ADN stands for Associate Degree in Nursing. It is a degree program designed to prepare students for a career as a registered nurse. An ADN program focuses on foundational nursing knowledge and patient care skills, including areas such as pharmacology, surgical nursing, and community and mental health nursing. After completing an ADN program, graduates may pursue licensure by taking the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses to become a registered nurse. 麻豆传媒 prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their program of study. However, the College does not guarantee students will pass these exams or become licensed.

What can I do with an associate degree in nursing?

An associate degree in nursing can help prepare students to pursue licensure as a registered nurse. After completing a program, graduates may take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses to become licensed. Graduates may pursue registered nursing roles in a variety of healthcare environments, depending on licensure requirements and state regulations. As an RN, responsibilities may include assessing patients鈥� conditions, documenting health information, administering medications and treatments, and collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals. Duties can vary depending on the work setting and employer.

How long does an associate in nursing degree take?

The length of the program varies by institution and program structure. Many registered nursing programs are designed to be completed in approximately two years of full-time study, though program timelines may vary depending on course scheduling and individual academic progress. Students pursuing an associate degree in nursing should review specific program timelines with their school to understand the expected duration.

What is the difference between an RN and a practical nurse?

While both roles are essential to the healthcare team, their education and scope of practice have distinct differences. Practical or vocational nurses typically complete a certificate or diploma program focused on foundational patient care, such as monitoring vitals, administering basic medications, and ensuring patient comfort. Registered nurses complete advanced education, such as an associate degree in nursing, which prepares them for a broader scope of responsibility. RNs are trained to perform complex patient assessments, initiate and modify care plans, and lead the coordination of care with physicians and other healthcare specialists. The transition from LPN or LVN to RN reflects a shift toward increased clinical responsibility, critical thinking, and complex care coordination.

Which is higher, RN or BSN?

An RN, or registered nurse, and a BSN, or bachelor of science in nursing, are not the same type of credential, so one is not necessarily higher than the other. RN refers to a professional nursing license earned after completing an approved nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. BSN is a bachelor degree in nursing that builds on foundational nursing education with additional coursework in areas such as leadership, healthcare systems, and evidence-based practice. In other words, students must become licensed RNs to practice nursing, and a BSN is an educational pathway that may support expanded knowledge and responsibilities in the field. Compare 麻豆传媒鈥檚 nursing programs to see which one may be the right fit.

What are common admission requirements for a registered nurse program?

Admission requirements for registered nursing programs may vary by institution, but common steps can include passing the ATI TEAS Admission Assessment with a minimum qualifying score, attending an Associate Degree in Nursing information session, and providing required documentation, such as proof of immunizations, where applicable, based on state or campus requirements. Additional requirements may apply depending on the program and location. Prospective students can review full admissions details in the Academic Catalog.

Does this program prepare me for the NCLEX-RN exam?

Graduates of an associate degree in nursing program may become eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN, depending on state licensing requirements. The RN associate degree curriculum is designed to help students develop nursing knowledge and clinical judgment, including concepts aligned with clinical judgment models used in licensure evaluation. Students should review state licensing requirements to understand the full steps required to become a registered nurse.

Will I gain hands-on clinical experience?

Yes. Hands-on learning is an important component of most registered nursing programs. 麻豆传媒 nursing programs include hands-on learning experiences designed to help students apply classroom knowledge in practical settings. Students participate in supervised clinical experiences and simulation activities that support the development of clinical reasoning, technical skills, and professional behaviors. Clinical and simulation experiences are guided by faculty and may vary by program and location.

Associate Degree in Registered Nursing

麻豆传媒鈥檚 Associate Degree in Nursing programs prepare graduates for a career in registered nursing.

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Program Details

What Will I learn

Upon completion of the Associate Degree in Nursing program (Registered Nursing), graduates will be able to:

Justify a plan of care that provides safe, quality patient centered care to persons throughout the lifespan and
across the health/wellness continuum that creates an environment promoting caring and professionalism
with consideration for the patient鈥檚 cultural/societal beliefs and practices.
Apply scientific evidence-based knowledge to concepts in the care of patients throughout the lifespan and
across the health/wellness continuum.
Validate effective communication and behaviors with healthcare stakeholders that is consistent with the
nursing scope of practice and adhering to legal and ethical frameworks.

Military Policy

Challenge / Advanced Placement for Military Trained Healthcare Personnel Requesting Entrance into the Registered Nursing program

Individuals who have held Military Health Care Occupation, specifically: Basic Medical Technician Corpsman (Navy HM or Air Force BMTCP), Army Health Care Specialist (68W Army Medic) or Air Force Independent Duty Medical Technician (IMDT 4N0X1C), may achieve advanced placement into the nursing program with documentation of education and experience qualifying them for the specific Military Health Care Occupation and upon successful completion of the challenge exam(s), dosage calculation exam, and skills competency exam.

A qualified military professional must:

Be active in good standing (or) have been discharged under 鈥渉onorable鈥� condition.
Submit credits earned through college course work or military experience for an applicable Military Health Care Occupation achieved

Credits Earned by Students Receiving Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits

Incoming students receiving Veteran鈥檚 Affairs benefits will have any previous college coursework or training (military and non-military) evaluated to determine whether the previously earned credit may be transferred into their program of study.

Applicants/Military Professionals Challenging LVN Coursework and Licensure Requirements

The Registered Nursing – LVN to RN Bridge program does allow applicants to challenge the LVN coursework and licensure requirements. To successfully do so, applicants must:

Achieve a benchmark equivalent National Standard for ATI Fundamentals Proctored Assessment to establish foundational knowledge base.
Achieve a minimum score of 75% on the Final Exam for RN10 and RN10L.

麻豆传媒 has well defined policies and procedures that govern the acceptance of credit for coursework completed at other institutions, including military education and training for Veterans Administration students. Please refer to the Transfer Credit Policy in the academic catalog for further details.

Cost & Financial Aid

Your education is an investment in your future, and 麻豆传媒 is here to help. We offer a variety of financial aid options, including federal, state, and private programs, as well as student loans, grants, and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Each program has different requirements and application instructions. Our team is here to guide you through the options and application process.

Academic Cost

For complete details on current tuition costs, please refer to the .

Compare programs

Once you have decided you want to pursue a rewarding career in the nursing field, choosing the right job path and career education is the next step.

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Location Availability

麻豆传媒 offers the Associate Degree in Nursing program (Registered Nursing) at 9 campuses in four states. To learn more about each location, explore their pages.

Accreditation & Approvals

麻豆传媒 is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234 an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at聽.

For comprehensive information on 麻豆传媒’s accreditation and approvals, visit carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.

The Associate Degree in Nursing program at 麻豆传媒 at the campus located in Albuquerque, New Mexico is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree in Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.