Registered nurses (RNs) need an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Online ADN programs prepare learners to earn an RN license. Students complete online classes and in-person clinical rotations. Some programs also require on-campus experiences, such as labs.
Online ADN programs emphasize practical nursing skills. Students develop leadership skills and memorize relevant laws. The following sections include information on costs and common classes for an associate degree in nursing online. The final sections explain how to become a nurse.
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Frequently Asked Questions About ADN Programs
Is an ADN the same as an RN?
No. An ADN refers to a type of nursing degree. An RN holds state licensure to practice nursing.
How long does an ADN program take?
Full-time learners can complete an ADN program in 1-2 years. Students working or raising children may need longer to graduate.
Can you earn an ADN online?
Yes. Many top online ADN programs use a hybrid curriculum. Students complete classes online in a synchronous or asynchronous format. They complete in-person experiences such as campus labs and clinical rotations.
Why Get an ADN Degree?
An ADN degree prepares learners to enter an in-demand field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for RNs to grow 6% from 2021-2031. This rate matches the median projected growth for all U.S. jobs. South Dakota, West Virginia, and Rhode Island feature the highest concentration of nurses.
Online ADN programs provide flexibility. Students can complete most graduation requirements at home. Asynchronous classes allow degree-seekers to learn when convenient.
How Much Does an ADN Degree Cost?
Online ADN degree costs depend on many factors, including whether students qualify for in-state tuition at a public school. These learners pay the most affordable rates. However, in-state tuition varies by school.
Degree-seekers may find the lowest rates at a local junior or community college. These schools prepare students for careers or transfer to RN-to-BSN programs. Students attending in-state community colleges spend an average of $3,400 annually on tuition, according to EducationData.org.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online learners should budget for technology and graduation fees. Some programs charge for uniforms and supplies. Institutional and private financial aid may cover these extra costs.
Online and hybrid learners must meet their school's technology requirements. These students may need to buy new laptops or upgrade their internet connection. Fortunately, many computer companies offer student discounts. Learners pursuing an associate in nursing degree online also need to buy books. They can save money by buying used or digital books.
Students nearing graduation can take the $200 NCLEX-RN exam. Test-takers who pass can apply for an RN license with their state board. This process requires a fee. RNs who renew their license also pay a fee. Costs vary by state.
How Much Do ADN Majors Make?
RNs earn a median annual salary of $75,330, according to the BLS. This figure includes RNs with an ADN or a BSN. The highest-paid nurses work for government agencies and hospitals. RNs in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts earn more than nurses in other states.
Nurses can increase their salary potential by continuing their education. Nurses with an ADN can enroll in an RN-to-BSN program or an ADN-to-MSN program. These programs take 2-3 years and let students master a nursing specialty. For example, degree-seekers can become clinical nurse specialists. Nurses with a master's earn a median annual salary of $117,670.
Courses in an ADN Program
Students pursuing an online ADN degree take 3-4 classes each semester. Every semester features one or more clinical experiences that learners complete on campus or at a local hospital. Many programs end with advanced medical/surgical nursing classes and NCLEX-RN preparation. These graduation requirements help degree-seekers develop the skills entry-level nurses need to find a job.
See below for three common ADN classes. Please note that class names, topics, and assignments vary by program. Students can learn more by visiting prospective schools' websites and contacting admissions counselors. They can also contact faculty directly.
Labor and Delivery Nursing Care
This class appeals to students preparing for an obstetrics career. Coursework covers labor and delivery basics, the nurse's role, and postpartum care. Learners must spend at least 54 hours in clinical rotations. In rotations, they observe deliveries and work under experienced RNs.Fundamentals of Health and Nursing Care
Students take this class after completing biology and psychology prerequisites. Class topics include lifecycle development, major health problems, and nursing management. Assignments help learners develop leadership and critical thinking skills.Nursing in Complex and Multiple Patient Care
RNs treat many patients and communicate with different healthcare professionals. This advanced class prepares students to manage a large patient caseload. Students complete assignments, a simulation lab, and a clinical rotation. These and other experiences resemble typical work conditions.
How to Become a Nurse
RNs must complete an ADN or BSN program. They also need certification from a state nursing board. Some master's in nursing programs help learners with a bachelor's in another subject earn a license. Typical coursework covers anatomy, psychology, and physiology. Becoming a nurse takes 2-4 years, depending on a learner's degree and enrollment status.
Nurses track patients' conditions, maintain medical records, and give medicine. These professionals work with patients and families to develop care plans. Some nurses specialize in areas such as addiction or public health. Specializing requires many years of experience or an advanced degree.
Licensure for Nursing
Licensure requirements vary by state. Learners in California nursing programs earn licensure by examination. Candidates take the NCLEX-RN. Those who pass can create a BreEZe online account and submit test results and transcripts. Candidates also provide fingerprints for a criminal background check. An initial license costs $300.
Out-of-state RNs can transfer their license through licensure by endorsement. RNs submit their license on their BreEZe account. Other required materials include a fingerprint card and the Verification of License form. RNs planning to start work soon can apply for a temporary license. California charges $350 to transfer a license and $100 for a temporary one.
Licensed California RNs pay $190 to renew their license. Nurse practitioners pay less. Other renewal steps include completing 30 professional development (PD) contact hours. The state board of nursing maintains a list of approved PD providers. RNs receive renewal notices to keep current with deadlines and requirements.
The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) lets nurses earn a license to practice in their home state and states included in the compact. As of Jan. 2022, 39 states participate in the NLC.
Online Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs
#1 Online Associate Degree In Nursing (ADN) Programs 2023
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
- Granite Falls, MN
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, Minnesota West Community and Technical College offers degrees from its main campus in Granite Falls. At the institution, degree-seekers select from 13 online associate programs, which include an AS in nursing program. Applicants can enroll in the two-year program with a high school diploma or the equivalent. The school uses placement tests to determine the class selections for incoming students. Applicants work with admissions advisors to determine the necessary steps to enroll in the program.
In the nursing program, learners complete coursework online. The flexible format helps students earn their degree. Degree-seekers benefit from the program's asynchronous course options, which let learners complete course requirements on their schedule.
With an associate degree in nursing, students enter the workforce or transfer into a bachelor's program. The school's articulation agreements with four-year colleges make it easier for graduates to transfer their credits toward a bachelor's degree.
Minnesota West Community and Technical College Numbers:
Online Enrollment: 1,671
Percent of Students who Graduate: 45%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,300
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $10,600
Out-of-state
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Online Associate Degree In Nursing (ADN) Programs 2023
Northwest Technical College
- Bemidji, MN
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Northwest Technical College, a public institution in Bemidji, Minnesota, offers on-campus and online degrees. The school delivers 14 online associate programs, including an AS in nursing degree. Applicants with a high school diploma or GED can enroll in the online program. The program may administer placement tests for some incoming students. Applicants meet with admissions advisors to learn more about the enrollment process.
The distance learning format appeals to students who require a flexible schedule. The school's asynchronous classes, which require no set meeting times, allow learners to complete lessons on their schedule.
An associate degree in nursing prepares learners for the workforce or a four-year degree. The school's articulation agreements with local four-year colleges help graduates transfer seamlessly into a bachelor's program.
Northwest Technical College at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 649
Percent of Students who Earn a Bachelor's Degree: 31%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,346
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $5,346
Out-of-state
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
69%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
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