Nursing is a popular option for students looking to begin new careers. The job opportunities for registered nurses are expanding at an increased rate as more and more people have access to health care and the baby boomers reach retirement age. What Can You Do with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing? When you’re looking into becoming a nurse, you can choose a career that will educate you on becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN), a nurse practitioner, or a registered nurse (RN). In addition to nursing paths, you will have to decide what level of education you want to receive: Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s.
If you know you want to become a registered nurse, not a LPN, then you should find a school that offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. You will learn similar concepts to those in a Bachelor’s program, and you will be able to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse. In addition, the ADN only takes about 2 years to complete, instead of the BSN’s 4 year program.
What You Can Do with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing
Obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) can open up a range of career opportunities in the field of nursing. While a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) is often considered the preferred qualification for advanced roles, an ADN can still provide a solid foundation for starting your nursing career. Here are some of the things you can do with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing:
- Registered Nurse (RN): An ADN prepares you to become a registered nurse, which is a vital and in-demand role in healthcare settings. As an RN, you can provide direct patient care, administer medications, monitor patient vital signs, assist in medical procedures, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans.
- Work in Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: ADN-educated registered nurses can find employment in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient care centers. As an RN, you can work in different departments such as medical-surgical units, critical care units, emergency rooms, labor and delivery units, and more.
- Specialize in a Nursing Field: While an ADN provides a general nursing education, you can still specialize in a particular area of nursing with additional training and experience. Specializations can include critical care, pediatric nursing, geriatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, oncology nursing, or community health nursing. Gaining expertise in a specific field can lead to advanced career opportunities and higher earning potential.
- Bridge to a BSN or Higher Degree: If you aspire to advance your nursing career and pursue leadership roles, many ADN-educated nurses choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through a bridge program. These programs allow ADN graduates to earn their BSN in a shorter time frame by building upon their previous nursing education. A BSN or higher degree can open up opportunities for management positions, advanced practice nursing, research, teaching, and more.
- Continuing Education and Specialized Certifications: Even with an ADN, you can continue your professional development by pursuing specialized certifications. Certifications in areas such as pediatric nursing, critical care, oncology, or gerontology can enhance your skills and demonstrate your expertise in a particular nursing specialty. Continuing education courses and workshops also offer opportunities to expand your knowledge and stay up-to-date with advancements in nursing practice.
- Pursue Higher Education: If you have long-term goals of advancing in the nursing profession, an ADN can serve as a stepping stone towards higher education. With an ADN, you can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or DNP), enabling you to become a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, nurse researcher, or nurse administrator. Advanced degrees provide opportunities for leadership positions, specialized patient care, and involvement in nursing research and education.
It’s important to note that the scope of nursing practice can vary based on the state or country you work in. Some regions may have specific requirements or preferences for certain nursing positions. Therefore, it’s essential to research and understand the regulations and expectations in your intended work location.
Associate’s Degree in Nursing Requirements
Before deciding on a program or school, it’s important for students to understand that some medical facilities require job candidates to have at least a BSN degree. If you want to work in a hospital right after college, you may want to invest in pursuing a Bachelor’s. However, there are still many employment opportunity for registered nurses possessing an Associate’s Degree, and you will be able to join the workforce sooner. In some cases, the normally 2 year program can be completed in only 18 months.
The specific requirements for earning an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) can vary depending on the educational institution and the state or country in which you plan to pursue your degree. However, here are some common requirements you may encounter:
- Educational Prerequisites: Most ADN programs require a high school diploma or equivalent as the minimum educational prerequisite for admission. Some programs may also have specific course requirements, such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and math. It’s important to check the prerequisites of the specific program you are interested in.
- Application and Admission Process: To apply for an ADN program, you typically need to submit an application to the educational institution offering the program. This process may involve providing your academic transcripts, completing an application form, and paying an application fee. Some programs may also require letters of recommendation, a personal statement, or an interview as part of the admission process.
- Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening: Many nursing programs, including ADN programs, require students to undergo a criminal background check and drug screening. This is to ensure patient safety and compliance with healthcare facility requirements, as certain criminal convictions or drug use can impact your eligibility to participate in clinical placements.
- Nursing Entrance Exam: Some ADN programs may require applicants to take a nursing entrance exam, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or the Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment (HESI A2). These exams assess your basic academic skills, including math, reading comprehension, science, and English language proficiency.
- Clinical Requirements: Nursing programs, including ADN programs, typically include clinical components where students gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings. To participate in clinical placements, you may need to meet specific health requirements, such as immunizations, a physical examination, and proof of health insurance. CPR certification may also be required.
- Completion of Program Requirements: Once admitted to an ADN program, you will need to successfully complete the prescribed coursework, which includes both classroom and clinical components. Coursework typically covers subjects such as nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, obstetric and pediatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, and more. You will also need to meet specific grade requirements to progress and graduate from the program.
It’s important to note that these requirements can vary among different institutions and regions, so it’s crucial to research and understand the specific requirements of the ADN program you are considering. The best way to obtain accurate and up-to-date information is to directly contact the admissions office of the educational institution offering the program.
When you begin to examine different nursing programs, you should examine the program’s curriculum. Typical ADN programs will focus courses on critical nursing skills like patient care, confidence, and clinical decision making. Students who earn a ADN will need to demonstrate mastery of knowledge and a well-rounded perspective on nursing faster than those in a Bachelor’s program; it is important to make sure the program you select is equipped with the tools you’ll need to succeed.
After you finish your ADN degree, you will be required to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse. The NCLEX-RN exam has anywhere from 75 to 265 questions, covering categories like Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiological Integrity. Once you have successfully passed this test, you will be a registered nurse with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. However, some states have additional requirements before granting licensure.
Work Opportunities with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing
Once you are a graduated, licensed registered nurse, you can begin your career in the nursing field. An Associate’s Degree in Nursing is often enough certification to allow you to work in hospitals, home healthcare services, insurance carriers, nursing care facilities, doctors’ offices, outpatient care centers, professional schools, health care practitioner offices, retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and specialty hospitals. Recently, larger hospitals have been searching for candidates with Bachelor’s degrees, but ADN nurses may still be able to find work in rural hospitals.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for registered nurses will grow by 15% by 2026. The predicted growth statistics applies for all nursing positions, but over 68% of the predicted available positions will be open to those with an Associate’s Degree of Nursing. Management and executive positions are generally open to only Bachelor’s level nurses or above, but RNs with an ADN can always return to school to further their education. Some employers even offer funding or reimbursement for employees who return to school to continue their education.
ADN Nurses and BSN Nurses
After seeing the opportunities nurses with a BSN have, you may be wondering why bother with an ADN at all. If you know that you want to have a long career in nursing, then a BSN may be the logical degree for you. However, many students are not entirely sure if nursing is what they want, or they are not sure what type of nurse they want to be. In these cases, an Associate’s Degree is the best program, as it provide a quicker way for students to try out a nursing job. If a student enjoys nursing and wants to continue their education, then there are many Bachelor’s transfer programs that they can complete to gain all of the benefits of a BSN degree.
As you begin your journey through nursing school, it’s important to keep your goals in mind. If you’re new to the field, an Associate’s Degree in Nursing may be the best option to understand the nursing profession and create a career path for your future.
