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.
Course Length
2–4 years
Expected Salary
$54k–$88k
Benefits
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
Your course 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’ll Do
You’ll get experience in many different specialties while working with doctors and other Registered Nurses in hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities.
Patient Care
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
- Hospitals
- Doctor’s Offices
- Outpatient Care Centers
- Clinics
- Nursing Homes
Did You Know
Jobs for Registered Nurses will increase 15% by 2026.
How to Get Ahead
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 NurseA Gastroenterology or Endoscopy Nurse works with patients who have illnesses or disorders related to the digestive system or gastrointestinal tract.
- Correctional NursingA correctional nurse delivers evidenced-based nursing to protect, promote, and optimize health and abilities; prevent illness and injury; facilitate healing; alleviate suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response with care and respect. A correctional nurse advocates for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations under the jurisdiction of the justice system.
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) at a GlancePediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) focus on the care of children from infancy to early adulthood. Because of this, PNPs take on the role of caretaker and educator, ensuring that their patients and their families are fully informed and supported during the many stages that occur throughout young lives. In many states, PNPs can function without a physician’s oversight, allowing them to serve their patients as a primary care provider and run their own practice. If you’re looking for a career in medicine where you not only can diagnose and treat patients independently, but also serve as a trusted ally and educator to them and their families, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner may prove to be a rewarding path.
Take the next step on your nursing journey
