How Hard is an ADN Program – (10 Biggest Challenges & How to Overcome)


Written By: Kelsey BaderKelsey Bader, BSN, RN

Kelsey Bader is a registered nurse from Louisiana. Kelsey has a diverse range of experiences. Some of Kelsey’s work experience includes bedside nursing in ICUs at various hospitals in COVID and non-COVID units, emergency rooms. Read Full Bio »»
, BSN, RN


Are you considering going to nursing school and weighing all the options? I remember when I decided I wanted to become a nurse. I had so many questions, like what type of program I should pursue, where I would go to school, whether I should go part-time or full-time, and the list goes on. Maybe you have started researching the different types of nursing programs, and you've come across the Associate's Degree in Nursing program. Perhaps you are wondering, “How hard is an ADN program?”

An ADN program can be difficult, but if you know what to expect, you can set yourself up for success! In this article, I am going to tell you about the 10 biggest challenges you will face in an ADN program and how to successfully overcome them. Knowing what you are up against and preparing is half the battle, and by the time you finish reading, you will know what you need to do to take on one of these programs and become a registered nurse!



What Topics are Covered in an ADN Program?


The ADN curriculum is designed to adequately prepare you to fulfill a nursing role and provide quality patient-centered care. The programs include topics such as anatomy and physiology, nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-newborn nursing, and mental health nursing.

While the curriculum is not as heavy with professional development courses as bachelor’s or graduate-level nursing programs, you will still have exposure to the topics. For example, an ADN program will likely include a broad overview of courses in leadership, management, and ethics in nursing. Along with the theory portion of the curriculum, there will be clinical rotations, labs, and simulations where you will learn and practice your hands-on skills.



Is an ADN Program Hard?


I won’t lie to you; an ADN program is hard. As with any scholarly program, you must overcome obstacles and challenges to succeed. I learned the program was strategically designed to push me. It makes sense, though, right. After all, in an ADN program, you are learning to handle the pressure and stresses that come with being a registered nurse, and trust me, a career in nursing can come with a very high level of stress!

Don’t let the fact that an ADN program is hard deter you, though. It is to be expected, as you are preparing to care for others’ lives. You want to graduate from a program that has prepared you to be competent and confident in your ability to fulfill your role. This means it is not going to be easy! However, it is definitely possible, and with the right amount of focus and drive, you can overcome the obstacles and succeed in the ADN program.



What Makes an ADN Program Hard?

(The following are the 10 biggest challenges you will face in ADN programs and ways you can successfully overcome them.)


CHALLENGE #1: Heavy Course Load


About the Challenge:

Even though an ADN program only takes about two years to complete, you are still expected to complete the fundamental courses and the required hours for clinical rotations that are standard in most nursing programs. When combining the strenuous curriculum with the condensed timeline, it's easy to see that the course load can become heavy. The demands that come with such a course load are one of the things that make ADN programs hard.

How to Overcome:

There is no way to completely eliminate the challenges that accompany a heavy course load. However, there are ways that you can prepare for and reduce the challenges you will face. I learned early on in nursing school to seek the guidance of my academic counselor, who was able to help ensure I enrolled in classes that were compatible with one another each semester and followed the recommended learning path for the program.

Most programs have a course map that is designed to help students balance out the more difficult courses with those that are less strenuous. You may also want to explore your institution's enrollment options, such as part-time versus full-time. A part-time enrollment status would allow you to space out your courses and achieve more balance with your course load.


CHALLENGE #2: Learning to Efficiently Manage Your Time


About the Challenge:

With such a strenuous curriculum coupled with the demanding timeline of an ADN program, it is easy to see how effective time management can be challenging. Your schedule will be filled with class assignments, study time, exams, and clinicals, not to mention any prior commitments, such as employment, family, or maintaining a home. Even the most organized student can start to feel like there are not enough hours in the day. You may feel like you are constantly running from one thing to the next!

How to Overcome:

The best advice I can give you to overcome this challenge is to be intentional with your time. I lived by my planner when I was in nursing school. I scheduled everything from study sessions to family time, and I made sure to stick to the schedule. This helped me to juggle all my assignments and exam prep while still being mindful to set aside time for my family and myself.

Whether you prefer a paper calendar, the calendar on your phone, or just a to-do list, find a method that allows you to keep track of your tasks and manage your time. I really liked the RekMed Undated Student Nurse Planner, designed specifically for nursing students. Along with the weekly and monthly scheduling spreads, it has sections for grade tracking, budgeting, and study content. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are several nursing student planners available on Amazon.


CHALLENGE #3: The Financial Burden


About the Challenge:

The unfortunate truth is that furthering your education is expensive. The tuition costs associated with the ADN program can vary depending on the type of institution, your enrollment status, and whether or not you are considered an in-state or out-of-state student. You can end up paying anywhere from $4,651 to $45,282 to attend a public university. If you decide to attend a private school, you could pay as much as $135,000 to earn an associate degree in nursing.

