What is difference between a Diploma RN & Associate RN?

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Could anyone let me the difference between diploma and associate RN program ? Are both these degrees valued the same when looking for a job?

Specializes in LTC/Behavioral/ Hospice.

I just signed up for a diploma RN program for fall '07. :) It's a 2 year program. I can take a few additional courses for my Associates, or I can transfer into a BSN program. The school has an excellent reputation. It totally works for me and my family. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
I just signed up for a diploma RN program for fall '07. :) It's a 2 year program. I can take a few additional courses for my Associates, or I can transfer into a BSN program. The school has an excellent reputation. It totally works for me and my family. :)

Awesome Lisa! Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

There is a diploma program around here as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
Most diploma nurses are 3 year programs, which don't hardly exist any more. It's either an ADN ( assocaite degree nurse, or BSN:smokin:

There are 7 diploma programs within a 50-mile radius here, including the one I graduated from this spring, and 2 others based in hospitals within the largest local university-affiliated hospital system. :smokin:

To the OP - best of luck to you, whatever path you pursue. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics (Burn ICU, CVICU).
That is untrue. ALL accredited diploma programs can transfer. You take the NCLEX after you graduate, and you can go to any state :).

No, that is not untrue. We have an accredited diploma program in our state that a friend just graduated from. She has since moved out of state and has been told in another state that her degree is non-transferrable and that she would have to have additional curriculum prior to becoming eligible for employment in their state.

Your state may be different, however.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
No, that is not untrue. We have an accredited diploma program in our state that a friend just graduated from. She has since moved out of state and has been told in another state that her degree is non-transferrable and that she would have to have additional curriculum prior to becoming eligible for employment in their state.

Your state may be different, however.

No you didn't read my original post right. I said AFTER you take NCLEX.

You have to have your title (RN) before you'd move. Then at that point, the schooling isn't even an issue. :) Because you're already a nurse. You have to take the NCLEX in the state that DOES accept your school though. And some states I think require BSNs to nurse in some settings so that might be another reason.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The differnce between my diploma and an ADN? Three credits of yoga or jewelry making. Seriously. That's all I needed to get the ADN. My course was a 24 month course, but really, a 3 year course... 6 semesters in 2 years. I was working, too, so didn't opt for the extra class but a few of my classmates did graduate with ADNs. I am under the impression that a few, very few, states do require a degree but that it isn't to hard to work out with them. A few hospitals also require degrees, but sometimes "out of habit" and will accept a diploma RN with no problems.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment