Planning on getting an ADN degree?

Studying to be a nurse is grueling. And of course, it helps if you are guaranteed a good job and a wonderful salary after you pass out. And according to the latest labor statistics, there is a severe shortage of trained nurses who can work independently. As a result in this shaky economy, the ADN degree is the easiest way to pass out of a college and get a job as soon as possible. So what are you waiting for? Find out more about the ADN degree and how to get it as soon as possible!

What Is an ADN Degree?

An Associated Degree in Nursing is one of the best degrees that you can complete in order to get into the nursing professions.

• The course is of two years in length and offers a rounded curriculum covering basic nursing skills while also preparing you to be able to work independently.
• Before you actually start you will have to apply for an NCLEX-RN certification exam from your home state or the state where you will be working.
• Once you pass the exam you get a degree to work as a RN or a registered nurse. As a registered nurse, you can dispense medication, collect samples, run basic medical lab test, explain basic test results to patients, and even supervise LVNs in a hospital setting.
• You can get an entry level job in any hospital and the demand for nurses is such that you are guaranteed a good salary too.
• But once you have completed a year or so of clinical experience it’s a good idea to apply for a BSN degree. A BSN degree can get you a promotion into management positions which are not possible with an ADN degree.

ADN Requirements

Almost every nursing college has a long waiting list for nursing applicants. Different colleges have different criteria for accepting students but the basic requirements are:

1. The usual listing of basic courses in biology which will prepare you for studying more about the human body and treating it.
2. You will also have to ensure that you atleast have a grade of “C” in every course you take along with sociology, English, math, writing and computer literacy.
3. If you do not have the basic course requirements completed, then it’s a good idea to enroll at a basic community college to finish them before you apply for the course.
4. A few states require you to take a pre-nursing preparatory course just like a pre-med course. Not only does this prepare you for a nursing career but it also counts towards your application process.
5. You will need a SAT score of 940 or more.
6. Foreign students may have to finish an English proficiency exam like the TOEFL and get a minimum score of five C’s in their GCSE.
7. If it’s possible you should also take up a high school program that will prepare you for a nursing program. You can try for an LPN or a LVN certification which will also get you practical and theoretical knowledge.

ADN to BSN Degree

Even though you have sufficient experience in nursing with an ADN degree, you should think about getting yourself a BSN degree.

Why do you need a BSN degree

1. An ADN degree is only of two years duration and it focuses on hands-on training while a BSN degree has all that as well as proper training in nursing management and hospital management. As a result, hospital management will consider only BSN degree students for management cadre positions which automatically come with a higher salary and more responsibility.
2. It takes about three years to finish the BSN course. There are several accelerated programs that can be completed in 18-21 months for students who have an ADN degree.
3. A BSN degree also offers more detailed study in nursing research, nursing informatics, nursing theory and hospital management.
4. A BSN degree also makes you eligible for application for a MSN degree or a specialist branch of nursing like nurse midwife or nurse anesthetist.
5. Government organizations like the Army and Navy give preference to BSN nursing graduates as they have more clinical and theoretical knowledge and they are also given a chance to study further.

How do you choose a BSN college for further education

Please ensure when you are choosing a BSN course, that it is accredited. Accredited BSN degrees ensure that you are getting an industry and government approved education worth the money you are spending on it. Several nursing colleges have long waiting lists and they give preference to students who have previous nursing experience. Make sure you enclose your pre- nursing experience and even volunteer services in your college application. You may also have to submit references from two or more academic or nursing supervisor sources. A few colleges also have an entrance exam where applicants have to take a screening test and then sit for a personal interview. At present, there is a severe shortage of nursing tutors and there is a long waiting list of students waiting to get into the institute. As a result, ensure that you demonstrate all of your nursing skills in your BSN application letter to the nursing college to get through the selection process.

ADN to MSN Degree

The ADN to MSN program is a great alternative for those nurses who have completed an ADN program. A huge advantage with this jump is that an ADN certified nurse can skip the lower division general education prerequisites that form the basic foundation of the MSN course. This bridging program is great as educated and trained nurses who are already working in a nursing hospital can complete their baccalaureate program in the smallest time possible.

What are the advantages of doing an MSN degree and what does it entail

An MSN degree is a postgraduate program where nursing professionals can add to their existing qualifications with further study. They have to enroll in a nursing college where they can carry on their independent research and clinical protocols under the supervision of a nursing guide. Most MSN students also have to complete a research thesis in the two years of the MSN course. A few colleges require that you have to finish your BSN before you can apply for your MSN. But they also offer an accelerated ADN-BSN-MSN program that you can opt for which ensures that you do not miss out on anything.

Where do I apply for an MSN

There are several online or part time courses present that you can apply for but the MSN program is highly meticulous and exhaustive. And each nursing college is very particular about the MSN students who are accepted into the program. A few basic requirements that you should have for application to a MSN degree program are:

1. Current job history and resume
2. Previous education and nursing degrees
3. Recommendation letters and a personal interview
4. Grade point average of 3.0 or more
5. TOEFL scores
6. Documentation of your professional existing licensure

Online ADN Degree

An online degree is the best way to ensure that you are still in touch with the clinical aspect of nursing while still continuing your education. There are thousands of colleges that offer ADN/BSN/MSN courses online that you can register for. Online courses offer flexibility in study time, curricula exam times. But no matter what course you sign up for, here are a few things you should be aware of with online ADN degrees:

• Find out whether the program is a work-at-your-pace program or a set-pace program. The advantage is that with a work-at-your-pace program you have the flexibility to finish your course in the time you find convenient.
• A few of the more reputable online nursing schools have a set start date where you have a batch of online classmates to interact with. But other courses take in admissions all year through. You can choose either but having classmates you know ensures that you can share knowledge about your profession and your course.
• Find out whether your online ADN course has an academic tutor who will help you out.
• You also need to know how the practical aspect of nursing will be taught. All nursing courses require hands-on experience and if your chosen course is not offering weekly, or monthly practical classes and contact classes; then it’s really not worth it!
• Ensure that the clinical program is at a hospital close to your home, as you will have to spend a lot of time there.
• Ensure that the online ADN course you have selected is accredited with a national organization.

Whether you take up a local ADN degree program or an online program, the secret is to learn everything you can and learn them by heart. The basic skills are taught here so you must be serious with your studies.

Top 7 Schools That Offer an ADN Degree in Los Angeles

1. California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA)

   5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles, California 90032
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2. CBD College

   5724 West 3rd Street, Third Floor, Los Angeles, California 90036
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3. Community Based Education Development (CBD)

   5724 W. Third Street # 314, Los Angeles, California 90036
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4. Marian Health Careers Center

   3325 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1010, Los Angeles, California 90010
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5. Mount St Mary's College (MSMC)

   12001 Chalon Rd, Los Angeles, California 90049
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6. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

   405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, California 90095
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7. Walter Jay MD Institute An Educational Center

   1930 Wilshire Blvd Ste 700, Los Angeles, California 90057
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