2025 (HS Senior)
Finish High School Strong + Early CNA & IT Foundations
Prioritize GPA, college apps, and foundational healthcare/IT exposure.
CNA course & clinicals • CompTIA ITF+ (optional) • CompTIA A+ (Core 1/2)
Milestone: Graduate HS with CNA complete (or in progress) and A+ underwaySalary: Entry exposure / volunteer
- Q1 — Admissions & Aid
- Common App finalized
- FAFSA filed
- Scholarship list created
Outcome: Admitted + funded plan - Q2 — CNA Start
- Enroll in CNA class
- HIPAA basics
- Schedule clinical hours
Outcome: Clinical exposure begins - Q3 — A+ Core 1
- Hardware/OS labs
- Help‑desk scenarios
- Ticketing practice
Outcome: Hands‑on troubleshooting - Q4 — A+ Core 2
- Security & ops
- Practice exams
- Schedule certification
Outcome: A+ certified (or scheduled)
2026 (College Y1)
Pre‑Nursing Coursework + Part‑Time IT/Clinical Assistant
Balance gen‑eds/prereqs with paid experience in healthcare or IT.
CompTIA Network+ • BLS (Healthcare Provider)
Milestone: Complete A&P I/II + Net+; secure campus help‑desk or unit secretary roleSalary: $15–$25/hr (campus IT or clinical assistant)
- Fall — Gen‑Ed + A&P I
- Chem/Bio refresh
- A&P I labs
- Apply for campus/job
Outcome: Academic base + role secured - Winter/Spring — A&P II + Net+
- Subnetting drills
- Homelab basics
- Sit for Net+
Outcome: Networking fundamentals
2027 (College Y2)
ADN/RN Pathway Decision + Security+ + More Clinical Time
Choose ADN start or finish prereqs; deepen clinical context and security mindset.
CompTIA Security+ • BLS renewal
Milestone: Sit for Security+; log more hours in patient‑care support rolesSalary: $18–$28/hr (hospital/unit roles)
- Q1 — ADN Decision
- Meet advisors
- Program comparison
- Application timelines
Outcome: Clear RN path chosen - Q2–Q4 — Security+ + Clinical
- Access control & PHI
- Practice tests
- Clinical shifts
Outcome: Security baseline + context
2028 (ADN/RN)
ADN Coursework & Clinicals → NCLEX‑RN
Primary objective is RN licensure to unlock Informatics eligibility.
ADN • NCLEX‑RN
Milestone: Graduate ADN; pass NCLEX‑RNSalary: $85K–$110K (MA RN entry range)
- Clinicals — Med‑Surg + specialties
- Skills checkoffs
- EHR notes
- Care plans
Outcome: Safe, competent RN - Prep — NCLEX readiness
- Q‑banks
- CATs
- Licensure paperwork
Outcome: RN license achieved
2029 (RN + BSN)
RN practice + BSN (preferred) + Informatics Coursework
Work as RN while completing BSN and informatics certificates/mini‑courses.
BSN (preferred) • Informatics certificate
Milestone: Build NI portfolio (workflow, data quality, EHR build exposure)Salary: $100K–$120K (RN with BSN)
- Q1–Q2 — BSN Core
- Evidence‑based practice
- Leadership/quality
Outcome: Academic advancement - Q3–Q4 — NI Coursework
- EHR build exposure
- Data quality/analytics
- Workflow redesign
Outcome: NI portfolio in progress
2030
Board & Role — ANCC RN‑BC Eligible → Nursing Informatics Specialist
Use RN experience + NI coursework to sit for RN‑BC and land NI Specialist.
ANCC Informatics Nurse (RN‑BC)
Milestone: Board‑certified or exam scheduled; accept NI Specialist roleSalary: $110K–$135K (Boston est.)
- Eligibility — Meet RN‑BC requirements
- Active RN license
- 2 yrs RN exp
- NI education/hours
Outcome: Eligible for board exam - Placement — MA Market
- Interview plan
- Portfolio demos
- References ready
Outcome: NI Specialist offer accepted