Why does a nursing eduction not count for more than an associates degree?

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Or even worse, why does an LPN program only give you a "diploma" and not even an associate's degree? When I'm done with my LPN Program, I'll have 120 college credits - and that's COLLEGE LEVEL courses, such as statistics, chemistry, psychology, etc. If you added the additional credits for a nine-month RN bridge program, I'd have something like 190 credits - that's about as much as some people with a Master's degree have. I don't understand.....

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Specializes in LTC.

This is something that my family members and friends don't understand either. They don't understand how I did two years of prereqs and a one year nursing program and "only" have a diploma. I have to constantly explain that I won't have a degree in nursing until I finish the RN.

At my CC you don't qualify for a Associates degree in general studies until completing certain in classes... which I have a few more to complete. And I won't have an ADN until both the prereqs and Second year of the RN is done.

My main goal is to take my boards so that I can work as a nurse regardless of having a degree or not.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I just don't think it's fair. Who decides what is "only" a diploma and what is a degree? College credits are college credits, and we are not talking easy liberal arts classes here. Makes me mad after spending so much time and money.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

If you attain a BSN degree (bachelor of science in nursing) or a MSN (master of science in nursing), then all your hard work and college credits will count for more than an associates degree. I have a diploma in vocational nursing, so I know how hard I warked to earn that diploma. However, the public only pays attention to the end result of your educational pursuits.

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Ugh, I am right there with you. I am starting my 11th!!! semester in college in the fall and by the end of it, I will only have a diploma in anything worth talking about. I have an associate's degree in general studies, but where is that really gonna get me in the nursing world!?

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Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

I guess it's not really how many credits you have but having the right combination of credits

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