You may have recently graduated from high school or you may be looking to change careers, either way a nursing degree can help prepare you for a highly rewarding and successful career in the field of nursing.
If you want to enter the field of nursing as quickly as possible, you should either look towards obtaining an associate’s degree or a nursing diploma. Completing either of these degrees will enable you to work in an entry level position. However, each program comes with distinct advantages which you should take into account before making your decision.
Nursing Diploma
A nursing diploma is a hospital based program which takes 2-3 years to complete. Upon completion, and after sitting and passing the NCLEX-RN exam, you will be prepared to deliver a safe and effective level of direct patient care in hospitals or other healthcare facilities.
While the number of hospitals offering nursing diploma programs has significantly decreased from the 1970s (800) compared to today (less than 100), the ones that exist tend to be affiliated with community colleges.
Associate’s Degree in Nursing
An associate’s degree is considered to be a cost-effective alternative to obtaining a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), with many 4 year institutions and community colleges offering the program throughout the country. The curriculum places emphasis on technical nursing skills, and students are required to complete English, Science and Math courses to round out their education.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to sit the NCLEX-RN exam in order to obtain an RN License. While an associate’s degree enables students to apply to entry-level nursing jobs, the degree is often used as a stepping stone for nurses interested in obtaining a BSN at some point in the future.
Which One Should You Choose?
Your career aspirations and individual situation tends to determine which program you should choose. Here are some of the similarities and differences between the two:
Time to Complete: 3 years for a diploma, 2 years for an ADN
Program Location: Hospitals for a diploma, community or 4 year colleges for an ADN
Qualifies to sit the NCLEX-RN: Yes for both
Types of Nursing Jobs You Can Apply to: Entry level positions at inpatient care facilities or hospitals for both
Enables You to Apply to a Higher-Level Degree: A diploma in nursing will not enable you to apply to a higher-level degree, while an ADN does.
As mentioned, obtaining either a nursing diploma or an associate’s degree is an excellent way to begin your nursing career. You can find many programs which have been accredited, either online or campus-based, to ensure that you will receive the hands-on training, skills and knowledge required to succeed as a practicing nurse. While both degrees qualify you to sit the NCLEX-RN exam, an associate’s degree is recommended for those who want to hold higher positions, with an increase in pay and responsibility, at some point in the future.