Associate Degree in RN

cindyd45 · Sep 22, 2012

An Associated Degree in Nursing(ADN) is definitely nothing like an LPN program. When finishing an ADN program you are eligible to sit for your NCLEX-RN examination just as you would with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN). Once you pass the NCLEX you become a Registered Nurse. The ADN program is normally taken at a community college and the BSN at a university. There are definitely private schools that offer either one. Ultimately it will be up to you and what is best for you. You can always go through a bridge program after you are an RN and get your bachelors.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 22, 2012

Agreed. When you are done with your ADN and pass the NCLEX, you'll be an RN and so be working in the RN scope of practice. Whether you choose to keep your LVN license active after that is up to you. I know some who keep both licenses going and worked as one or both, and I know some who let the LVN license lapse/go inactive to work solely as a RN.

For the record, it doesn't matter what route you take to become a RN. You can get there via diploma program, ADN, BSN, entry-level MSN, LVN-ADN bridge, LVN-BSN bridge...at the end of the day, the RN license you'd get from the BON is the exact same no matter the educational route you took to get there.

AngelRN27 · Sep 23, 2012

From what I have learned from LPNs that I know from work (I'm an RN, ADN) I don't think that an ADN is anything like an LPN program. LPN programs seem to focus on practical skills while ADN (due to the fact that it prepares you for your NCLEX-RN and the RN scope of practice, as mentioned above) is much more assessment/pathophys-intensive. Also, ADN programs are really starting to up their requirements for passing/moving forward/remaining in programs. At my private university, you could not score below 86% on standardized-proctored exams nor below 76% on written care plan assignments and remain in the program. I was also in an accelerated program which made it all the more difficult. Definitely worth it though if you study your tail off!