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.
Nurs2455 Semester 3 Clinical Practice Specialty
This course will focus on the client with specialized needs across the lifespan. Students will have the opportunity to explore the wonder of human gestation from conception to post-partum care of the newborn and mother. Pediatric nursing will be experienced in the clinical and simulation setting where theories of growth and development will be foundational in designing patient care. Family-centered care will be examined as the context of client development, response to illness and health promotion. External systems such as culture and religion will be considered as influencing client health and illness. Students will provide care for the client with complex multiple needs in the clinical setting. Concepts of mental health and illness will be explored in the clinical and simulation setting. Students will have the opportunity to observe, experience, and design nursing care for the hospitalized and community client with mental health needs. This course will also cover the characteristics of hazardous wastes and its safe handling, storage, and disposal.
Residency And Admission To The Nursing Program
Residency criteria: Chapter 112, Section 103-17, of the Illinois Public Community College Act requires that, whenever enrollment in a program must be restricted because of space limitations, a college must give preference to district residents. Consequently, admission to LLCC Health Professions programs for students who live outside of LLCC District #526 vary per program based on space availability and qualified applicant pools.
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What Can You Do With An Associate Degree In Nursing
Preparing for a career as a registered nurse requires you to complete a collegial degree program. By earning an associate degree in nursing, you can go on to take the NCLEX-RN exam and start your nursing career.
In this article, we will review what an associate degree in nursing is, what opportunities are available to you upon graduating, and what the main differences are between an ADN and BSN degree.
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Associate Degree In Nursing
The profession of nursing holds a special place in todays U.S. healthcare system. Nurses are taking on expanded roles in order to provide comprehensive care to patients across the lifespan, with complex needs and various health conditions. While there are a number of educational paths and specializations that you can pursue within the field, earning your associate degree in nursing is one path that can lead to becoming a licensed registered nurse.
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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.
Begin Your Nursing Career At Alvin Community College
The Alvin Community College Nursing Program can help you take advantage of the vast health care career opportunities that exist in the Houston Metropolitan region and beyond. The region is home to the largest medical complex in the world . Employment for registered nurses in Texas is expected to grow by 35 percent by 2030 while demand is expected to grow by 54 percent.
Nursing is a high-paying, well-respected, and in-demand career path. With a degree in nursing from ACC, you can become an RN in just two years or transfer to a four-year university to obtain your bachelor of science in nursing degree.
Our experienced faculty and staff will instruct and mentor you inside and outside the classroom. The training is rigorous and rewarding. Our students consistently achieve some of the highest first-time pass rates in the state on the national licensing exam . Visit the Texas Board of Nursing to compare ACC ADN pass rates with other Texas nursing schools.
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What Is An Adn Degree
For many aspiring nurses, an Associate Degree in Nursing is the first step towards a lifelong career in healthcare. The ADN degree is a great starting point for students who want to pursue a professional nursing career, but are concerned about the length and cost of a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing . The ADN is a two-year degree that costs less, requires less time, and allows you to begin practicing as an RN sooner than its four-year counterpart.
Are Registered Nurses With A Bsn Given A Different Title Or Superior Role Compared To Registered Nurses With An Adn
Not necessarily. In the workplace, nurses are not labeled by their degree level. Regardless of whether or not you obtained a BSN or an ADN, you will work under the same title: registered nurse.
That being said, RNs who graduated with a bachelor’s degree will most likely be expected to perform more complex tasks. It should also be noted that registered nurses with BSNs are more likely to receive promotions to managerial positions, as their degree program includes leadership responsibilities.
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Masters Degree In Nursing
The Master of Science in Nursing degree is an advanced, postgraduate degree offered at institutions of higher learning for Registered Nurses interested in furthering their careers. Nurses with Masters Degrees may take positions in nurse education, health policy, clinical leadership, and other advanced nursing roles.
