A profession that has always been a critical part of any healthcare system, is nursing.
These professionals provide care for patients in a diversity of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, and addiction centers, among others.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, nurses have been in the spotlight, not only because of all the extra work and sacrifices they have had to endure with this crisis but also because people are now more aware of what it takes to become a nurse and how exposed they truly are to a wide range of diseases and dangers.
Because of this, some people have felt encouraged to pursue a career in healthcare, for instance, by becoming a Registered Nurse.
One of the options to become a nurse is to obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
Let’s review some of the basic information about this degree and how much it costs.
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What Is an Associate Degree in Nursing?
An Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, is an undergraduate degree that provides the necessary nursing knowledge as well as clinical experience to work in healthcare.
Students will learn the nursing process, how to develop and use critical and clinical reasoning in order to offer proper care to a large variety of patients.
If you aspire to become a Registered Nurse (RN), an ADN degree is one of the options available to pursue that career.
What Is the Difference Between an ADN and a BSN Degree?
A Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) is another undergraduate degree centered in nursing that can lead you to become a Registered Nurse in the future.
This degree lasts four years, as opposed to an ADN degree that tends to last much less.
People who have previously obtained an ADN degree can continue to get a BSA degree, which will help them to deepen their knowledge and practice of nursing.
However, it is still possible to do either one and then continue to become a Registered Nurse.
Is an Associate Degree in Nursing the Right Choice for Me?
Choosing an Associate Degree in Nursing will depend mostly on your budget, your schedule, and your future career goals.
If you wish to become a Registered Nurse but you don’t have four years to dedicate full time to your studies, or if you have a limited budget, then an ADN might be the perfect solution for you.
One of the advantages of this undergraduate degree is that you can still find several job opportunities just with this degree if for any reason you can’t continue with your studies.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain an ADN?
An Associate Degree in Nursing can be obtained in 18 months or 2 years.
The time you spend on it will vary according to your own schedule and the type of program you choose.
If you don’t have the time to attend classes full-time, there are options to get this degree online by combining virtual classes and clinical practice.
How Much Does It Cost to Pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing?
The total cost of an Associate Degree in Nursing will generally depend on the type of program you choose, the city where you want to study, and the type of institution you choose, whether it’s a state school, vocational school, community college, or a private college.
In public universities, the average cost per year is from $2,500 to $10,000, while in private universities, it’s usually between $15,000 and $40,000 per year.
You will have to take into account extra costs, such as uniforms, special shoes, a stethoscope, a penlight, and textbooks, among others.
These extra costs tend to greatly vary according to the city and institution where you want to study.
If you need financial support, there are usually numerous options to obtain this degree, so it’s always a good idea to check the institution where you want to apply.
