What is an Associate Degree in Nursing?

Undoubtedly, nursing happens to be one of the fastest growing careers in the healthcare industry. More and more candidates, with a passion for serving the community, are attracted towards this career. To kick-start a career in nursing, candidates can choose from a range of degrees and training programs. Though a bachelor's degree in nursing offers excellent pay, an associate degree in nursing (AND) offers the quickest way to start a nursing career. There are various community colleges and technical institutions that offer associate degree program for aspiring candidates. An associate degree in nursing takes just two years time to complete.

 

Given below is an overview of what an associate degree is nursing is all about and how the degree program can help you kick-start a nursing career.

 

ADN Course Curriculum
Before you decide to get enrolled in an associate degree in nursing, you should be well informed of the curriculum and the courses that you need to take. Courses in social science, history and writing are required to complete the ADN program. Typically, an associate degree in nursing includes subjects like physiology, anatomy, family, health, biology, chemistry, pharmacology, mental health and psychology among others. Depending on the nursing college you choose, the course requirements may vary. Aspiring candidates are advised to go through the detailed coursework of the degree program before getting enrolled.

 

Certification Requirements
It is important to find out whether the course you take is acceptable in your state or not. For details, you can check out the State Boards of Nursing and know whether the degree program has the required approval or not. After completing the associate nursing degree program, students will need to clear the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Most of the two-year-long associate degree programs are catered towards preparing students for clearing the NCLEX.

 

Career Opportunities
There's no dearth of career or employment opportunities in the field of nursing. If you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN), you can decide to go for further education and certification program after obtaining your associate degree in nursing. Nurses with an associate degree can also decide to pursue a specialty area including geriatrics, mental health, pediatrics, cardiac care and emergency care among others.

 

Career Advancement Opportunities
Once you have stepped into a nursing career with an associate degree, you can also prepare for more advance employment opportunities. After clearing the NCLEX, you can also move to a state of your choice. However, you may need to fulfill some additional licensing requirements depending on the rules of the state where you want to practice the occupation. After you have obtained an ADN, you can also continue to acquire a bachelor's degree in nursing for occupying administrative and management positions in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Students can also find out about financial support by hospitals for BSN coursework.

 

Annual Salary
Working as an LPN, you can earn an average annual salary of around $31,500. If you choose to become a registered nurse (RN), the career can fetch you an annual salary of around $48,000. The annual salary earned by nurses will vary according to the geographical location, job description and years of working experience. With growing nursing experience and skills, nurses can earn a higher annual salary.