A nursing diploma vs certificate

S.N. Visit, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2007

I think :

Certificate -A certificate is the lowest level of qualification available . Example: CNA, IV therapy, PALS etc.

Diploma -A diploma is the lowest level of 'higher education' completed (H.S requirements; College programs such as Arts & Sciences, Nursing etc).

Hope this makes sense...:)

suzanne4, RN · Dec 17, 2007

Diplomas in Nursing are actually two to three year programs that are usually hospital-based for the RN, you do not see them too much anymore being offered. And the licensing exam is the same whether you are a Diploma grad, ADN, or the BSN.

There are no Certificates offered for the RN programs.

newonboard · Dec 17, 2007

I have heard of certificate program in RN for Direct entry into Nursing, for people who have prior college degree.

The program is usually divided into two part; the first year you are issued a certificate in nursing, and you are eligible to take the NCLEX.

You are given a MSN for the second part of the program when completed.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2007

nurses earn licenses,not certificates. You may be thinking of the ATT, which is the authorization to test allowing new grads the privilege of sitting for the NCLEX exam. To get the ATT, the nurse must be a graduate of a diploma program, or have earned an associates degree or baccalaureate degree in nursing science. Certificates are sometimes awarded to nursing students who want to work as certified nursing assistants while attending nursing school. But to practice as a nurse you must have a LICENSE and that is given only to people who successfully passed NCLEX-RN. Hope this helps.