What is difference between a Diploma RN & Associate RN?

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

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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:

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There are still Diploma programs in existance in some areas, and some are still two year programs.

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Specializes in Pediatrics (Burn ICU, CVICU).

With an Associates, you actually have a degree and should have no problem transferring it from state to state, however, with a diploma you do not receive a degree and sometimes those are only useful in the state you received it from.

That being said, I have seen many Associate degree nurses that are far less trained than Diploma, Bachelors who didn't know near as much as Associates, and and vice versa. The degree doesn't automatically make one a better nurse.

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There are some Diploma programs where you also get an Associate degree at the same time. Best of both worlds in my opinion.

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Specializes in Rural Health.

We have both here, the diploma program is a 2 year program offered through one of the hospitals. You can, at the same time, take some additional classes (maybe 2 or 3) through the community college that teaches the co-reqs (math, english and science) and get an ADN at the same time. I agree, it's the best of both worlds.

In this area you have an advantage to the diploma, this particular hospital has 3 campus and is huge. 99.9% of their graduates are hired after they graduate and they are hired into the area in which they request. A GN with an ADN or BSN will not get hired at this particular hospital.

It's really about what you want from your eduacation. Do lots and lots of research to find what program out there fits best for you and what program is going to give you the education you need. All roads lead to the NCLEX and licensure as an RN.

Good luck!!

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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:

I am in an 18 month hospital based diploma program. It is AWESOME!!! I love it, and have heard doctors say they prefer us over the ADN and BSN students straight out of school; (that we generally have more experience). And, they are not biased. The healthcare system that I'm in owns two nursing colleges, one diploma and one ADN. :)

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With an Associates, you actually have a degree and should have no problem transferring it from state to state, however, with a diploma you do not receive a degree and sometimes those are only useful in the state you received it from.

That being said, I have seen many Associate degree nurses that are far less trained than Diploma, Bachelors who didn't know near as much as Associates, and and vice versa. The degree doesn't automatically make one a better nurse.

That is untrue. ALL accredited diploma programs can transfer. You take the NCLEX after you graduate, and you can go to any state :).

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
That is untrue. ALL accredited diploma programs can transfer. You take the NCLEX after you graduate, and you can go to any state :).

Agreeed. Diploma RNs take NCLEX and can work in any state.

The only problem I've ever heard of is that certain states don't accept some distance learning schools. But diploma schools are no problem.

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Agreeed. Diploma RNs take NCLEX and can work in any state.

The only problem I've ever heard of is that certain states don't accept some distance learning schools. But diploma schools are no problem.

Yes, I have heard of that too. But, if I was in that situation I'd be sure the state I planned to live in when I took the NCLEX accepted it. Once you're an RN the title can't be taken away because of your schooling, as far as I know. :)

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Diploma grads have absolutely nothing to worry about with endorsing licenses. The issue that comes up is with some of the Distance Learning programs not being accepted by some Boards of Nursing. I have never heard of one Diploma program not being accepted in another state.

Remember, in the past, every nursing program was a Diploma-based school, all nursing schools were hospital based.

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Diploma grads have absolutely nothing to worry about with endorsing licenses. The issue that comes up is with some of the Distance Learning programs not being accepted by some Boards of Nursing. I have never heard of one Diploma program not being accepted in another state.

Remember, in the past, every nursing program was a Diploma-based school, all nursing schools were hospital based.

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