Online Associate Degree in Nursing
Online associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs prepare learners for many healthcare careers. Students who graduate from online ADN programs may work as patient coordinators, clinical associates, or care coordinators.
Graduates need state licensure to provide direct nursing care. Most ADN graduates qualify to take the licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) licensure exams. Licensed nurses may work as home care nurses, pediatric nurses, or emergency room nurses.
Online ADN programs include core courses in nursing foundations. Learners study behavioral health and nursing care for adults and children. Nurses with an ADN can transfer their associate degree credits toward a bachelor's degree in nursing and choose a specialization.
This page highlights the best online associate in nursing programs. Read on to learn about common courses and degree costs.
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Top Online ADN Programs
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Frequently Asked Questions About ADN Programs
What's the difference between an ADN and an RN?
The ADN is a college degree and qualifies graduates to earn an RN license. The RN is a license granted to eligible candidates who pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN).
Is an ADN the same as an LPN?
LPNs complete a one-year program to earn an LPN certificate. This certificate qualifies them to take the LPN licensure exam. The ADN is a two-year college degree. The degree qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-RN and become RNs.
How much does an ADN make?
According to PayScale salary data from September 2021, ADN graduates average about $72,000 annually. However, salaries vary by nurses' credentials, employer, and location.
Why Get an ADN Degree?
Completing an online associate in nursing program can lead to a variety of careers. Many ADN graduates work as nurses. However, graduates can apply their skills in various healthcare careers. They may work as clinical nurse liaisons, infection preventionists, or patient coordinators.
Many schools offer online ADN programs that accommodate working students. These programs include the same coursework as on-campus programs. However, online learners can complete assignments around work and family responsibilities. Enrollees can complete clinical experiences at approved local sites.
How Does College Accreditation Work?
How Much Does an ADN Degree Cost?
Tuition for online associate in nursing programs varies. Students pay the most affordable tuition at in-state, public schools. Private schools usually charge the highest tuition. Learners can apply for financial aid such as scholarships and grants to help pay for their degree.
Full-time students can complete an ADN program in two years. They can graduate sooner by taking accelerated programs. Some programs offer intensive, eight-week courses throughout the year.
Online learners may qualify for discounted tuition and reduced fees. Some public schools offer in-state tuition rates to online learners regardless of location.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online learners do not pay for campus parking or housing. However, they should budget for other expenses, such as books and graduation fees. Students may also need to upgrade their computer and internet.
Some online programs require on-campus residencies. Learners should factor in travel and lodging costs if they do not live nearby. ADN graduates must also pay $200 for the NCLEX-RN exam. Applying for professional licensure costs $50-$200.
How Much Do ADN Majors Make?
Salaries vary depending on nurses' credentials, position, and employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs earn a median annual salary of $75,330. LPNs earn $48,820. Nurses earn more money as they gain experience. Nurses can also boost their salary by earning a bachelor's or graduate degree.
ADN graduates may qualify for direct-care or coordinator jobs in many nursing fields. They can work in specialized nursing areas such as oncology or pediatrics. Possible careers include care coordinator, clinical associate, and clinical nurse liaison.
Courses in ADN Programs
Online ADN programs prepare learners for the NCLEX-RN exam. Core coursework covers nursing foundations. Learners also study pharmacology and behavioral health nursing. Enrollees learn nursing practices particular to serving pediatric and geriatric patients.
Students practice key nursing skills through clinical components. Nurses learn how to examine medical records, track symptoms, and administer medication.
See below for three common courses in online ADN programs. Keep in mind that specific courses vary by program.
This introductory course provides an overview of general nursing principles and practices. Enrollees learn how to provide ethical nursing care. They also learn how to create safe environments for patients. Students build health education and promotion skills.Nursing Foundations
Some programs call this course family nursing care or reproductive nursing care. Coursework covers nursing theory and practice for serving small children and their parents. Students learn how to provide reproductive and pediatric nursing services. Enrollees practice their family nursing skills during a clinical component.Maternal and Pediatric Nursing Care
Students learn how to administer medications safely. Enrollees learn the indications and effects of common pharmaceuticals. Students explore how different drugs interact with each other. The course focuses on sensitivity to patients' physical, social, and psychological needs.Pharmacology
Best Online Nursing Programs 2021
Accelerated Nursing Programs Guide
How to Become a Registered Nurse
RNs need a state license to practice. State nursing boards establish licensure requirements. Most state boards require licensure candidates to complete board-approved nursing education programs and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Aspiring RNs may also need to complete a background check. TheNational Council of State Boards of Nursing oversees state nursing boards and creates nursing licensure exams.
Most RNs spend their days caring for patients. RNs observe and assess patients and record medical information. They also provide treatments in collaboration with other medical professionals.
AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Licensure for ADN Students
ADN graduates can qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become licensed nurses. Nursing license requirements vary by state. Approved programs meet board-established curriculum and clinical experience requirements. Some state boards require candidates to submit official transcripts.
States such as Colorado only license graduates of nursing programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Nurses pay for their initial licensure. Costs vary by state. Nurses also pay to renew their licenses periodically. License renewal requires about 30 hours of continuing education every two years. Specific requirements vary by state.
Some nurses obtain licenses in other states through licensure reciprocity agreements. State boards that participate in agreements such as the Nurse Licensure Compact can help nurses transfer their license.
Best Online Associate in Nursing (ADN) Programs
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North Central Missouri College
Location
Trenton, MO
Tuition
$8131
Graduation Rate
45%
(Video) Top 5 Schools for Online RN to BSN Programs | Christen RenaeLicensed practical nurses enroll in NCMC's nine-month ADN program to advance their career and salary potential. Coursework includes adult nursing, pharmacology, and leadership in nursing. Online learners visit campus 2-3 times per semester to perform a simulation lab. They remain in good academic standing by maintaining a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Students who need help balancing work and their education turn to Student Support Services. This resource features tutoring sessions, enrichment workshops, and outside scholarship exploration. NCMC also offers accessibility services to degree-seekers with one or more disabilities.
Online ADN program admission requirements include possessing an active LPN license, taking an entrance exam, and earning a minimum 2.0 undergraduate GPA in previous college courses. Other admissions steps include passing a criminal background check and a drug screen. All online learners pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Some students qualify for state and federal financial aid opportunities.
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Arkansas State University
Graduation Rate
20%
(Video) ADN vs BSN Nursing Degree's | PROS & CONSA-State's associate in nursing program uses accelerated seven-week courses, and students need not visit campus at any point during their education. The 66-credit curriculum features courses in role development, nursing mental health, and microbiology for nursing and allied health. Degree-seekers complete a six-part practicum experience at their job site and different local healthcare facilities.
Nursing students turn their degree into career advancement by using Career Services' job guides. This resource offers other services such as one-on-one appointments with a career counselor, job fairs, and virtual mock interviews. Learners access these helpful resources through Handshake.
Prospective associate in nursing degree students should possess a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA, an active LPN, and at least one year of work experience. A-State's program currently accepts only Arkansas residents. The university also sponsors six institutional scholarships, and each one requires a separate application.
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Excelsior College
Location
Albany, NY
Although situated in Albany, New York, Excelsior educates ADN program learners throughout the nation with its 100% online curriculum. Students select between an AS or AAS in nursing. The AS features additional general education courses. Major coursework in both programs includes human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and health differences across the lifespan.
Students earning the ADN degree visit the Excelsior Career Development (CD) website to explore different industries, compare employers, and optimize a resume and cover letter. CD also provides learners with numerous links to top private job boards, as well as advice on acing an interview and building professional skills.
See AlsoWhat Is the Health Science Career Cluster?AACN Fact Sheet - Nursing Faculty Shortage5 Basic Rules to get VA Disability for Back ProblemsTop 10 Best Nursing Schools in California(Video) Online Nursing School for Dummies: WGUExcelsior admits learners from 17 states. Prospective students should possess either an LPN or LVN. The college also requires professional experience and asks that all applicants take the Test of Essential Academic Skills. Excelsior does not charge out-of-state tuition and offers various institutional scholarships.
FAQs
What is the easiest ADN program to get into? ›
With an acceptance rate of 95%, Arkansas Tech University offers one of the easiest ADN programs to get into. The program is open to Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses who wish to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing (AAS-RN).
Can I do a nursing degree online? ›Middlesex University has partnered with the Open University to launch a ground-breaking blending nursing degree that will be delivered primarily online.
How long is Lone Star ADN program? ›All ADN requirements can be completed in approximately three years.
Is ADN nursing hard? ›Despite the shorter education, ADN programs are still extremely challenging and have a competitive curriculum. Most ADN programs expect students to earn a minimum of a C grade or higher, although some ADN programs require higher grades (such as a B-, or above 80%, for example).
Is getting an ADN worth it? ›Earning an ADN is a great start to your nursing career. The main advantages of an ADN program are that it's less expensive and less time-consuming. You'll become a nurse faster, start earning money and getting nursing experience. You can complete ADN programs in as few as 18 to 24 months.
What is the shortest nursing program? ›A CNA program is a fast-paced program that only takes a couple of months to fully complete. After graduation, students can enter the field right away, assisting nurses with patient work in a wide variety of settings.
Is 42 too old to become a nurse? ›The answer is that going back to school to earn your nursing degree is an incredibly rewarding experience; you're never too old to become a nurse!
