ADN Degree Vs Nursing Diploma

Because of the severe shortage of nurses that the country is now facing, there couldn't be a better time for individuals to join this industry. It doesn't matter if you are fresh out of high school or someone looking for a career change, nursing could be the profession for you. Not only does it offer great pay, it is also a career that can provide you with a sense of satisfaction and numerous opportunities for personal growth.



The nursing diploma and Associate's Degree in Nursing or ADN are two of the basic entry level degrees that can get you into the profession. Both take about two years to complete and are therefore the shorter routes to becoming a registered nurse (RN) as compared to a 4-year bachelor degree. But which is the more advantageous nursing degree between the two? Let's find out the advantages of each in this article on Nursing Diploma vs ADN degree.



Nursing Diploma



A diploma in nursing is typically offered as a hospital-based program and takes anywhere from 24 to 36 months to finish. It was the most popular RN degree about thirty years ago, but has since then given way to other nursing school programs such as the ADN and BSN. Today there are less than a hundred programs of this type in the country.



The thrust of a diploma degree is on direct patient care and hands-on hospital experience. Any nursing diploma holder is qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN test and earn a registered nursing license.



ADN Degree



An Associate's Degree in Nursing is another program that can fast track your becoming a registered nurse. Like the nursing diploma, the ADN degree is a two to three-year program and those who complete this are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Associate degrees are usually offered in community colleges and while the training is more on the technical skills of the nursing job, academic coursework is also part of the curriculum including basic subjects like Math, Science, and English.



ADN holders who are NCLEX passers are then qualified to apply for entry-level jobs in hospitals, long term care facilities, and other health care centers. One good thing about the ADN is that it can be used as a stepping stone for the nurse to eventually obtain a bachelor's degree through short term online nursing programs.



Whether you choose a nursing diploma or an ADN degree, one thing's for sure: both nursing degrees are a good way to start your career in nursing. These nursing programs can give you the adequate training and skills that will prepare you for the duties and responsibilities of a RN.