Individuals who want to enter the health care field without completing 4 years of college opt for a 2 year nursing program. While some use it as a stepping stone to acquiring a BSN, many nurses are completely satisfied with the career options available after obtaining a 2 year associate’s degree in nursing. As opposed to traditional BSN programs that require the completion of numerous liberal arts classes, 2 year ADN programs (Associates Degree in Nursing) have a higher concentration of nursing classes and provide more clinical training.
The 2 year program allows the student to begin clinical courses and work in direct care with patients during the first semester, unlike the BSN programs that typically do not offer those options until the third year of schooling. Students who graduate with a 2 year nursing degree may choose to become licensed as either an LPN or an RN. Many nurses enter the workforce as an RN after completing a 2 year program while continuing their education with a ADN to BSN bridge program. This is beneficial as it allows the student to enter the workforce with an RN salary 2 years earlier than a traditional BSN program.
One of the mot common degree choices for nursing, 2 year programs focus more on the technical skills than academic aspects. High quality 2 year programs are offered at most community colleges and technical institutions. ADN programs are generally inexpensive in comparison to other nursing degrees. Immediately after graduation students are eligible for employment in well paying careers. 2 year nursing program requirements vary among schools with the majority requiring applicants to have completed a prep course in a relative field as well as an SAT score of 940 or greater. High school students can purse an educational classes in nursing that count towards an ADN degree.
The 2 year nursing program is a popular choice for individuals on a tight budget because of the decreased length of the program. In addition to entering the workforce sooner, the community colleges that offer the ADN program are more affordable than the 4 year degree schools.