Associate Degrees in Nursing have quickly become a more popular way to obtain a RN license. With a two-three year commitment, you can quickly acquire the practical experience and skills needed to earn your ADN. Many community and medical training colleges are offering degree programs for Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADN). You can also complete your degree with online programs offered through the internet. However, with online programs you are still required to do the practical clinicals in order to complete your nursing degree. Not to worry, most online schools work hands on with medical facilities where you can obtain your clinical hours.
What is the Cost for an Associates in Nursing?
The cost for a two-year associate degree through community colleges average around $4,600 (according to the American Association of Community Colleges). The price is significantly higher for private colleges, online programs and medical training schools. The costs can also increase in certain geographical areas such as California, New York, and Colorado. The case is also to be true in popular cities. If you are able to drive a little further, out of city limits you can usually save $5,000-$10,000.
What Prerequisites are Required for this Program?
You will need to complete the necessary science prerequisites such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, algebra and psychology in order to be accepted into any nursing program to complete your ADN. Most colleges will give credit for courses that students have already completed through a licensed practiced nursing program.
What are the Classes in the Nursing Program?
The degree focuses on the technical aspects of nursing. You will be required to complete classes in Nutrition, Pharmacology, Mental Health, Pathophysiology, Pediatrics Nursing, Nursing Processes, Statistics, Lab Procedures, as well as hands on training in a clinical atmosphere such as a hospital or medical facility. Once you complete your ADN, will be qualified to take the NCLEX-RN Certification test; and after successfully passing the test you can apply for your Registered Nursing License in the state you reside in.
What Duties can an ADN-RN Perform?
As a nurse you’ll be able to treat patients, perform blood transfusions, operate medical equipment, administer injections, Intravenous insertion, blood draw, collect lab specimens, assist physicians with procedures and exams, discuss medical results, patient consultation and management and much, much more. Upon completion of the program, you will be able to work as RN in various healthcare settings. RN’s with ADNs can work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, home health care, nursing homes, hospice companies, and many other healthcare settings. You can also specialize in specific areas of medicine, such as pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, cardiology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, geriatrics, family practice, internal medicine, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, ambulatory care and more. Quite frequently, RNs with ADNs decide later to further their education by entering a bachelor’s program. Graduating with a BSN (Bachelors in Science and Nursing) can broaden your nursing career opportunities. Some companies and or hospitals will often reimburse tuition once an employee has worked there a certain amount of years and are willing to sign a 2-4 year commitment contract.
What is the Average Pay for an RN with an ADN?
According to salary surveys completed by the PayScale website, Registered Nurses with ADNs can earn between $20 to $30 per hour; which averages out to be anywhere from $45,00 to $62,000 annually. The pay is most certainly higher for RNs with Bachelor’s degrees. However, in certain specialties, RN’s can acquire an even higher annual salary, depending on the success of the physician, practice or medical facility. Now more so than ever, RN’s in the U.S. are in very high demand. Nursing Associate degrees provide wonderful opportunities to build a secure occupation as a healthcare professional!
