Online Associate's Nursing Degrees
An Associate’s of Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the quickest way to become a Registered Nurse (RN). This degree can be completed in 2-3 years, while a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) can take 4 years to complete, and a diploma program administered by hospitals generally takes 3.
While all nursing degree/diploma programs mandate both coursework and supervised clinical experience, online degrees allow you to attend classes from your home computer. Instructors post lectures and assignments to the school website and answer questions in the discussion forum. Assignments are emailed to instructors on specified due dates, and while requirements vary from school to school, some allow written course work to substitute traditional exams. Others schools offer exams online or at local supervised testing centers.
Students will have to fulfill their clinical experience requirements in local hospitals or healthcare facilities. Clinical experience is usually offered in specialties such as pediatrics, psychiatry, maternity and surgery, or in other areas of health care like nursing care facilities, home health agencies, public health departments and ambulatory clinics.
Most online classes are set according to schedules, though some schools may allow you to set your own pace. Some schools may require you to attend certain classes on campus.
The ADN curriculum general includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, liberal arts, chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, behavioral sciences, and nursing.
Degree Prerequisites
Applicants seeking admission to the ADN program need a high-school diploma or equivalent and to have successfully completed a college-preparatory or college general chemistry course. SAT/ACT scores and GPAs are an important part of the application although specifics scores and standards vary by school.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) can apply for an ADN if they meet requirements for proficiency in English, Reading and Mathematics, and have a qualifying GPA. LPNs need to have practiced within the past 2 years, and they must submit proof of licensure from a jurisdiction approved by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Applicants who are Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) with sufficient work experience tend to have an advantage in applying for and successfully completing an ADN.
Post Graduation Expectations
Registered nursing is the largest healthcare occupation in the United States. As an RN equipped with an ADN, you can find employment as a staff nurse in general medical and surgical hospitals, long-term nursing care facilities, community health agencies, physicians’ offices, home health care services, government agencies, social assistance agencies, educational services, and more.
Concurrently, you can pursue a BSN by enrolling in an RN-BSN education program.
Graduates of the ADN are allowed to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
As an RN, you will be expected to record patients’ medical histories and symptoms, take vital signs, administer medications, help with medical tests and analyses, operate medical machinery, educate and advise patients on conditions and treatment, provide emotional support to patients and their families, and help with follow-up procedures, physical therapy and rehabilitation.