The First Step Toward a Nursing Career : Get Your Associate Degree in Nursing

by Greg Cryns            

             If you’re interested in a career in nursing but aren’t ready to commit to a four-year bachelor’s degree, you might want to think about getting an Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN.  This degree will allow you to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and work in the exciting and versatile field of nursing.     The Associate Degree in Nursing is a degree that offers the training and education you need to practice in a clinical setting.  While many nursing degrees are 

offered online, this is one that is not. 

            That’s because in order to be a competent nurse, you absolutely have to have clinical experience – and you can’t get that from a computer!  However, you may be able to find programs with flexible hours and even a few online course offerings.

            If you’re interested in getting your ADN, you may want to start by talking to someone at your local community college.  These campuses usually offer Associate Degrees in Nursing and often can accommodate someone who works full-time as well.  However, once you begin your clinical rotations you may not be able to have such a flexible schedule.

            As an RN with an associate’s degree you’ll be able to work in a variety of settings including hospitals and doctor’s offices.  You’ll also find that because there’s a nursing shortage in the United States, there will be plenty of job opportunities for someone with your training.

            The salaries for nurses are also very good.  It’s not uncommon for a staff nurse in a hospital setting to make an average of $50,000 yearly.  The more education you have the higher your salary can be.

            Once you have your basic ADN, you may want to work toward a bachelor’s or even master’s degree in the nursing field.  These degrees can often be completed totally online.  As you can see, an Associate Degree in Nursing opens up a world of career opportunities and allows you to make a good living with just a two-year degree.

            Nursing is an exciting field and one that isn’t likely to disappear from the economy any time soon.  Nurses are in demand and if you’re interested in going to school, now is the time! 

            One thing you’ll find is that admission into nursing school can be competitive.  In order to prepare for nursing school you should make sure you have some background in science.  If your grades aren’t high enough from your high school education, you may want to take a few courses at your community college to help improve your chances of acceptance.  Talking to an advisor at your local school can help you to know what you need to do to prepare.