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is it true that you only need a associates degree to become a registered nurse

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What path way would help me become a successful nurse

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Mr.’s Answer

Deszirae,

You need a high school diploma/GED, financial aid when applying to a college, studying time and strong determination....that is all. I wish you the best on your journey.
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Riley’s Answer

The best is a Masters. Also, the highest paid. Bachelors are great too. Associates? In hiring, you’ll struggle a bit. My sister is a Bachelors nurse. She works in an O.R.


Riley recommends the following next steps:

After Associates? Get that Bachelors. Value the education, you’ll go further with more respect in career.
Get a Masters. You’ll have power Professionally.
Ph. D. Is unavailable in Nursing. My power as a Ph. D. I can Anoint and declare Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and Ph. D. We’re researchers primarily.
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David’s Answer

Allow me to start off by saying… Only an associates degree? When referring to a degree to preface it by saying only truly diminishes the accomplishments of obtaining any degree. A better way to phrase the question would be can you practice as a registered nurse with an associates degree? And the answer is yes! I personally advise students to obtain associates degree in nursing, work as a registered nurse and then proceed your bachelors and masters degree. I graduated with my associates degree in 1991, and at this point it was discussion of doing away with associate degree in nursing, it’s now 2022 almost and it’s still here, however many healthcare organizations are now only excepting BSN’s. However I would not let this deter you from getting your associates degree in nursing and then pursuing your bachelors and masters degree
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Barry Eugene’s Answer

Yes, you can become a nurse with an associate degree. To become a registered professional nurse, there is more than one pathway. Traditionally, there used to be hospital-based diploma programs that took three years to complete. Many of these programs have closed down. The two-year associate degree programs grew in popularity to assist with the nursing shortage by producing nursing graduates in a shorter time frame. Last but not least is the four-year bachelor's degree awarded by traditional colleges and universities. The bachelor's program is becoming the preferred degree for entrance into nursing but it has not been mandated at this time.

At this time you can become a registered professional nurse with an associate degree. Please be aware that some employers may have a preference for a bacherlors degree. However, there is still a nursing shortage and the need for nurses remains in a critical state. If you are planning to enroll in an associate degree program try to get some of your support courses completed so that you can concentrate on your nursing courses. I would advise you to contact potential schools of interest to see what are the required courses. If you are able, take as many support courses as possible and boost your grade point average to get into the actual nursing program. Best wishes to you in your program endeavors.
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Megan’s Answer

Yes in most states this is true. This is the path that I took. Most community colleges offer a Registered Nursing Associates Degree program. Pre Requisites differ among schools so find one in your area and see what their requirements are. There is usually about a year of basic English Psychology A&P ect requirements before you can even apply but again every school is different. The only difference between ADN and BSN is you can teach nursing school and conduct research with the BSN otherwise day to day floor nursing and usually but not always but usually even pay is exactly the same between RN ADN and RN BSN. I went back to school two more years online to finish up with my BSN now currently enrolled two more years to get my Master’s in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner. Good Luck!

Megan recommends the following next steps:

Research community colleges in your area for RN programs
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Tracie’s Answer

Hello, Deszirae.


You are correct. You can become a registered nurse after completing an accredited program in nursing and passing the NCLEX exam. The Associates Degree in Nursing is a 2 year program. That being said, the nursing profession is attempting to phase-out this program and have the bachelors degree (4-year degree) the entry-level nursing program. In other words, one would need to have 4 years of nursing school to take the NCLEX exam. The nursing profession has been trying to do this for many years. It is a challenge to do for many reasons. The Institute of Medicine (2011) published an initiative on the future of nursing. I've attached the reference at the end of this comment and the website directly below.


https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209880/?report=printable


In this document, scroll down to Part II, 4) Transforming Education, and choose Undergraduate Education. (Actually that whole Transforming Education section is quite valuable.) This will give you an idea on what the goal is for nursing.


I was an ADN graduate many years ago. It worked for me on my life path at that time. I advanced in my education in a step-wise fashion and now have a doctorate degree. I chose this terminal degree to teach and to practice as a nurse practitioner. Depending on what you want to do within your nursing career is directly related to the level of degree you will need to attain.


I hope that helps!


Institute of Medicine (US). Committee on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Initiative on the Future of Nursing. (2011). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.

Tracie recommends the following next steps:

Explore ideas of a desired first nursing job you would want to pursue. Know this is often a stepping stone and likely won't be your only nursing job forever. Review job postings online for this first job and seek out within the posting what type of qualifications (i.e. education) it takes to qualify for that job. This will help you understand what type of degree it takes to attain such a position.
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Becky’s Answer

Hi Deszirae,
Many folks above have provided great answers to your question. Basically, the answer is yes. You can become an RN with an associate's degree. This is a great place to start your nursing career. But don't stop there! You will have many more job opportunities if you continue to advance your education. Many healthcare employers provide tuition assistance, so be sure to keep this in mind when looking for a job. Starting out as an RN with an ADN will allow you to get into the workforce sooner and take advantage of your work experience as you continue your education.
A suggestion I have is to look into the course requirements you would need to complete a bachelor's degree and take these courses while you are completing your associate's degree. This will save you time and money and get you on to your next step a little bit easier.
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