Salary range for an RN with a Masters Degree: $42,000-$88,000 4
Potential Positions
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Associates Degree In Nursing Career Opportunities
An Associates Degree in Nursing generally takes two years to complete and qualifies you to take the National Council Licensure Exam to become a registered nurse . You can add value to your ADN by completing certifications for specific work or the study of related subjects, like immunology, biochemistry, pharmacology or health care administration.
Graduates with an ADN may find employment in the following environments:
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Hospitals
Primary duties: Patient care coordinators act as liaisons between patients and the health care system. Coordinators ensure patients receive the appropriate care and understand their medical conditions and the medications they have been prescribed. Patient coordinators may help patients understand and make decisions about their treatment plans or help prepare patients for treatment.
Education requirements: Qualifications may vary from agency to agency, but most require an ADN and a passing score on the NCLEX-RN. Coordinators may seek certification or continuing education in a specialized area such as social work or health care administration.
Companies with this position:
Education requirements: Emergency room nurses must be licensed RNs with a minimum of an associate degree. Nurses may consider specializing in emergency room medicine through experience and continuing education.
Companies with this position:
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What Is An Adn Nurse
An ADN nurse may be a registered nurse who has earned their associate degree in nursing so that they can provide nursing care to patients. They may discuss symptoms with patients, provide medication to patients, monitor patients medical records, and report the medical status of a patient to doctors. Duties of an ADN nurse may vary depending on the career path they are pursuing and the environment in which they work.
Advantages To Earning An Lpn Certificate Or Adn
The demand for nursing professionals continues to grow, creating diverse opportunities for candidates who earn either an LPN or ADN. Each of these career paths offer different advantages. Prospective nurses should consider their professional goals to determine which is right for them.
For example, students with financial obligations or families may choose to earn an LPN since it is the quickest way to enter the field and begin earning a living. In contrast, learners seeking higher wages and advanced roles may want to consider ADN programs, which lead to RN licensure. The following lists explore some advantages to each educational path.
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Is An Adn Degree Right For Me
Choosing to pursue an Associates Degree in Nursing is a big decision that should be based on your own personal goals, dreams and needs. This means spending time thinking about your long-term goals, the type of job responsibilities you want and feel up to assuming, the kind of income you hope to earn, and the type of work environment you see yourself in. Perhaps most importantly of all, you should ask yourself whether you want to make the kind of real difference in other peoples lives that an ADN-degreed Registered Nurse can make.
Registered nurses with ADN degrees play integral roles in healthcare teams. In addition to being valued for being compassionate and knowledgeable, they are also relied upon for their professional judgment and their dedication to patient wellbeing and care. The job market for RNs is experiencing tremendous growth, and by equipping yourself with an ADN degree you put yourself in a position of nearly limitless opportunity.
Questions To Ask When Choosing An Adn Program
With so many ADN programs to choose from, finding the right one for you can be a daunting task. Information on accreditation and NCLEX pass rates are a good place to start. But also consider asking schools and programs some of the following questions to find the right fit:
- What is the faculty-to-student ratio?
- Will I be able to work while Im in school?
- Does the school provide assistance for first-time higher ed students?
- Does the school offer tutoring or NCLEX exam prep?
- Where will I do my clinical training? Will I be placed, or do I have to find my own training location?
- Will I be using state-of-the-art equipment for training?
- If online, how does the school work to create a virtual classroom environment?
- Does the school offer career placement assistance?
- Can I afford the tuition?
- Does this school align with my goals?
The most important thing to consider is whether the program meets your individual needs, Jenkins says. Programs vary wildly with scheduling, cost, program structure, etc. Therefore, I would recommend that all of the components of the program meet your personal preferences, lifestyle requirements, and career goals. Take your time to really get to know a program before choosing.
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Courses Needed For This Program*
General Education Requirements and Electives
Students should meet with an academic advisor in planning to meet General Education requirements. Students must complete all courses with a C or better. All General Education requirements are also program requirements, with the exception of CMNS 101.
