Can You Be An Rn With An Associate Degree
Yes, prospective nurses could become an RN with an associate degree as long as they pass the NCLEX-RN exam. An associate degree will get you started, allow you to get some experience, and decide if you love nursing. If so, earning a bachelors degree will allow for promotions, better salary, and the qualifications you need for other nursing positions that might require it.
Allegany College Of Maryland
The Nursing Program at Allegany College of Maryland offers an associate of science degree in nursing. Students who pass their first semester of classes are eligible to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant or Geriatric Nursing Assistant. Students who complete their first year of classes and a five-week summer course are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN or become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Completion of the two years enables a student to take the NCLEX. The program teaches students practical applications of nursing in the classroom as well as 1400 hours spent in clinical settings.
Allegany College of Maryland is part of the public university system of Pennsylvania. It offers 53 associate degrees, 23 certificates, 21 letters of recognition, and continuing education programs for working adults. The schools athletic teams compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association.
Program: ADN
How Much Does An Adn Degree Cost
The costs of an Associates Degree in Nursing varies depending upon the type of program you choose to attend, including whether it is an LPN-to-RN program. Factors that affect tuition pricing include where the school is located, whether you choose to enroll at a vocational school, community college, private college or state school, and if the latter, whether you are attending as an in-state student or an out-of-state student.
Some programs offer the ability to pay per-credit pricing while others permit students to pay a per-semester price, then pursue as many credits as they feel capable of completing during that period of study. There are also cost differences between an in-person or online program.
Though cost is always an important consideration, it is also important that you remember the significant benefits and increased earnings that follow earning your ADN degree, as well as that you can lower your costs significantly by attending public institutions, seeking financial aid, and applying for governmental grants.
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What Is An Adn In Nursing
What is an ADN in Nursing? ADN is short for an Associates degree in Nursing. An Associates degree in nursing is one of the first steps in becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse. An Associates degree normally includes the most basic courses that are needed to move forward with any degree programs. An Associates degree in nursing does include, however, the foundation courses that a nurse will need to start working toward their career. Because an Associates degree in nursing lays the groundwork for the Bachelors degree, it will provide enough information to give the future nurse a good head start.
Individuals who work in healthcare facilities often go back to school to advance their careers. A CNA, for example, provides basic care to patients. CNAs, or Certified Nursing Assistant, will often enroll in an ADN program so they can be considered for more responsibilities and higher pay. As they gain more experience, continuing on with their education seems only natural. Students who are interested in an ADN can enroll in an online program and earn their degree while they continue to work as a CNA or other healthcare professional.
Option A: Associate In Arts Degree In Nursing

This applicant is entering the first semester and completing all four semesters of the nursing program. The Nursing Program offers eligible candidates who are selected for admission to the beginning of the program the opportunity to prepare for professional nursing through the pursuit of specific knowledge and skills. Graduates from the program, in addition to receiving an Associate of Arts Degree, are eligible for the NCLEX-RN examination for licensure as a registered nurse.
REQUIRED NURSING COURSES and UNITS
Semester 1
- NRSG 57LA Beginning Nursing Skills Lab-1.0 unit
- NRSG 210 **Fundamentals of Nursing- 5.0 units
- NRSG 211 **Introduction to Theoretical Framework- 1.0 unit
- NRSG 212 ** Medical-Surgical Nursing 1- 5.0 units
- NRSG 213A *Major Drugs and Nursing Management 1- 0.5 unit
Semester 2
- NRSG 57LB Intermediate Nursing Skills Lab- 1.0 units
- NRSG 213B **Major Drugs and Nursing Management 2- 1.0 unit
- NRSG 220 **Medical-Surgical Nursing 3- 5.5 units
- NRSG 222 ** Maternal/Child Nursing- 5.5 units
Semester 3
- NRSG 57LC Advanced Intermediate Nursing Skills Lab- 1.0 unit
- NRSG 230 ** Psychosocial and Community Nursing- 5.0 units
- NRSG 232 **Medical-Surgical Nursing 4- 5.0 units
Semester 4
- NRSG 57LD Advanced Nursing Skills Lab- 1.0 unit
- NRSG 240 ** Medical-Surgical Nursing 5- 5.0 units
- NRSG 242 ** Professional Role Transition- 3.0 units
Electives
- NRSG 48T **Elective Nursing Tutorial- 0.5 units
- NRSG 80 **Nursing Process Documentation- 1.0 unit
* Six week course
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Community College Of Philadelphia
The Nursing program at Community College of Philadelphia is an associate in applied science degree and is accredited by ACEN. The program is one of 15 in the U.S. thats been chosen as a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and recognized for Enhancing the Professional Development of Students. Students attending the program are trained to work in the community, acute, and long-term care settings. Students who decide to take the traditional course sequence will attend during the fall/spring semesters for two years while students who decide to take the post-baccalaureate accelerated program will complete the degree in about 14 months time.
