[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses continue to be in high demand, and one of the quickest ways to enter the field is through earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Students who complete an ADN program can become licensed as registered nurses in around two years. Many nurses choose to earn an ADN and then continue their nursing education by completing an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]online RN-to-BSN program[/hen-ui-link] while they work.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide explores some of the top ADN nursing programs offered in the United States. Prospective students need a strong understanding of the application process and insight into choosing the right program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best ADN, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading to learn more about ADN programs, or go straight to our list of the [hen-ui-link href=”#ranking”]best ADN programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With an ADN Degree?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”] ADN degree[/hen-ui-link] prepares nurses for a variety of roles. ADN graduates can record patients’ health histories, administer medication, order tests, and educate patients and their families on medical conditions and treatment options.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs who have earned an ADN and wish to increase their earning potential can continue their education with either a[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”] bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) or a[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”] master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Upon earning their degree, RNs can work in virtually any healthcare setting. Typical work environments include hospitals, regional medical centers, long-term care facilities, public health centers, and private practices.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A few of the more common roles include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Look for in an ADN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When researching ADN programs, examine the program’s admission requirements, accreditation, and graduation rate to help narrow down options. Exploring program length, curriculum, and clinical requirements can help students select the right program for them.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading]Understanding admission requirements should be students’ first step. While most programs are similar, applicants should ensure they have the appropriate background to be admitted into the program.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Program Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading]While curricula tend to be similar from one school to the next, applicants should review elective options provided at the institution. These choices can help in determining a focus area for incoming students.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Clinical Experience[/hen-ui-heading]The time spent in clinical rotations provides prospective nurses with an opportunity to develop professional experience. Being able to spend time in a variety of specialties also helps when choosing a specialty area to pursue.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading]Applicants should only apply to an accredited program to ensure the institution adheres to state and national standards. AN unaccredited program may not meet these standards, often making it difficult for students to transfer or pursue a more advanced degree. [hen-ui-link href=”#accreditation”]Read more about accreditation[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Program Length[/hen-ui-heading]Students who enroll in an ADN program can complete their schooling within two years. However, the length can vary depending on start date and enrollment status — full-time vs. part-time.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]School NCLEX Pass Rate[/hen-ui-heading]Before becoming a licensed RN, prospective nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) review first-time student passing rates on the NCLEX when evaluating a nursing program. They use these rates to determine if the program’s accreditation can continue, which signals the strength of that program.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]School Graduation Rate[/hen-ui-heading]Graduation rate demonstrates the success of a program’s students. Not only does it provide insight into the completion of the program, but it also identifies if students are earning their degree on time.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Online Learning Format and Requirements[/hen-ui-heading]Online programs provide the same rigorous curriculum found with in-person settings. Through these programs, students typically complete synchronous courses, which take place in real-time, and asynchronous courses, which students access on their own time.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to an ADN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once an applicant has decided to apply to nursing school, there are a variety of requirements they must meet to gain admittance. These requirements typically require certain academic prerequisites, such as GPA minimums, a writing sample, and references.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While most programs require similar material, others vary, so make sure to examine the specific requirements for each school.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Admission Materials”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Proof of previous education (high school diploma or GED certificate); high school transcripts; proof of the completion of academic prerequisites (algebra, biology, chemistry, etc.); a writing sample; and letters of recommendation[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”GPA Requirements”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]2.5 GPA or GED equivalent[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Other Requirements”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some programs may require certain pre-entrance exams, such as the SAT/ACT, the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), the Nursing Entrance Exam (NET), or the Kaplan Nursing School Admission Test.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why is ADN Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing an accredited ADN program comes with many advantages. Students, graduates, and employers all benefit from accreditation, both academically and professionally:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation is awarded by the ACEN and the CCNE, organizations that confirm the academic quality of the program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Credits from unaccredited programs may not transfer to other programs (ADN or BSN).[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Unaccredited undergraduate degrees earned may not be valid for those looking to enter an MSN program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students may not be eligible for federal financial aid if they attend an unaccredited institution.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accredited degrees can lead to more exclusive job prospects and higher earning potential.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for ADN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program costs vary depending on the exclusivity of the program, whether attending as a full-time or part-time student, and the location of the institution (in-state vs. out-of-state).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learners can explore a variety of resources to help [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/paying-for-your-nursing-degree/”]lessen the financial burden[/hen-ui-link] of their education. Financial aid is accessible for students as [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]grants, scholarships, and loans[/hen-ui-link]. Grants are awarded based upon the financial need of the students; scholarships provide funds based on merit, talent, or academic performance; and loans consist of borrowed money that will eventually need to be paid back.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn More About the Top ADN Programs and Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About ADN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Are ADN programs worth it?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When examining the value of completing an ADN program, prospective nurses must determine their professional goals as a nurse. ADN programs can be a great start to a nursing career, as it is both less expensive and less time-consuming than other programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After earning an ADN, nurses can gain experience while deciding if additional education is right for them.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What colleges offer an ADN program?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ADN programs are offered in every state, including the District of Columbia, typically at community and junior colleges. To date, there are over 1,000 ADN programs available throughout the country.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Are ADN programs hard to get into?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Regardless of the program, admission into nursing schools is quite competitive. While those looking to earn their bachelor’s degree need a 3.0 or better GPA to gain admittance, ADN programs typically require a minimum average GPA of 2.5. Ultimately, the higher a student’s previous GPA, the more likely they will be admitted into a competitive program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is it better to get your ADN first?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The benefit of earning an ADN first depends upon the individual’s professional goals. Obtaining an ADN is one of the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//fastest-paths-to-becoming-a-nurse/”]fastest routes to becoming a nurse; therefore, nurses can start gaining experience quicker than someone who has opted for a BSN program[/hen-ui-link]. However, earning a BSN or MSN provides higher earning potential, along with more specialized nursing roles.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the quickest way to become an RN?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completing an ADN program is the fastest way to become an RN, as the title can be earned with an associate degree. Earning an ADN can be completed in as little as 18 months.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related ADN Resources[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Overview” href=”/degrees/adn/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Degree Finder” href=”/degree-finder//#/step1″ size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid]