This article will provide an overview of an Associate’s Degree in Nursing, and explore the reasons why one should pursue this degree such as short duration of the course leading to early employment and bright career prospects. It will also explain why getting a nursing degree from an accredited college is important.

1. Why Should You Pursue an Associate’s Degree in Nursing?
An associate degree in nursing or a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing? This is probably the biggest decision
that most aspiring nurses face.
If you are one of them, then choosing one over the other perhaps ranks among the most difficult decisions you have
had to make. Both BSN and ADN programs lead to the role of registered nurse (RN), and all graduates are required
to sit for and pass the NCLEX-RN licensure examination, which means it’s essentially the same career you’re looking
at, whichever degree you choose.
The decision should ideally be guided by your personal and professional goals, but there are advantages to pursuing
an associate degree in nursing that you may not have considered.
Shorter Duration
One of the biggest advantages of an associate degree in nursing is that it can be earned in much less time, as
compared to a bachelor’s program. Most accredited nursing programs at the associate level can be completed in two
years, give or take a few months.
In comparison, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing requires at least four years of coursework. If you are not a big fan of
hard-core academics, four years could very well turn into six years or more. And logic suggests that the more time it
takes for you to complete a college program, the higher your chances of dropping out before graduation.
Earlier Entry into Workforce
Clearly, the sooner you complete your education, the faster your entry into the labor force. In that regard, ADN
programs fast-track your transition into the workforce, as they allow you to graduate sooner from college than
bachelor’s degree programs.
RNs who graduate from an ADN program can begin their career more quickly; put their skills to practice sooner; and
gain valuable, real-world experience. This may pave the way for bigger and better things for them professionally.
Graduating more quickly also means earning a paycheck that much sooner, which can be a huge advantage for
people who have a family to support or other financial commitments.
Technical Training
ADN programs were instituted as entry-level nursing education degrees, with the objective of meeting the shortfall in
available qualified nurses by training students in the technical scope of practice and fast tracking their entry into the
profession.
Because of the practical, task-focused nature of the associate’s program, some argue that RNs who graduate from
ADN programs are perhaps better equipped to handle routine nursing tasks. According to the supporters of this
theory, an associate degree in nursing prepares a graduate more thoroughly for bedside patient care.
RNs who invest in a BSN generally are not interested in pursuing positions that involve much direct patient care.
Less Expensive
There is a good chance that an associate’s degree in nursing is less expensive, when compared to a bachelor’s
program. The reasons for this could be:
• ADN programs have lower tuition and fees as compared to BSN programs.
• Less time spent in college means less expenditure on room, board, transportation, etc.
If you are convinced, then start looking for accredited colleges for nursing — this is vital, because if your school does
not have proper accreditation, you will not be allowed to sit for the RN licensure exam and all your efforts will be
wasted.