General Education Requirements:
General Education Electives:
Choose a course in this category from the list of approved General Education Courses. Students must complete all courses with a C or better. Selected Arts and Humanities course must be a Diversity course.
- Arts and Humanities 3 Credit.
- Mathematics 3 Credit.
Non-Nursing Program Requirements
Students must complete all courses with a C or better.
Program Requirements – Nursing Courses
Students must complete all courses with a C or better.
Chem110 Chemistry For The Health Sciences
Key concepts of general, organic, and biological chemistry are introduced in an integrated approach with applications from the medical fields. The course is designed to prepare students for Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology or to be utilized as a general Arts and Sciences course. Limited mathematical approach this course does not meet the requirements of a prerequisite for CHEM 120. Lecture and a 2-hour lab are included.
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Skills Traits And Prep Classes
- Caring and compassionate nature
- Keen observation and decision-making skills
- The ability to function well under stress
- Finely tuned verbal and written communication skills
- Nurses often lift up to 50 lbs, bend, reach, and kneel, and are required to have and use science and math skills in thinking critically
Benefits Of Getting An Adn Degree
The two-year Associates Degree in Nursing is the shortest route to becoming a Registered Nurse.
- It provides the education and clinical training needed to sit for the required certifying exams and obtain their license.
- Becoming a Registered Nurse with an ADN degree promises an expedient route to a solid income in a field with a growing demand and opens many doors.
- It allows those interested in entering the nursing profession to begin working in an entry-level position in just two years, providing essential and invaluable experience and the ability to practice in specialty areas.
- Having your ADN provides much of the necessary clinical training and education required for more advanced nursing degrees such as a BSN , thus allowing those interested in pursuing those degrees the ability to test out of many prerequisites and pursue the next level more easily.
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Master’s Degree In Nursing Programs
Earning an MSN helps graduates compete for advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioners , certified registered nurse anesthetists , and nurse educators, among other roles. In addition to taking on more leadership and managerial responsibilities and being eligible to teach as a faculty member, nurses with these credentials generally earn higher salaries.
An MSN can take between 1-4 years to complete, depending on the type of degree a student holds when they start the program. Each applicant must already possess a BSN and an active and unencumbered RN license prior to starting a graduate program.
Also called immersion programs, this type of MSN program appeals to individuals who already possess bachelor’s degrees in unrelated subjects. Students usually spend three years meeting all course and clinical requirements for direct-entry MSN programs. Learners with no required prerequisites on their transcripts usually need longer to graduate than those who studied a related topic. Degree-seekers must complete coursework and clinical rotations to graduate.
Practitioners exploring advanced levels of nursing may want to consider earning an RN-to-MSN degree. These bridge programs exist for RNs who do not hold a BSN, but would like to directly earn an MSN. Colleges and universities offer this accelerated program to help RNs meet their professional goal quickly.
Professional Degree Vs Academic Degree: Whats The Difference
If youre looking for a way to advance your career, earn more money, or take on more responsibility within your organization, earning an advanced degree could help you reach your goals. After all, sixty-one percent of employers claim the skills needed for their positions have evolved, now requiring a higher base-level of education. Whats more, there will be a 14 percent growth in jobs requiring a masters degree by 2024.
When deciding whether or not to pursue an advanced degree, its important to know which kind of degree will help you meet your personal and professional goals: a professional degree or an academic degree?
Each degree has its own benefits that may make one degree more relevant to you depending on your profession.
Not sure which degree is right for you? Below are the key similarities and differences to consider when deciding between a professional and academic degree.
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Bsn Allows Specialty Choices
Another aspect that differentiates ADNs from BSNs is the ability for bachelor’s degree students to choose a concentration within their broader nursing major. Specialties like critical care, midwife delivery or public health are offered at this level. An associate’s degree offers a broad look into these areas of nursing.