Thursday, December 30, 2010

Associate Degree In Nursing

Are you considering becoming a registered nurse? Do you possess a high school diploma, a GED or are you qualified in another field and thinking of switching careers? Did you know that of all the pathways to a career in the nursing profession, the associate degree is the most popular? For the student unable to spend four years studying for a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree or for an individual that doesn't want to give up their job to study full-time but would still like to advance their qualifications, this is a viable option.

The associate degree in nursing is one of the several pathways for an individual to become a registered nurse (RN). The course usually lasts two years and involves less emphasis on theory, instead concentrating on technical skill development. A student can expect to receive instruction on subjects such as anatomy, psychology, chemistry and nutrition. It is possible in some cases, for students to complete the course in fifteen months. At the end of this study period, the individual will be eligible to take the national exam that registered nurses take in the US, the NCLEX-RN. When the student passes this exam, he or she is allowed practice in any of the 50 states in the US.

From a financial stand point, the four yearlong Bachelor of Science nursing (BSN) degrees, is more demanding making the two yearlong associate degrees a more attractive option. The associate degree nurse can use this as a stepping stone to earn a BSN later in their career. Another advantage of this pathway over other qualifications (like the three year diploma in nursing), is the possibility of career advancement. In the nursing schools that offer a nursing degree (BSN), there is an "accelerated mode" opens to practicing nurses with an associate degree (ADN). This option, allows the individuals with the associate degree (and), the option of completing only a further two years of study before being awarded a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Some schools even offer a faster route to the Master of Science in nursing, for holders of the associate degree. By investing a further three to four years full-time, a holder of an associate degree can acquire both a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) as well as a master of science in nursing (MSN) at one go.

Generally, the options offered to associate degree nurses both for easier entry into the field of nursing and further career advancement, are many and varied. As a result, the ADN option remains one of the more appealing and popular pathways for those seeking a career in nursing, which is currently a field of employment facing a massive staff shortage. For comparison, please research a diploma in nursing and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

No comments:

Post a Comment