Are online nursing schools legit? ›The short answer is an emphatic yes! It is possible to get a nursing degree online. You can earn a variety of nursing degrees online from Ohio State, ranging from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
What GPA do you need to get into Lone Star? ›Basic Entrance Requirements:
Minimum 2.5 GPA (High School or College) Minimum licensing age of 17.
Students are charged an in-district tuition rate of $96 per credit hour.
Is Lonestar better than HCC? ›
When comparing the two, both college systems are mostly identical. According to education data site Niche, the average Lone Star College System student earns an annual income of $32,700 six years after graduating while an HCC student earns slightly more at $32,900 a year.
What is the hardest semester of an ADN program? ›Health Assessment: the hardest semester of nursing school
Health assessment will likely be one of the initial courses you'll take in nursing school, and it involves delving into the various body systems and learning how to assess patients from head to toe.
- Clinic Nurse. ...
- Traveling Nurse. ...
- School Nurse. ...
- Summer Camp Nurse. Average Annual Salary: N/A. ...
- Nurse Administrator. Average Annual Salary: $68,000. ...
- Public Health Nurse. Average Annual Salary: $56,000. ...
- Researcher Nurse. Average Annual Salary: $62,000. ...
- Home Health Nurse. Average Annual Salary: $64,000.
ADN Salary and Pay
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, there is a national nursing shortage, and this means that Registered Nurses who have their ADN are in high demand.
A BSN degree is a bachelor's degree, typically a four-year program, that is a step higher than an ADN degree. Registered nurses with this degree not only go to school longer, but they also gain a more in-depth education compared to those with an ADN degree.
Is 35 too old to become a nurse? ›While going back to school for nursing at 30 or 40 is a big change, you are never too old to change careers. Nursing provides a rewarding second career, and your life experience prepares you for nursing.
Is ASN the same as ADN? ›An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is a two-year degree that prepares students to become registered nurses (RNs). The program typically includes internships, classroom instruction, and/or clinical rotations. ADNs are among the fastest ways to enter the field of nursing.
What is the fastest nurse to become? ›If you're itching to enter the field, the fastest way to become a nurse would be taking the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) route. While you wouldn't actually be an RN, you could complete a Practical Nursing program and be well on your way to launching a nursing career in as few as 12 months.
What state has the easiest nursing program? ›- University of West Georgia.
- Emory University.
- Columbus State University.
- Augusta University.
- South Dakota State University.
- Eastern Illinois University.
- Mercer University.
- San Diego State University.
If you are aiming towards becoming a registered nurse, an associate degree in nursing (ADN) is one of the fastest paths to get there. This undergraduate degree is the minimum educational requirement for becoming a registered nurse and usually takes two to three years depending on the credits.
How old is the average RN? ›
Nursing careers make up the largest portion of America's healthcare professions. The median age of a registered nurse is 52 years old. 9.4% of the RN and 8.1% of the LPN/LVN workforce are men.
What age do most nurses retire? ›The average retirement age is 62, but the best age for a nurse to retire depends on the individual nurse. There are 3 criteria you need to check to determine when you should retire.
What age do most nurses start? ›The average age of ADN nursing students at community colleges is 26-40 years old. BSN programs have an average age of early-mid 20s. Students in RN-to-BSN programs are typically in their late 30s.
Are online nursing degrees worth it? ›Based on a survey conducted by CNN, 83 percent of hiring executives believe online nursing degrees are credible and can be used to meet the hiring criteria just like a traditional degree would.
How do I succeed in online nursing school? ›- Take Student Assessments. Every student learns differently. ...
- Get Organized. Organization can improve your studying habits. ...
- Manage Your Time. ...
- Set Boundaries. ...
- Join a Study Group. ...
- Tidy Your Study Area. ...
- Read Out Loud, Write It Down. ...
- Ask For Help.
Just because a nursing program is offered online doesn't make it any easier than if you attended on-campus. Truth is that the biggest challenges facing students studying online are: Carving out the time alone to get study work done. Staying motivated and driven to complete work.
How much do you pay for Lone Star College? ›In-District | Out of State / International | |
---|---|---|
Tuition and Fees | $2,880 | $8,070 |
Books and Supplies* | $2,550 | $2,550 |
Room and Board | $4,500 | $12,600 |
Transportation | $3,150 | $4,050 |
Ready to get started? Join one of the largest community colleges in the country and launch your college career. Applying is free and everyone is accepted.
Do you need a GED to get into Lone Star College? ›Do I need a high school diploma or GED to start classes? Students may be admitted to Lone Star College System by meeting specific criteria such as graduating from high school or obtaining a GED General Educational Certificate.
