Best Associate Degrees in Nursing

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*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

An associate degree in nursing is the fastest way to begin a career as a registered nurse (RN). Within two years, students are qualified to increase their earning potential through passing the NCLEX-RN and embarking on their first positions as RNs. Registered nurses earn more than licensed practical nurses and they have expanded roles in patient care.

For students who intend to pursue a bachelor's or graduate degree in nursing, completing their ADN before moving on can allow students to earn a better salary and gain experience in their field working as registered nurses while they finish their higher degrees. The experience gained by active work as a registered nurse may also make students more attractive to admissions office for their future degree programs. Choosing to complete a two-year program at a community college before transferring to a four-year university or earning a master's can also help to offset the expense of earning an advanced degree.

For some students, one of the most crucial considerations in choosing an associate level nursing program is the ease of transferring credits to a bachelor's degree program in nursing. Some community colleges may have partnerships with state universities to facilitate a stress-free transfer to a four-year program, while other associate degree providers may also offer bachelor's level nursing programs at the same institution. Students who are interested in pursuing higher degrees in nursing should research any agreements or partnerships with four-year programs when determining which school is the best fit for them.

In lieu of partnerships, choosing a fully accredited program is imperative to ensuring that credits are transferred at the appropriate level when moving on to a four-year program. Accredited programs will generally clearly display their accreditation on their program website. If accreditation information is missing, students may contact the program directly or search online for accreditors of their program before making their final decision.

Another important consideration is the type of enrollment each program offers. Some schools may have limited access or limited enrollment programs. These programs are competitive and may require students to meet additional requirements for admission. Prospective students of limited access programs should research what special considerations make students more attractive to the program, such as completion of prerequisite work or better than average scores on tests or any prior coursework.

Application and Admissions for Nursing Associate Degree Programs

Admissions requirements for Nursing Associate Degree programs vary. Generally, students should be prepared to provide a GED or high school diploma and transcripts from any college-level courses they have already completed. Programs usually require students to complete a test of their academic readiness.

In most cases, students will take ATI's Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). The TEAS may be completed onsite at the institution, in-person at an exam site, or online depending on the institution's preference. In all cases, TEAS is a proctored, multiple-choice exam that will assess a student's reading, math, English and science skills. Schools may require a pass rate above a certain percent.

Completion of some prerequisites may also be required depending on the program. Courses in anatomy, biology and math at a college-level are common prerequisites with grades of C or better necessary for admission in most cases. Healthcare specific screening is also common among programs. Students should be able to pass a criminal background check and health and drug screenings to be considered for admission.

Most nursing associate degrees can be earned in two years at full-time enrollment with the completion of 70-83 credit hours. Students who are already working in the healthcare field as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) may be able to apply their experience to credit hours and complete their degree in less time with some LPN or LVN to ADN bridge or advanced placement programs. Interested LPNs or LVNs should search for information through their program.

Nursing associate programs generally cost between $7,000 to $10,000 to complete. Schools may charge between $100 to $125 per credit hour with most programs requiring around 70 credit hours for completion, though some programs require more. Additional expenses may include the cost of a uniform and any necessary equipment such as stethoscopes, forceps and non-slip shoes. Laboratory fees and the cost for any exams or admission application may also be considered, as well as the cost of textbooks. Students should be prepared to meet the cost of a criminal background check or health and drug screening as most programs require them.

Nursing associate degree coursework will teach prospective nurses the basics of patient care and skilled communication, and the legal and ethical dynamics of work in the medical field as well as the clinical diagnostic skills for providing care. At the associate level, students will also complete general education requirements for a two-year degree as well as practicum to gain confidence in working with patients.

Some common nursing coursework includes:

• Biology & Anatomy Courses
• Introductory Nursing
• Psychology & Sociology Courses
• Practicum
• Communication & English Courses

An associate-level degree in nursing opens the door to better career development and a promising potential salary. For those already working in healthcare as nursing technicians and assistants, licensed nursing assistants or licensed practical and vocational nurses (LPNs and LVNs), earning a two-year degree and becoming registered in their state increases their earnings substantially.

In May 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that the average wage of LPNs and LVNs was $50,090 compared to an average wage for registered nurses of $80,010. That is a potential difference of $29,920 annually. Among nursing assistants, the difference is even more marked. According to the BLS, nursing assistants could expect to earn $32,050 on average (2020) - $47,960 less than associate degree-holders who become registered nurses.

Begin a Career as a Registered Nurse

Beginning a career as a registered nurse is the goal for most degree-seekers at the associate level and the first step to becoming one is to choose and enroll in a state-approved nursing degree program at either the associate or bachelor's level. Through their nursing program, future nurses will gain first-hand experience through required practicum, learn appropriate care tactics and complete courses in science and biology as well as English and sociology or psychology to prepare them for the holistic demands of healthcare.

After graduating from a two or four-year degree program, prospective nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN test and be approved by a state nursing board to practice in their state. Some nursing board requirements will vary depending on the state and may include background checks, drug and health screenings or certification for different skills such as CPR. Students can seek additional information on their state's requirements at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and should ensure they can satisfy all requirements before embarking on their journey to become a registered nurse.

Begin a Career as a Nursing Director

There are many opportunities for career advancement in the field of nursing. Those with a passion for patient care who also enjoy the challenges of management may be drawn to a career as a nursing director. Nursing directors lead teams of healthcare providers to meet patient needs, organize schedules, maintain patient records and finances, and supervise and train staff. They may work in hospitals, physician's offices or nursing facilities.