Community College of Philadelphia is part of the public college system and features four locations in the city of Philadelphia. The school offers associate degrees, and academic and proficiency certificates. Students can attend classes during the day, night, weekend, and online. It also features transfer agreements with four-year schools, giving students the option to earn a bachelors degree.
Program: ADN
I Want To Get A Bsn Should I Get An Adn Asn Or Aasn Degree
Any accredited associate nursing degree qualifies the learner to continue on to earn a BSN. However, prospective BSN students who already have an associate degree in nursing should carefully review admission requirements to determine whether any other specific prerequisites apply.
For example, many schools offer RN-to-BSN programs to learners with associate degrees in nursing. However, these accelerated study paths usually require applicants to hold active, unencumbered RN licensure. They may also limit eligibility to RNs with a minimum level of professional experience.
Standalone BSN degrees typically take 3-4 years to complete. Degree-seekers with an ADN, ASN, or AASN almost always qualify for some form of advanced standing, as associate programs closely adhere to the content covered during the first two years of a standard BSN.
While a BSN does not currently serve as a prerequisite for RN licensure, the BLS notes that nurses who hold at least a bachelors degree generally enjoy better job prospects than those without one. Some employers prefer RNs with BSNs over those with ADN degrees, and BSNs are also advantageous in competitive job application situations.
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Advantages Of An Adn Degree
Nursing is one of the most rewarding career choices available. In fact, according to the Medscape Nurse Career Satisfaction Report 2016, practicing nurses enjoy their work so much that they have a hard time singling out one top-most-rewarding aspect of their career. Nurses who have earned their ADN enjoy a sense of fulfillment in helping others. They also appreciate the gratitude expressed by the patients they serve and the solid earnings and job security that their chosen field offers.
The top advantages of an ADN degree include,
- Quick route to higher earnings potential. If you are anxious to become a registered nurse and start caring for patients while earning a nurses salary, an ADN degree is the fastest way to get there. Once youve earned your ADN you will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. The program, which bypasses general education classes and focuses entirely on the coursework needed for a nursing education, can be completed in four semesters.
- Lower cost for education. Nurses who pursue an Associates Degree in Nursing are not only able to achieve their goal more quickly, but generally are able to do so at a lower cost.
The education provided by accredited ADN programs is so comprehensive that pass rates for ADN graduates taking the NCLEX is on par with that of students who have earned their BSN degree.
Difference Of An Associate Degree Vs Certification Vs Bachelors Degree Programs
In BSN programs, you learn similar material to an ADN associate degree in nursing in terms of general education, but it goes into more depth and you’ll receive added leadership training, which can help you beyond you becoming a registered nurse. You also get additional training in management and information technology management than you would receive in an ADN program. An LPN takes the same classes that an ADN graduate takes, but they choose to earn a certificate rather than a BSN degree or an ADN degree in nursing. There are bachelor’s degrees in nursing available 100% online, with only the clinical practice requiring that you participate in hands-on learning in order to gain experience. These online options provide a great deal of flexibility, whether you are just getting into nursing or looking to improve your education.
Your career goals will have a strong influence on the degree/nursing program you select. With a BSN, your nursing education may qualify you for a larger range of registered nurses positions such as nurse practitioner, case manager, or health educator – and you may therefore have an easier time gaining experience.
Employer preferences may also have an impact on your choice. Increasingly, employers are looking for BSN degree holders as candidates and those with higher degrees as well .
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Prepping For The Bs In Nursing Degree At Adelphi
The AA in Liberal Arts: Pre-Nursing Concentration can lead to a BS in Nursing from the College of Nursing and Public Health. While it does not guarantee admission into this program, enrolled students are well prepared to meet the following requirements:
- complete the AA with a cumulative GPA of 3.3
- complete prerequisite courses for the BS program
Ask A Nurse: Will My Non
In our Ask a Nurse series, experienced nurses provide an insider look at the nursing profession by answering your questions about nursing careers, degrees, and resources.
Question: Can a non-nursing associate degree-holder enroll in a bachelor of science in nursing program? Will any of my credits transfer over?
Answer: Absolutely though how long it will take and the exact pathway you will follow will depend a lot on the degree you’ve already earned and the coursework you’ve taken.
In addition to the nursing coursework, traditional four-year BSN programs will also require general education courses such as English, history, and math. Depending on the classes that you took for your associate degree, some or all of these credits may transfer to your BSN degree. This could significantly reduce the number of credits you will need to take, possibly even a year or two off the total time needed.
