Complete ADN Guide: What Is an ADN, Is It Worth It in 2026 & How to Get One

There are a few paths that you can take in order to enter the nursing field: You can opt to get an LPN certification and then take the NCLEX-PN to become a licensed practical nurse, or you can choose a 2-year ADN program or go for a  4-year BSN program, then take the NCLEX-RN exam to become an RN (registered nurse).

Whether you’re a fresh high school graduate who’s considering becoming a nurse or you’re simply unsatisfied with your current profession and think a career in health care would bring you the professional satisfaction that you so desire, earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) can be the fastest and most affordable way to become an RN.

Definition: What Is an ADN?

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year undergraduate program that prepares learners to become a registered nurse (RN) by taking the NCLEX-RN and earning their license.

The ADN is a possible first step up the nursing career ladder, especially for people who want to start working as a registered nurse as soon as possible or are not yet ready to pursue a BSN degree.

As its core focus, an ADN program concentrates on developing direct clinical skills, bedside care, and foundational medical knowledge. In contrast, a longer BSN program offers broader training, develops leadership and management skills, and includes research coursework that can support more streamlined career advancement.

If you have chosen to jump-start your career with an ADN, this guide covers all the steps you have to follow in order to successfully apply, enroll, and earn an associate degree in nursing.

Can You Be a Registered Nurse With an Associate's Degree?

Yes. An associate degree in nursing is one of the established academic pathways to becoming a registered nurse. However, graduating from an ADN or ASN program does not automatically qualify you for RN practice — instead, it prepares you for taking the NCLEX-RN and earning your licensure.

Once you pass the NCLEX-RN, earn your license, and complete any other state or regional requirements for practice, you can work as a registered nurse in most clinical settings. 

However, due to the difference in focus between ADN/ASN paths and BSN programs, you may find it more difficult to advance to roles that involve certain duties, responsibilities, and nursing skills, which may only be developed in a bachelor’s program.

How to Get an ADN and Become an RN? 5 Key Steps

Here are the basic steps you need to follow in order to get your ADN and become a practicing registered nurse:

1. Get a high school diploma or a GED. While some courses require little to no prior learner knowledge, others, such as English, science, math, and social sciences, have prerequisite requirements, so you cannot enroll in an ADN program without having one of these diplomas.
2. Apply to an accredited ADN program and go through the registration process. Employers favor nurses with degrees from accredited institutions, so the college you choose can impact the odds of you getting the job you want.
3. Apply for financial aid if needed. Explore all options for paying for your education. If you qualify for FA, make all financial arrangements before classes start.
4. Attend the program and complete its requirements. You will have to complete 2 years of theoretical and practical nursing courses that will prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam. 
5. Register for and take the NCLEX-RN exam. You need to get licensed by the National Council Licensure Examination in order to practice as an entry-level nurse. The NCLEX exam tests your competence in nursing skills and knowledge; you must pass the exam in order to become a licensed nurse. 

Alternatively, if you have already completed your PN diploma program, you can pursue an LPN-to-ASN pathway, which you can complete in as little as 16 months or 4 academic semesters.

How to Prepare for the ADN Program From High School?

You don't have to wait until high school is over in order to start your nursing experience.  There are some things you can do on your own to prepare for a nursing career before enrolling in an ADN program:

1. Get first aid or CPR training. Most high schools require CPR certification for graduation, but if yours doesn’t offer it, find an organization that does. Learning these basic skills will prove really helpful for your future career as a nurse. You will get an inside look at patient care, so consider it a test run in healthcare. You can also get a part-time job as a lifeguard, which will give you hands-on CPR experience.
2. Volunteer in any healthcare facility. Apart from being a rewarding experience, volunteering in a healthcare environment will give you a behind-the-scenes look into the nursing work environment and help you better understand your future profession. Seeing what nurses do in a day’s work will either be a deal breaker or strengthen your conviction to pursue a nursing career.
3. Network with nurses. You probably have an acquaintance or an acquaintance of an acquaintance who works as a nurse and can introduce you to the nursing field. If not, you can schedule informational interviews with nurses at your local healthcare facility. They will most likely be flattered by your interest in their work and will provide you with all the insights and information you need.

