Associates or Diploma which is better?

happy2learn · May 26, 2010

Associate's is higher than a diploma. An associates will also help you get your Bachelor's. However, it really depends on your nursing goals. An RN is an RN and some employers don't care whether it's ADN, Diploma, or BSN. But keep in mind a higher degree, all other factor's constant, will give you an edge on competition.

TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP · May 31, 2010

Agreed, BSN>ADN>Diploma. That said, this sounds like you should ask this question in the appropriate state nursing programs forum (located under the "Region" tab) to get some advice from people who actually know the programs you're asking about.

elkpark · May 31, 2010

The issue of which program is "better" involves so many variables that there's no one answer to that question that would apply to everyone. Hospital-based diploma programs are generally known for providing superior clinical education and graduating people better prepared to begin practicing in the real world. Nowadays, there's not that much difference between diploma programs and ADN programs academically. You can get accepted into a BSN completion program with either a diploma or an ADN without any difficulty (although a diploma graduate may need to take a few more courses in order to complete the degree). Neither gives you any particular advantage in getting a job as a new graduate (both are completely acceptable for licensure and employment), except to the extent that a particular school may have a particularly good or bad reputation within its region. And, if you happen to be in an area where employers have a strong preference for BSN grads, you will be equally disadvantaged with either a diploma or an ADN.

I always encourage people to examine closely all the programs available to them to determine which one is the best choice for you, in your particular circumstances. I agree that, if you want opinions about specific schools in PA, you may get more info by posting in the PA forum (or at least including something about PA in the title of the thread :)). PA is fortunate, IMHO, in that there are still quite a few hospital-based diploma programs there -- many states have none at all any more.

Best wishes for your journey!