Thinking of becoming a nurse? But do not know where to start? Worry no more! In this blog, we will guide you in detail about what is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), so it is easier for you to choose which path you want to take.
What is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)?
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a nursing program that helps students to become registered nurses. It takes two years to complete an ADN program.
- Program Length: 18 to 24 months or 2 years.
- ADN Tuition: minimum cost $12,000 (average $18,000-$25,000) —(SOURCE: chamberlain.edu)
- Expected salary: $77,000/ year (SOURCE: zip recruiter)
Course and curriculum:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs include both theoretical and clinical courses. The course covers subjects such as
- Microbiology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Psychiatric Nursing
- Maternal and Newborn Nursing
- Nutrition
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Community Health Nursing
Clinical rotations:
Associate Nursing degrees include clinical rotations that let the students work in real healthcare settings and deal with real patients. This clinical helps the students to prepare them for the real world and gain experience.
Steps to get an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for associate nursing degree or (ADN) programs.
Meet the Requirements:
To be eligible for an ADN program, you should meet the following requirements.
- High school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) equivalent
- Minimum high school GPA
- Completion of courses in chemistry, biology, anatomy, microbiology, and physiology
- Minimum of SAT or ACT math score
- Pass the HESI entrance exam.
- Pass a criminal background check to get into the ADN program.
Do your Research:
Make sure to attend an accredited nursing school. The most common nursing school accreditors are:
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Once you find an accredited nursing school, decide whether you want to do it online or attend school. If you choose to do it in person, research the locations.
Financial plan:
Before beginning the nursing degree program, it is important to consider your tuition costs. Create your financial plan. Some of the options are:
- Nursing Scholarships
- Student loans for nursing
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Application process:
Once you have selected the ADN program of your choice, the next step is to complete and submit the application. Some programs may also require an entrance exam such as (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or TEAS.
Graduate with (ADN) associate degree nursing program:
Complete the required nursing course and graduate with an ADN.
Pass the NCLEX-RN exam:
After graduating, review your course and prepare for the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) exam.
Get your License:
Apply for your RN license. Each state has its requirements for that. You can also apply for a compact state nursing license (NLC). This license will help you to work in multiple states as a travel nurse.
Benefits of Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program
The benefits of ADN are as follows.
- Cost-effective
- High demand
- Shorter in duration, it takes 2 years, unlike BSN which takes 4 years.
Challenges
One of the challenges the students might face is that many hospitals prefer nurses with BSN degrees. The reason is that BSN students have more knowledge and training than students with associate nursing degrees.
Difference between ADN and BSN degrees
Here, we will discuss the differences between an associate nursing degree and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Duration: 18 months to 24 months
- Cost: It can range from $23,000 to $66,320, with an average of $12,000 annually
- Focus: Emphasizes direct patient care
Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN)
- Duration: Takes 4 years to complete
- Cost: The average cost is $30,000 per year
- Focus: patient care and nursing theory
Jobs for Nursing Associates (ADN)
Nurses with associate nursing degrees can work in different healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, long-term healthcare facilities, community health organizations, home health services, etc.
Role of Nurses with Associate Degrees (ADN)
Common job roles for nurses with ADN are staff nurse, travel nurse, charge nurse, clinic nurse, etc.
Types of ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing program)
There are three types of associate degrees in nursing programs.
- ADN (associate degree in Nursing)
- ASN (Associate of Science Degree in Nursing)
- AAS (Associate of Applied Science in Nursing)
Conclusion:
Students who are thinking of becoming nurses and looking for an option that is cost-effective and requires less time can choose the path of an associate degree in nursing (ADN) program. This will take only 2 years and is the fastest track to becoming a registered nurse. There are benefits and disadvantages to it. Most of the time nurses after ADN go for a BSN program to advance their careers. An ADN is a solid foundation for a nursing career.
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