Program Length: How Long Does It Take to Get an ADN?

ADN nursing coursework is commonly designed around approximately two years of full-time study. However, the complete timeline from deciding to pursue nursing to earning an RN license can be longer. You may need to complete prerequisite courses before admission, some programs have competitive application cycles or waitlists, and licensure comes after graduation.

In some cases, the academic period can be shorter, on condition that you have all the required General Education courses completed prior to enrollment at the college of your choice or any other accredited institution of higher learning. 

If you need to work full-time or lead a busy life, consider applying to a part-time ADN program, which can be completed in 30 months to 4 years. 

Additionally, if you have already completed a PN diploma program and passed the NCLEX-PN, you can join a bridge program and become an RN in 1-to-2 years. Nightingale College’s LPN-to-ASN Program can take just 16 months to complete, making it one of the fastest routes to becoming an RN.

Below, you will find a concise breakdown of the various ADN paths and the times required to complete the programs:

Read our article on how long it takes to become a nurse to better understand the timeline of nursing programs.

Is an Associate Degree in Nursing Worth It?

An Associate Degree in Nursing can be worth it if your goal is to become a registered nurse without first completing a four-year bachelor's degree. However, an ADN program's viability depends on your career goals and where you are starting. If you have not entered nursing yet, you may also be considering a shorter practical nursing program. If you are already an LPN or LVN, earning an associate-level nursing degree can instead serve as a bridge toward RN licensure.

Below, you can review a concise comparison between the two routes toward nursing practice:

 

Find out more about the differences between the two in our ADN vs. LPN comparison, including licensure, responsibilities, and career outlook.

ADN vs. BSN: Which Nursing Degree Should You Choose?

If you already know that your goal is to become a registered nurse, the next decision may be whether to pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Both programs can lead to RN licensure. The main differences involve how long you spend in school, the breadth of your education, and the opportunities the degree may provide later in your career. BLS recognizes both associate and bachelor's degrees as common educational paths into registered nursing.

An ADN generally provides the shorter route. Traditional ADN programs typically take about two years of nursing education, although prerequisites and admission requirements can extend the timeline. A traditional BSN is a bachelor's-level program and therefore requires a larger academic curriculum. In addition to preparation for registered nursing practice, BSN programs generally include broader coursework in areas such as leadership, population and community health, research, quality and safety, and evidence-based practice.

Below, you can consult a concise, curated comparison between the ADN and BSN educational programs:

 

ADN vs. BSN: Employment and Salaries

One important distinction is that ADN and BSN graduates do not receive different RN licenses. After meeting applicable licensing requirements, both become registered nurses. 

However, eligibility for specific roles and pay may differ based on your level of preparation and degree.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports wage data for registered nurses as a single occupation rather than publishing separate national median salaries for ADN- and BSN-prepared RNs. The median annual wage for RNs was $97,550 in May 2025.

The BSN may nevertheless offer advantages in the employment market. In AACN's employer-preference data, based on responses from 643 nursing schools, 25% reported that employers in their region required a bachelor's degree for new nursing hires, while 69.8% reported a strong preference for BSN graduates. Employer expectations vary considerably by region, facility, and position, so this does not mean an ADN-prepared RN cannot find employment.

Is an ADN or BSN Better for You?

An ADN may be the better option if your main priority is completing your initial RN education sooner. It lets you pursue RN licensure after a shorter degree program and still complete an RN-to-BSN program later.

A BSN may make more sense if you already know you want a bachelor's degree, want to avoid returning for an RN-to-BSN program later, or are interested in employers and future career paths where bachelor's-level preparation is preferred. It can also create a more direct educational foundation for eventually pursuing graduate nursing education.