It is important to note that most BSN programs have a lengthy list of prerequisites that need to be completed before you can be eligible to take nursing courses. Some prerequisites are listed below:
- Human anatomy and physiology I and II
- Human nutrition
- Human growth and development
- General chemistry
If your degree did not include any of this coursework, it may be easier to take your prerequisites at your convenience prior to applying to a nursing program. You can take your courses at your own pace whether that’s one at a time or in two jam-packed semesters.
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Next Steps To Enroll In An Adn Program
Once youve made the decision to pursue an Associates Degree in Nursing, there are a number of important steps that are either required or recommended to help you achieve your goal.
- Investigate the programs that are available to you. Just as in choosing any college program, you want to determine what type of program you want to apply to and is best suited to your life and needs. Considerations include location, program reputation, how competitive the program is, and cost. Once youve identified those that are of interest, make a checklist for each ones application requirements and deadlines.
- Complete your high school diploma or GED. If you already have done so, collect all pertinent transcripts and proof of graduation. If you are still in school, remember that higher GPAs, involvement in school activities and in volunteer programs will make you more attractive to those making decisions about which students to accept. Participation in volunteer activities at local hospitals or with the American Red Cross is a good idea, and so is seeking mentorship through local nursing professional associations or attendance at nursing camp.
- Apply to the accredited ADN programs that you have identified.
- Apply for financial aid if needed.
Transition To Associate Degree Nursing Ata: Associate In Technical Arts

Admission to the Transition to Associate Degree Nursing Program
Application to the Transition to Associate Degree Nursing Program requires a separate application in addition to the application to Olympic College. Admission to Olympic College does not guarantee admission to the TADN Nursing Program. Admission to the Program is based on a factoring system. Students are admitted to the Program for entrance in Winter Quarter to the Transition to Associate Degree of Nursing program. Students admitted to the program will take a LPN-RN Transitions course during Winter Quarter. Students will be admitted on a space available basis.To be considered for admission to the TADN Program, all of the following must be submitted to the Office of Admissions:
The Olympic College Nursing Program is accredited by:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and/or ACEN3343 Peachtree Road NE
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Associate Degree In Nursing How Many Years
An Associate Degree in Nursing is an undergraduate degree that allows students to gain core knowledge and clinical skills in the field of nursing. Most associates programs are two-year degrees, but there are some programs that can be completed in as little as 18 months. Students who graduate with an ADN may be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam, which is the exam required to become licensed as a registered nurse.
Ivy Tech Community College
The Nursing and Practical Nursing Program at Ivy Tech Community College prepares students to earn their LPN or become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam upon completion of their education and awarding of the associate of science in nursing . Students who wish to enroll in the program at Ivy Tech must take the TEAS exam prior to applying. The LPN program is separate from the RN program, but students have the option to return to the school and earn their RN. Graduates of the RN program can transfer to a partnered four-year university to earn a BSN.
Ivy Tech Community College, also known as Ivy Tech, is part of the public community college system and has over 40 locations spread throughout Indiana. It enrolls around 200,000 students in an academic year and offers over 150 programs that lead to certificates or associates degrees. It features over 100 transfer programs that are affiliated with in-state and out-of-state institutions.
Program: ADN
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What Is An Asn Or Associate Of Science In Nursing
ASN degrees deliver the knowledge and core skills students need to pass the NCLEX-RN examination, or to become nursing assistants or LPNs/LVNs. They combine classroom-based and hands-on instruction, and typically consist of approximately 72 credits or the equivalent of about 24 semester-length courses.
These courses cover academic and clinical skills, but often place slightly more emphasis on academics. As such, they make a strong base for future study at higher degree levels, such as if a student wants to continue on and earn a bachelors or masters degree in nursing. ASN curricula usually focus on science-oriented topics in greater depth than AAS programs, which by contrast offer more training in qualitative and patient-focused areas of professional practice.
ASN degrees normally cover the following subjects in their classes:
- Patient health assessments
- Medical, surgical, pediatric, and/or mental health nursing
- Research literacy and clinical practice
Generally, the differences between ASN and AAS programs comes down to only a few core and/or elective courses.
Adn Program Admission Requirements
Admission requirements will vary by school. It is best to take time to review the admissions requirements and process for your desired ADN program. Some admissions processes will require interviews, and others wont. Requirements to gain admission into an ADN program may include:
- A high school diploma or GED. Many schools will require prospective students to have earned a minimum GPA for entry into their program.
- High school Chemistry and Biology
- SAT scores
- HESI exam
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What Is The Difference Between An Associates In Nursing Degree And A Bachelors In Nursing Degree
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Degree Finder
If youre thinking about becoming a nurse, then you might wonder why colleges and nursing schools offer so many different degree options in the field of study. Which degree do you really need? The reason there are so many different nursing programs is because theres no one path into a nursing career. Prospective nurses can prepare for their careers in different ways, and each option has its own pros and cons.