying for an MSN program.
These are average estimates for full-time enrollment and can vary for each student. Fully commit to starting your second career and Herzing University can help you become eligible to sit for the FNP certification exam in 3-4 years to become a certified family nurse practitioner in your state.
Yes! If you’re fully committed to a new career in nursing, an accelerated BSN program is the fast track to earning your degree and getting a job with high earning potential as soon as possible.