Your starting point matters, too. Nightingale College does not offer a generic direct-entry ADN program. Instead, learners have two relevant pathways:

• Already an LPN/LVN? Nightingale College's LPN-to-ASN Program provides an associate-level pathway toward RN licensure and is designed to be completed in four semesters.
• Starting without an LPN/LVN license or wanting to earn your bachelor's degree from the outset? Qualified learners can complete Nightingale College's BSN Program in as few as 32 months, or eight semesters.

Explore Nightingale College's LPN-to-ASN and BSN Programs to find the RN education pathway that best matches your current experience and long-term nursing goals.

Tuition: How Much Does an Associate’s Degree in Nursing Cost?

Usually, yearly tuition for a standard ADN program ranges from $6,000 to $20,000 at public schools and colleges and from $30,000 to $100,000 at private and online institutions. The price difference between public and private schools may reflect the benefits and flexibility offered by the latter. 

Becoming an ADN is still the more affordable route to becoming an RN when compared to the tuition costs of BSN degrees, but it may remain inaccessible for many aspiring nurses. 

Fast-track programs will generally cost you less. For instance, our LPN-to-ASN nursing degree requires $22,500 per 9 months in tuition and fees. 

Beyond tuition, you will need to consider several other expenses, such as study materials, housing, transportation, and so on. That is why opting for an online program that also includes on-ground practical field experience may alleviate your bottom line. 

Can You Get Financial Aid for the ADN Program?

Tuition fees can feel overwhelming for someone fresh out of high school or in a financial pinch. But before you start worrying, look into all the Financial Aid options available for students and see which one better suits your needs and background.

You can opt for either loans or scholarships for an Associate's Degree in Nursing, but keep in mind that to maintain your Federal Student Aid, you must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements for each semester.

If you find this process too confusing, you can always get help and information from the financial staff at the college of your choice or the U.S. Department of Education.

Can You Receive Aid for LPN-to-ASN Programs?

Receiving Financial Aid for Nightingale offers financial aid to learners applying to our LPN-to-ASN program, including scholarships, prepaid savings plans, and institutional, state, and Federal Student Aid (FSA). You can find more information on Financial Aid and Program Requirements by requesting information here or by checking and completing the College Catalog. 

What Classes Are Required in Order to Get an ADN?

An ADN program consists of didactic courses and experiential learning hours. The curriculum for the ADN usually covers nursing core and General Education coursework, including subjects like:

• Human Anatomy
• Human Physiology
• Psychology
• Biology
• Nutrition
• Physiology
• English
• Mathematics
• Social Sciences

The number of credits you must dedicate to each type of coursework will differ, with the core courses usually requiring the majority. For example, Nightingale College's LPN-to-ASN curriculum plan, which meets the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) standards, divides the 68 semester credits required for graduation into 64 credits for core nursing courses and 20 for General Education.

Find out more about nursing school requirements and prerequisites.

What Skills Will You Acquire During an ADN Program?

The ADN Program aims to prepare learners to become competent and client-centered nurses who can provide patients with the best care possible. ADN graduates develop nursing judgment, learn to communicate effectively with patients and fellow RNs, and build leadership and management skills that can support them later in their careers.

Overall, an ADN program will introduce you to the nursing skills needed to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and perform the duties and responsibilities of a nursing role in your prospective work environment.

Note that repetition, familiarity, and experience are critical for passing the exam and receiving your RN license. This is why having work experience as an LPN before applying to an ADN bridge program is often the preferred and advantageous route, giving you a higher chance of success.

Learn more about the essential skills for nursing.

Advance your nursing career with our LPN-to-ASN Program. Send in your application today!

Next Steps: What Can You Do With an Associate’s Degree in Nursing?

After finishing the ADN Program, the obvious next step is taking the NCLEX-RN and getting your nursing license. In fact, a few weeks before graduation, you will receive the exam application forms from your university and be required to pay the licensure fees.

The NCLEX-RN is meant to determine if you are qualified to be a practicing nurse, and it is quite different from the exams in nursing school because it focuses on testing your critical thinking abilities, nursing judgment, and analysis skills instead of just your knowledge.

