Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

One of the many pathways to pursuing a career as a full-fledged registered nurse is to first obtain your associate degree in nursing (ADN). This is a broad entry-level degree that can help prepare future nurses for the nurse boards, known as the NCLEX-RN.

In order to qualify for entry into an ADN program, several course prerequisites need to be satisfied. These include introductory science courses such as:

• Microbiology
• Chemistry
• Biology

ADN programs also require completion of general education courses in:

• Psychology
• Ethics
• History/Political Science
• Literature/English
• Foreign Language
• Mathematics

Many schools also require the completion of a basic aptitude test to gauge student abilities in reading comprehension and basic math skills prior to consideration for admission. Once enrolled, students in these associate degree programs engage in a curriculum with classroom and clinical components in preparation for providing care to a diverse set of patients.

These nursing programs are also great for working professionals because of the flexibility they can offer. Students can opt to study and work part-time or engage in full-time study. Most colleges offer online courses to accommodate students with hectic, rigid schedules and who prefer to study at their own pace.

Graduation from an ADN program and acquiring licensure allows students to seek positions as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RN). Institutions that provide the ADN include community colleges and vocational schools. Check to see whether or not these programs have undergone review for accreditation by state nursing associations.

Nursing graduates could have the opportunity to work in hospitals, long-term care or rehabilitation facilities, and in community clinics. For those wanting to enroll in graduate programs, there are a variety of RN-BSN programs available to bridge the gap to the master's level of study.