Is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Right for You?
If you’re thinking about becoming a nurse but aren’t ready to commit to four years of school, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) might be the perfect place to start. ADN programs are fast, affordable, and designed to get you into the workforce quickly — usually in just two to three years. Once you graduate, you’ll be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and begin working as a registered nurse (RN).
ADN-prepared nurses are a vital part of the healthcare system. Whether you’re switching careers, balancing family responsibilities, or looking for a flexible path into nursing, the ADN offers a solid, practical entry point. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about ADN degrees so you can make the right choice for your goals.
What Is an ADN?
An Associate Degree in Nursing is a training program that prepares students to become entry-level nurses. They’re offered at community colleges, technical schools, and some universities. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, the national licensing exam required to become a registered nurse.
The ADN is one of the fastest and most accessible paths into nursing. It combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, and hands-on clinical training, giving you the foundational knowledge and skills to care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings. This degree is a great fit if you’re looking to start earning and practicing nursing as quickly as possible.
Types of ADN Programs
Three associate-level tracks prepare you for nursing practice. These are often grouped under the umbrella of ADN programs, but they have some key differences. See the types of ADN degrees below:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and hospital-based nursing programs. They have a clinical and didactic component and typically include lab skills as well.
- Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN): Offered in the same institutions as an ADN, but may have more of a focus on clinical experiences. An ASN has a very similar curriculum to an ADN, but students may spend more time in labs, simulation rooms, or healthcare settings.
- Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS): Offered in the same types of institutions as an ADN, these programs include a heavier emphasis on clinical experiences. They may have fewer core nursing classes and are geared towards students who plan to practice right after school rather than pursue more education.
ADN Curriculum
While individual programs can vary, schools must meet certain standards to maintain accreditation, so they are generally similar in scope. Here’s a sample ADN program curriculum:
- Introduction to nursing
- Pathophysiology
- Health assessment
- Care of the older adult
- Professional nursing skills/fundamentals I and II
- Multidimensional care I, II, III, and IV
- Mental and behavioral health nursing
- Pharmacology
- Maternal-child nursing
- Leadership and professionalism
- Capstone
ADN Admissions Requirements
Before you can begin a program, you’ll need to do some research to find the Associate Degree in Nursing requirements at the school you plan to attend. These typically include the following:
- A high school diploma or GED
- General admission to the school
- Official high school and college transcripts
- Basic Math and English proficiency
- GPA of 2.5 or higher in prerequisite courses
- Entrance exam (ACT, TEAS, HESI, and NLN PAX are common)
- Completion of a Basic Life Support (BLS) course
- Vaccination records
ADN Program Costs
What’s a reasonable tuition cost for an ADN? It depends on the area and type of educational institution you attend, but most programs range between $3,000 and $17,000. Compared to the average BSN, which costs students between $6,000 and $60,000, an ADN can be a cheaper way to become a nurse. Community colleges and technical schools usually have lower tuition, and you may also be able to get financial aid or scholarships for nursing school.
Associate Degree in Nursing: Salary Expectations
ADN salaries typically fall somewhere between $67,000 and $71,000 per year, depending on the location, employer, and years of experience. This is lower than the average salary for all nurses, which is $98,430 per year.
However, the salary gap can narrow with experience, specialty certifications, and shift differentials (such as night or weekend shifts). Many employers also offer tuition assistance or incentives for ADN nurses who go back to school, meaning you can start work now and still grow your income over time.
Geography plays a major role, too. ADN nurses in high-cost-of-living states like California or Hawaii may earn significantly more than those in other areas, even without a BSN. And regardless of degree, some specialties offer higher pay.
Nursing Careers for ADN-Prepared Nurses
Earning an ADN opens the door to nursing jobs across acute care, post-acute care, and more. View the following specialties for ADNs:
- Medical-surgical
- Long-term care
- Home health
- Outpatient clinic nurse
- Psychiatric nursing
- School nurse
- Dialysis nursing
- Ambulatory care
- Geriatric nursing
- Hospice nursing
- Travel nursing
Associate Degree in Nursing FAQ
Can I get an associate’s degree in nursing online?
It’s possible to complete the didactic portion of an Associate Degree in Nursing online. Schools with remote coursework offer flexibility and location independence to students. But there are a few things to be aware of if you’re considering going to nursing school online:
- Accreditation: Be sure that the program you apply for is accredited by one of the major nursing accreditation boards, such as ACEN or CCNE.
- Clinicals: While schools may claim to be fully remote, they must require a clinical component to be accredited. Be sure you understand how you’ll complete this requirement before you apply.
- NCLEX scores: To know whether a school is preparing its students for licensure, look up its NCLEX pass rates and school ratings.
Should I pursue an ADN?
An ADN can be a smart, efficient path into nursing, especially if you want to start working sooner or need a more affordable route to becoming an RN. It’s a popular choice for:
- Career changers looking to enter nursing quickly.
- Parents or working adults who need flexible or part-time options.
- Students on a budget who want lower tuition and fewer years in school.
If you’re eager to get into the workforce, an ADN can help you do that relatively quickly. Later, you may choose to build on your education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a master’s degree, or even a doctorate.
However, if your long-term goals include management, advanced practice, or teaching, you may want to consider a BSN program. Also keep in mind, if you need to complete prerequisite courses before pursuing an ADN, completing a BSN may take a similar amount of time. Ultimately, the right path depends on your goals, finances, and timeline. Learn more about comparing ADN vs. BSN degrees.
Is the NCLEX harder if you only have an ADN?
No. The NCLEX-RN is the same for all nursing graduates, regardless of whether they have an ADN or BSN. Your nursing program should prepare you for the exam, and many schools offer review courses to help you succeed.
Can I transfer my ADN credits toward a BSN later?
In some cases, yes. Many schools offer RN-to-BSN bridge programs specifically designed for ADN graduates. These programs are often online and built to accommodate working nurses.
An ADN Could Be Your Ticket to New Opportunities
What could you do with an Associate Degree in Nursing? To learn more about opportunities for RNs in your area, start receiving nursing job notifications with the latest open jobs in your specialty.