Whats the difference between ADN and PN?

Understanding the differences between ADN vs PN can help you decide the best career path in nursing. In this article, we'll compare and contrast the two.

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Whats an ADN?

The term ADN stands for Associate's Degree in Nursing. It's a two-year program, predominantly offered at community colleges. The ADN program can lead to an Associate's in Science (AS) or an Associate's in Applied Science (AAS) degree.

It's seen as an entry to the nursing profession, enabling graduates to qualify for initial licensing as a registered professional nurse (RN) upon passing the NCLEX-RN exam and meeting other necessary state board requirements.

What's a PN?

PN stands for Practical Nursing, it is a shorter, more hands-on program that can last anywhere from 10-18 months. In some regions, such as California and Texas, it's also referred to as vocational nursing.

Although PN programs don't usually involve college credits, they may lead to an associate's degree. Completion of a PN program, meeting state board requirements, and passing the NCLEX-PN grants the privilege of a license as an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse).

ADN vs PN

Here's a summary of the differences between the two nursing career paths:

  ADN (Associate's Degree in Nursing) PN (Practical Nursing)
Program Duration Approx. 2 years 10-18 months
Degree Associate's in Science (AS) or Associate's in Applied Science (AAS) Usually a certificate or diploma, but some may lead to an associate's degree
Preparation for Registered Professional Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensing Exam NCLEX-RN NCLEX-PN
Education Level Collegiate, with a balance of theory and practice Vocational, with a strong emphasis on practical skills
Scope of Practice May supervise and delegate to LPNs and unlicensed assistive personnel Varies by state; some may have more limitations than others
Coursework Includes Fundamentals, adult medical-surgical, mental health, obstetrics/maternity, pediatrics, geriatrics, nursing process, and pharmacology, along with college co-requisites like English, humanities, Microbiology, nutrition, anatomy & physiology, chemistry, psychology, sociology, and statistics A&P, basic Microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, pediatrics, obstetrics/maternity, geriatrics, mental health, med-surg, fundamentals, nursing process, with a greater focus on practical skills

 

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ADN is an abbreviation for associate's degree in nursing. This is a 2 year (or so) degree that is either an associate's in science (AS) or associate's in applied science (AAS) in professional nursing from a community (2-year) college. This is an entry to practice degree that is eligible from the state board of nursing for initial licensing as a registered professional nurse upon meeting all requirements and passing the NCLEX-RN national exam. Candidates complete course work in co-requisites such as English, humanitites, microbiology, nutrition, anatomy & physiology, chemistry, psychology, sociology, statistics and nursing classes such as fundamentals, adult medical-surgical, mental health, obstetrics/maternity, pediatrics, geriatrics, nursing process, and pharmacology. Generally associates degree students do not take advanced nursing management or public health classes but they may. Registered Nurses may supervise and delegate to LPNs and unlicensed assistive personnel such as patient care techs, nursing assistants, medication aides, and home health aides.

PN is short for practical nursing. (also called vocational nursing in California and Texas). This is a shorter program that is generally more hands on but takes any where from 10-18 months full time (longer if a part time class). It is often considered a vocational class so there are usually not college credits involved, but there are associates degree programs in practical nursing available in the US this is not common though. This is also an entry to practice program but with less collegiate emphasis. A&P, basic microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, pediatrics, obstetrics/maternity, geriatrics, mental health, med-surg, fundamentals, nursing process are all covered but usually with more practical skills and less emphasis on delegation. Successful completion of a practical nursing program whether certificate, diploma or associates degree as well as meeting the requirements of the state board of nursing and passing of the NCLEX-PN will give one the privilege of a license as an LPN (licensed practical nurse). Scope of practice varies throughout the states. Some are more limited than others.

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