Difference between diploma and ADN

Diploma programs in nursing are usually based in a hospital and take about 3 years. There is more of a hands-on emphasis to nursing as opposed to spending tons of time in classrooms. Although this used to be how almost all nurses were educated, now diploma programs are few and far between. The state board lists only two in Texas. One problem that you might face is difficulty in transferring credits should you decide to pursue a higher degree, like a BSN.

Associate degrees in nursing are given mostly by community colleges. Most often, a student will spend a year or more taking prerequisite classes for the program, then 2 years in the actual program. ADN programs usually require a lot of hospital clinical time, but students also take a full load of courses such as English and math.