- Nursing
- Degrees and programs
- Associate’s Degree
Associate’s Degree
An Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) will give you a solid foundation and set you up to specialize later, if you want to.
Associate’s degrees in brief
- Course length: 2–4 years
- Average annual salary: $54k–$88k
What are the benefits of an ADN or ASN degree?
Varied experience
Exposure to different fields and environments can help you find out what you love to do.
Engaging work
With different patients, tasks, and situations, every day can be fresh and fascinating.
What you’ll learn with a ADN or ASN degree
Your studies will include the following classes, exams and practical training.
Core classes
Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and other social and behavioral sciences are some of the subjects you’ll study.
Hands-on experience
As part of your curriculum, you’ll work in a lab and practice in a clinic, or other healthcare facility.
Take the NCLEX-RN
Before you can start practicing, you need to pass this standardized exam set by the Board of Nursing in every state. It’s designed to make sure you’re ready to work as a Registered Nurse.
What you can do with an ADN or ASN degree
You’ll get experience in many different specialties while working with doctors and other Registered Nurses in hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities.
Most of your duties will involve caring directly for patients, monitoring their condition and helping them learn how to manage their illness or injuries at home.
Most of your duties will involve caring directly for patients, monitoring their condition and helping them learn how to manage their illness or injuries at home.
Where you’ll work after getting your ADN or ASN
- Hospitals
- Doctor’s offices
- Outpatient care centers
- Clinics
- Nursing homes
How to get ahead with your ADN or ASN
One of the best things about being a nurse? You’ll never stop learning. You’ll have opportunities to grow from the day you start your career.
Continue your education
Most of the places you’ll work will offer courses that keep your skills sharp and your knowledge up to date.
Get a BSN
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) will lead to more responsibilities and more opportunities.
Featured specialties
Gastroenterology nurse
A gastroenterology or endoscopy nurse works with patients who have illnesses or disorders related to the digestive system or gastrointestinal tract.
Correctional nursing
A correctional nurse advocates for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations under the jurisdiction of the justice system.
Pediatric nurse practitioner
Pediatric nurse practitioners provide care for patients from infancy through early adulthood, serving as both caregivers and educators for children and their families. In many states, they practice independently without physician oversight, often acting as primary care providers.
Take the next step on your nursing journey.
Are you considering a nursing career but unsure of where to start? Take our quiz to get your personalized guide of the steps you’ll need to take, whether you have prior nursing experience or are looking to enter the profession for the first time!