The exam has a complex structure and is divided into four main categories:

• Safe and effective care environment
• Health promotion and maintenance
• Psychosocial integrity
• Physiological integrity

The grading system is pass or fail, so the results are straightforward and won’t leave cause for discussion. If you want to continue your academic formation and advance your career in nursing, you can also opt for an RN-to-BSN track, which can be completed within 3 semesters or 12 months.

Where Can Nurses with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing Work?

An ADN program prepares you for all sorts of entry-level nursing jobs. These are some of the places where you can work as an RN with an ADN:

• General hospitals
• Specialized hospitals
• Nursing care facilities
• Doctor’s offices
• Community care facilities
• Outpatient clinics
• Home healthcare

Salary: How Much Does an RN With an ADN Earn?

Earning an ADN does not place you in a separate RN salary category. Once you meet your state's licensure requirements and become a registered nurse, your earnings will depend on factors such as your experience, location, employer, work setting, specialty, and responsibilities.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports wage data for registered nurses as an occupation rather than providing separate national salary figures for ADN- and BSN-prepared RNs. As of May 2025, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $97,550.

That does not mean education can never affect your earning potential. As discussed above, some employers prefer or require a BSN for certain nursing positions. Continuing your education may therefore expand the range of positions you can pursue and can indirectly influence your earnings as your career progresses.

Location also makes a significant difference. If you want to compare current RN earnings across the country, explore our guide to nurse salaries by state.

Ultimately, an ADN offers a shorter educational route to RN licensure while leaving several options open for further advancement. Whether you choose an associate-level pathway or pursue a BSN from the outset, consider the time commitment, program requirements, cost, and your longer-term career goals before deciding which nursing education path is right for you.

Explore Nightingale College's academic programs and choose the path that best fits your career goals!

ADN Frequently Asked Questions 

Who Can Get an ADN?

An associate's degree in nursing suits learners who want to pursue a nursing career without the time and expense of a BSN. The program is also ideal if you wish to start working in healthcare as soon as possible while still keeping your future options open. An ADN program prepares learners for entry-level nursing jobs, so it requires no prior experience or extensive knowledge of the field.

However, an ADN diploma is also suitable if you are already a licensed practical nurse (LPN), in which case you’ll have to apply to an LPN-to-ASN bridge program. In fact, it is recommended, as your future job prospects will benefit from a relatively short 16-month educational pathway.

Where Can You Get Your Associate's Degree in Nursing?

Many educational institutions offer standard 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing programs that cover core nursing knowledge and clinical skills. Once you complete it, you become eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam that is required to become a registered nurse.

What Are the Steps to Enroll in an ADN Program?

The enrollment process will depend on the institution you opt for, but usually, the steps are as follows:

1. Ensure that you meet the requirements. While ADN programs are entry-level, an institution may still require you to meet some prerequisites, including science and General Education courses. 
2. Apply to the higher education institution of choice. You will generally do so by completing an application for admission within a specific period before stated deadlines.
3. Submit your transcript. Most colleges and institutions will require you to provide transcripts of all your previous college work to their records office. You generally need to send an official transcript, including the registrar’s signature, seal, and issue date.
4. Meet and consult with an academic advisor. Do so by scheduling and attending an appointment with the college’s advisory office.
5. Apply to the ADN program. Complete your application within the stated deadline by providing the required documents, including an unofficial transcript of your previous academic work.

Can You Get an ADN Online? 

ADN programs cannot be fully online; they typically use a blended distance-education model. You can complete many nursing classes online. Still, since nursing is a hands-on profession, you must complete your training in an accredited healthcare facility near you to learn things such as starting an IV or inserting a catheter. The number of in-person clinical hours will vary by state.

This applies to both accelerated ADN programs and bridge ADN programs.

At Nightingale, we believe nurses must learn hands-on skills, so we designed our LPN-to-ASN Program as a hybrid-virtual program that lets learners complete all didactic activities online and do experiential learning at our healthcare partner facilities, which are close to where learners live.

Get in touch with us if you want to become a nurse!