Nursing directors must hold at least a bachelor's degree and be a registered nurse. RNs with an associate degree may complete RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs to reduce the time spent on earning their four-year degree. After completing a four-year program, RNs should gain work experience to make themselves most attractive to employers, and in some cases, may consider completing a graduate degree for the most competitive positions.

The need for managerial level nursing positions is growing as the population ages. According to the BLS, medical services managers, including nursing directors, can expect to see 32% job growth between 2019-2029. With an average wage of $118,800 reported by the BLS in May 2020, taking the first steps to a career as a nursing director could be a lucrative decision for those working to become a nurse.

As discussed earlier, the process of becoming a licensed and registered nurse varies according to each state and state-specific information can be found on the NCSBN's website. To become licensed, students generally must complete a state-approved two or four-year nursing degree program, meet standards for eligibility from their state nursing board that may include drug and health screening and a background check, and then apply for an Authorization to Test (ATT) from the board.

Once the state nursing board verifies their eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN, students may determine their testing location, register and pay all necessary fees. The NCLEX-RN is a pass/fail computerized exam that will adapt to the skills of the student as they are taking it to determine their level of learning. Students will have up to five hours to complete a certain number of correct answers. Results generally take six weeks after the examination to complete and will then be sent to their state nursing board who will make the final determination in issuing licensure to practice as a registered nurse in their state.

Completing an accredited nursing associate program is crucial to ensure credits transfer at the appropriate level to four-year or postgraduate nursing programs or a smooth approval process with state nursing boards when students apply to become registered nurses.

The largest body for accreditation of nursing degree programs is the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Founded in association with the National League of Nursing, ACEN is fully recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). ACEN is a peer-reviewed and voluntary process that accredits both programs and institutions. ACEN accredits any form of nursing education, including associate, bachelor, postgraduate degree programs and nursing certificate programs.

Once students have earned their ADN and become registered nurses, those who seek greater career advancement may consider management positions like certified nursing administrators or they may want to step into teaching positions in nursing. In all cases, greater education provides increased opportunities for upward mobility in nursing. Associate degree-holders may consider pursuing a bachelor's or graduate degree in nursing to further their opportunities, increase their salary and make obtaining the least stressful nursing jobs like those in management or education possible.

Another option for pursuing greater career opportunities is specializing in a field or occupation that provides the most in-demand care. As the population grows older and more seniors are choosing to stay at home or in a long-term care environment, the needs for experienced nurses in geriatric care will also increase. Nurses who specialize their experience to the elderly may find they have wider potential employers and more flexibility in promotion.

Nursing is an in-demand career option with many methods for beginning work in the field. Those who are determining if nursing is the right field for them may complete certificate programs and gain some experience working with patients before they commit to a two-year program. Others with associate degrees may choose to continue their education in order to pursue top level positions in nursing. Many nursing programs are geared toward professionals in the healthcare field, so students may choose to gain experience and work on higher-level degrees at the same time.

Bachelor's Degrees in Nursing

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree gives students greater flexibility in pursuing some competitive nursing positions and can be a stepping-stone to graduate degrees. While traditional BSN programs usually take four years to complete, students who have already earned an associate degree and are working as registered nurses may complete the degree in one to two years or three to five semesters by choosing an RN to BSN degree program. Many RN to BSN programs are available online or partly online for the convenience of working students.

Master's Degrees in Nursing

Healthcare workers seeking management roles may find that a graduate degree in nursing or nursing administration enhances their desirability to potential employers. At the graduate level, students can specialize their interest in nursing education, nursing administration, or specific fields of nursing such as gerontology, neonatal nursing or family nursing. With a master's degree, graduates may choose to pursue advanced nursing positions or staff positions at hospitals or long-term care facilities. Select students may also choose to continue to doctoral degrees.

Doctoral Degrees in Nursing

A doctoral degree in nursing is the highest level of education possible in the field of nursing. Doctoral degrees can be awarded as Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) degrees. At this level, students generally intend to practice as advanced practice nurses such as nurse practitioners or research the science of nursing in universities or research labs. Students can choose to apply with a bachelor's degree or a master's degree depending on the degree program.

Certificate Programs in Nursing

Many different certificate programs provide specific education and training to meet the diversity of needs in nursing. Registered nurses may choose to earn graduate certificates in their fields of practice to indicate their mastery of certain skills like pediatric nursing or ambulatory care. Students must meet certain requirements and complete a test for most graduate certificate programs.

Those without degrees may also want to pursue a professional certificate in nursing to work as a certified nursing assistant or an LPN or LVN. To earn an LPN or LVN certificate, students must complete nursing courses to earn a diploma or certificate. Coursework can be completed at community colleges, and generally takes around 1 year to complete. After completion of a certificate program, students can then take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become fully certified and licensed as a practical nurse.

Financial aid can vary widely according to the particular circumstances of each student and their program. The first step that any student seeking financial aid should take is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine what degree of federal aid is available to them. FAFSA can be completed entirely online and will require students to provide basic contact information as well as relevant personal and household information, including financial information. Students should also be prepared to provide their school's code to ensure the ease of disbursement of any federal aid they are eligible for and should seek institution specific financial aid information through their school's financial aid department.

Students should also look to nursing associations for scholarship opportunities. For instance, the Foundation of the National Student Nurses' Association awards scholarships to nursing students at almost all levels, including associate or bachelor's degree programs and nursing certificate programs. At the undergraduate level, FNSNA awards scholarships of $7,500 through two scholarship programs, the General Scholarship Program and the Johnson & Johnson sponsored Promise of Nursing Scholarship Program. Interested students may visit their website to determine their eligibility and the application process.