CNA to LPN: Your Next Step After Certification
The nursing career ladder in Memphis — salaries, programs, and how to get there.
The CNA-to-LPN path is the most common nursing career ladder in healthcare. In Memphis, CNAs earn $28,000–$38,000 while LPNs earn $38,000–$52,000 — a 40%+ salary jump with 9–18 months of additional training. Career Academy's CNA program is the first step on this path.
Last updated: April 2026
Start your nursing career with CNA certification — classes begin every month.
Start Your Nursing Career — Apply to Career AcademyNursing Career Ladder
| Level | Role | Memphis Salary | Training Time | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | CNA | $28,000–$38,000/yr | 4–6 weeks | Career Academy program |
| Step 2 | LPN | $38,000–$52,000/yr | 9–18 months | CNA experience + LPN program |
| Step 3 | RN (ADN) | $55,000–$72,000/yr | 2 years | LPN bridge or ADN program |
| Step 4 | RN (BSN) | $60,000–$80,000/yr | 4 years (or bridge) | BSN program |
Salary ranges reflect Memphis MSA data. See CNA salary data for Memphis for detailed CNA compensation figures.
How CNA Experience Gives You a Head Start
LPN programs are competitive. Students with CNA experience consistently have an advantage — not just in admissions, but in the classroom and clinicals.
- Clinical hours: You already have hands-on patient care experience
- Medical terminology: You speak the language before day one of LPN school
- Patient communication: Bedside manner and empathy are already developed
- Time management: Healthcare workflows are familiar
- Confidence: You've worked in real clinical settings
Memphis LPN Program Options
After earning your CNA at Career Academy, several local schools offer LPN programs:
TCAT Memphis (Tennessee College of Applied Technology)
State-funded, 12-month LPN certificate program. One of the most affordable LPN pathways in Tennessee. WIOA funding often applicable.
Southwest Tennessee Community College
LPN certificate program with flexible scheduling options. FAFSA and Tennessee Reconnect eligible.
Career Academy — LPN Program (Coming Soon)
Career Academy is developing an LPN program. Our CNA graduates will be the first considered when enrollment opens.
How to Pay for LPN School
The same funding sources that cover CNA training often apply to LPN programs too — especially at TCAT and Southwest Tennessee.
WIOA funding
Same American Job Center process as CNA funding. Visit the Memphis AJC at 1350 Concourse Ave, Suite 668, Memphis, TN 38104 to ask about Individual Training Accounts for LPN programs.
Employer tuition reimbursement
Many Memphis healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing nursing education — check with your employer's HR department about available benefits.
Federal financial aid
FAFSA-eligible for LPN programs at community colleges. Community college LPN programs qualify for Pell Grants and subsidized loans.
Tennessee Promise / Reconnect
Tennessee Reconnect covers tuition at community colleges for adults returning to school. Tennessee Promise covers recent high school graduates.
Learn more about funding options on our tuition assistance page.
Memphis nursing employment outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5–8% growth for nursing assistants and 6% growth for LPNs through 2032. Memphis hospitals — including Baptist Memorial, Methodist Le Bonheur, and Regional One — employ thousands of nurses at every level of the career ladder.
Take the First Step — Apply Now
No payment required before class. New cohorts every month.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to go from CNA to LPN?
Most LPN programs take 9–18 months. With Career Academy's 4–6 week CNA program, you could go from no certification to LPN-ready in under 2 years total.
Can I work as a CNA while in LPN school?
Yes, and most students do. CNA shifts (especially evenings and weekends) work well alongside LPN class schedules. Many Memphis employers offer flexible scheduling for employees in nursing school.
Do LPN programs accept CNA experience as credit?
Some programs offer credit for clinical experience, though policies vary by school. Your CNA certification and hands-on experience give you a significant advantage in LPN program admissions regardless.
What's the salary difference between CNA and LPN in Memphis?
CNAs in Memphis earn $28,000–$38,000/yr while LPNs earn $38,000–$52,000/yr — an increase of roughly $10,000–$14,000 per year, or about 40% more.
Is CNA a good first step toward becoming a nurse?
Yes. CNA is the most common entry point into nursing. It gives you paid clinical experience, helps you decide if nursing is right for you, and strengthens your application to LPN and RN programs.
Does Career Academy offer LPN training?
Career Academy currently offers CNA certification. An LPN program is in development. In the meantime, our CNA graduates are well-prepared to apply to LPN programs at TCAT Memphis, Southwest Tennessee Community College, and other area schools.
Start Your Nursing Career Today
Career Academy's CNA program is the first step. 4–6 weeks to certification, with classes starting every month in Memphis.
Questions about the program? See class schedules and program details →
Written by Career Academy staff — CNA educators with 10+ years of experience training nursing assistants in Memphis, TN.