Is Lone Star College legit? ›Lone Star College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees.
What grade do you need to pass Lone Star College? ›
Complete 75% of the courses attempted each term. Have a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the 70% point of the degree plan.
What is Lone Stars acceptance rate? ›Lone Star College is a public college located in The Woodlands, Texas in the Houston Area. It is a big institution with an enrollment of 19,922 undergraduate students. The Lone Star College acceptance rate is 100%. Popular majors include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Nursing, and Business.
What is the number 1 community college in Texas? ›Brazosport College
#1 Best Community Colleges in Texas.
- University of Texas at Austin.
- Texas A&M University.
- Southern Methodist University.
- Baylor University.
- Texas Christian University.
- The University of Texas at Dallas.
- University of Houston.
- Texas Tech University.
- Clinic Nurse. ...
- Traveling Nurse. ...
- School Nurse. ...
- Summer Camp Nurse. Average Annual Salary: N/A. ...
- Nurse Administrator. Average Annual Salary: $68,000. ...
- Public Health Nurse. Average Annual Salary: $56,000. ...
- Researcher Nurse. Average Annual Salary: $62,000. ...
- Home Health Nurse. Average Annual Salary: $64,000.
School | # of Nursing Students | BSN NCLEX 1st Time Pass Rate |
---|---|---|
Cox College | 236 | 90% |
D'Youville College | 259 | 85% |
Herzing University – Madison | 248 | 53% |
The University of Texas at El Paso | 445 | 98% |
Most programs require at least a 2.5 GPA or higher. Some set their limit at a 3.0 GPA. This is important to find out during the research phase of your accelerated nursing program search.
What are the easiest nursing prerequisites? ›...
The Easiest Classes in Nursing School
- Social Sciences (Intro Psychology, Sociology, etc.)
- Humanities.
- Intro to Speech (or Communication)
- English Composition.
- History.
- Using Information Technology.
- Nurse educator. Nurse educators are medical professionals who train nurses and aspiring nurses. ...
- Long-term care nurse. ...
- Nurse administrator. ...
- Clinical research nurse. ...
- School or summer camp nurse. ...
- Clinic nurse. ...
- Nurse informatics. ...
- Lactation consultant nurse.
Which type of nurse is least stressful? ›
- Nurse Educators. ...
- Institutional Nurses. ...
- Research Nurses. ...
- Public Health Nurses. ...
- Occupational Health Nurses. ...
- Case Management Nurses. ...
- Home Health Nurses. ...
- Clinic Nurses.
- Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
- Pharmacology. ...
- Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
- Evidence-Based Practice.
Health Assessment: the hardest semester of nursing school
Health assessment will likely be one of the initial courses you'll take in nursing school, and it involves delving into the various body systems and learning how to assess patients from head to toe.
If you're itching to enter the field, the fastest way to become a nurse would be taking the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) route. While you wouldn't actually be an RN, you could complete a Practical Nursing program and be well on your way to launching a nursing career in as few as 12 months.
Is nursing school harder than Nclex? ›Unlike nursing school exams, which test for knowledge, the NCLEX tests your ability to apply and analyze situations using the nursing knowledge you gained in school. Logic and critical thinking, rather than rote memorization, are emphasized in this test—making it much more difficult and comprehensive.
What are the chances of passing nursing school? ›According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, in 2021: Over 83 percent of first-time takers who were educated in the U.S. passed the NCLEX-RN, which is the exam for becoming a registered nurse.
How can I get into nursing without grades? ›If you do not have traditional educational qualifications, an access course can help you meet the entry requirements for a university application. They are subject-specific, however nursing and social care access courses are widely available.
What can I do to increase my chances of getting into nursing school? ›- Write Down Your “Why” for Nursing. ...
- Choose a Nursing School with Multiple Start Dates. ...
- Ensure You Meet Admissions Requirements. ...
- Create a Professional Resume. ...
- Connect with Your Admissions Counselor. ...
- Start Your Prerequisites Early. ...
- Spend Time with Patients.
- Time Management. To be successful in nursing school, you must manage your time appropriately. ...
- Get Organized. ...
- Use Mnemonics. ...
- Study Everyday. ...
- Complete Practice Questions. ...
- Participate in a Study Group. ...
- Focus on course objectives when studying. ...
- Know your learning style.
Even if you have the disposition and drive to enter a new career in the nursing field, you might be asking yourself, “Am I too old to become a nurse?” The answer to this question is no. Nurses come from all walks of life and all age groups.
What math do you have to take for nursing? ›
Nursing in the "real world" generally requires very basic math skills, but almost all programs require at least one college-level math class — usually algebra. Some nursing schools may require a basic statistics course as well, so if you know what schools you're applying to, be sure to check for this requirement.