Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Certified Nursing Assistant to Bachelor of Science in Nursing pathway was established to ensure that all students with an interest of entering into the nursing career track would have the information necessary to make informed decisions throughout their educational and career journeys as well as the opportunities to earn credentials and credit along the pathway to a career in Nursing.  

The Pathway team conducted a full review of the government regulations, syllabi, curricula, programming, lesson plans, course materials, employment opportunities, and other related information specific to CNA, Home Health Aide (HHA), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and the Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) Healthcare Bootcamp. The information was compiled in a training information document to assist training providers with implementation of new in-demand programming.  

A Health Explorer Program was developed to introduce high school students to various healthcare careers. A Health Professions Smart Start Program was also created for high school graduates entering in to various healthcare programs post-graduation as a career readiness tool built for retention and student success. Additionally, updates and information regarding Dual Enrollment and Prior Learning Assessments (PLA) were also conducted to ensure that students are introduced to the nursing profession early and with credits that can help them to jumpstart towards their career and educational aspirations.   

A curriculum assessment for in-state and out-of-state CNA programs was performed with the intent to determine the feasibility of proposing a standardized CNA curriculum in New Jersey. Research shows that other states have successfully moved to this model which may help to provide consistency of course delivery as well as legitimize the credits earned and recognized by 2 and 4-year higher education institutions throughout the state.  

Upon attainment of the CNA credential, Thomas Edison University has recommended that students be awarded 2 college credits. The application of these credits it still at the discretion of the higher education institutions; however, as noted previously, a standardization of the CNA curriculum may assist students to obtain degree specific credits.   

Lastly, the Pathway team created a curriculum implementation guide to assist educational institutions with implementing training programs ranging from CNA to Associate level nursing programs. Included was an infographic that illustrates a progression map of a typical career track from CNA to BSN. This will be useful to students, parents, high school guidance staff, higher education institutions, as well as employers to ensure that all advisers that have the opportunity to impact a students decision making process are properly informed.