How to Overcome:

While you cannot change the cost of an ADN program, you can plan ahead to help reduce the stress of the financial obligation. First things first…When you are researching the different ADN programs that you are interested in, be sure to request a tuition breakdown. This will give you a good idea of exactly how much it will cost to complete your degree at that specific university.

There are a variety of different ways to handle the financial burden that comes with the ADN program. You may have savings that you plan to use, or maybe you plan to work while you are in school to pay your tuition. There are also grants, scholarships, and federal student aid that you can apply for as well. I personally chose to take out federal loans to cover the financial burden of school. I realize that may not be the perfect option for everyone, but for me, it eased the worry of paying for school so I could focus on getting my degree. If you are interested in seeing what options are available to you, you can complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA).


CHALLENGE #4: Combating Stress and Preventing Burnout


About the Challenge:

Let’s face it, you are going to face stress in an ADN program. After all, an ADN program is hard because it is meant to challenge you mentally, physically, and emotionally. To top it off, everything you do is in a short time span. It can be difficult at times to manage stress or prevent feeling burnout.

How to Overcome:

I know this may seem like a really simple answer to a not-so-simple problem, but the best way to get through this challenge is to find the stress relief that works best for you. Stress is inevitable, but there are healthy ways to address and handle it.

I always enjoyed running. Well, “enjoyed” may be a little bit of a stretch! Regardless, anytime I could feel my stress levels rising, going for a jog always helped relieve the stress and calm me down. With a clear mind, I was able to tackle my to-do list one item at a time instead of feeling overwhelmed and anxious.


CHALLENGE #5: Developing Clinical Skills


About the Challenge:

You will rely on your clinical skills on a daily basis throughout your nursing career. While it is true that your skills will evolve as you gain experience, you want to ensure that you are entering the field of nursing with a skill set that allows you to competently provide patient-centered care. One of the challenges of an ADN program is developing the clinical skills you need to succeed as a registered nurse.

How to Overcome:

I remember what it was like learning clinical skills in the lab and then going to clinicals during my nursing program. It was an exciting, yet frightening time. I wanted to do everything right and was so worried about whether I would fall on my face. The main thing I had to learn was that no one expected me to be perfect.

If you knew everything, you would not need to go to nursing school, right? Although an ADN program is hard, this is your opportunity to learn from faculty and preceptors in a safe environment and then apply that knowledge in a clinical setting under their supervision. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone during simulations and clinical rotations. With the guidance of your clinical instructors, you will develop and hone essential clinical skills that you will carry with you throughout your career.


CHALLENGE #6: You Must Make Personal Sacrifices


About the Challenge:

No matter how you look at it, there are going to be things that you miss out on because of the commitment that you must make to succeed in nursing school. Your social life may have to take the back burner for a few years while you focus on completing the program. There may be times when you feel you do not have enough time for family or personal things. For some, the level of personal sacrifice is another factor that makes an ADN program hard.

How to Overcome:

Having been where you are, I understand how hard sacrificing personal time can be. The best advice I can give you is to try and remember that this is just a temporary phase. Yes, you may have to miss out on several social events, but it is only for a couple of years. By making a short-term sacrifice, you can make a long-term investment in your future! Plus, anyone in your social circle should be understanding of your temporary shift in priorities.


CHALLENGE #7: Overcoming Test Anxiety


About the Challenge:

Even if you are an excellent test taker, nursing school exams can cause you to experience major test anxiety. I'm not going to lie; the exams in nursing school are some of the hardest tests I have taken throughout my academic career! They are designed to be that way, though. Nursing schools must ensure that you have a solid understanding of the content and that you can apply what you learn in theory to your daily practices.

How to Overcome:

I can honestly say there is only one way to overcome the challenge of test anxiety: Study, study, study! Okay, so that seems like the obvious answer, but you would be surprised how many of my classmates would show up to an exam only having studied a few hours. They were usually the ones freaking out in the hallways right before the test. If you put in the time to work with and understand the material, then you will be much more confident and comfortable on test day!

Also, I found I was more successful and less anxious if I moved through the exam one question at a time without going back and second-guessing my original answers. It never failed; every answer that I went back and changed ended up being a question I missed.


CHALLENGE #8: Learning to Build Strong Communication Skills


About the Challenge:

Communication skills directly impact every interaction that you have in life, including in nursing school and throughout your career in nursing. For some students, especially those who are naturally introverts, the process of developing strong communication skills is another factor that makes an ADN program hard. Whether you are communicating with your peers, professors, patients, families, or other members of the healthcare team, you must be able to communicate clearly and effectively.

How to Overcome:

There are quite a few things that you can implement into your daily interactions to help you develop strong communication skills. Some of these techniques include practicing active listening, communicating in a straightforward manner, and paying attention to nonverbal cues. It is also important to seek out various opportunities to use different communication techniques. After all, practicing is the best way to develop stronger skills!


CHALLENGE #9: Preparing for The NCLEX


About the Challenge:

The exams throughout nursing school are hard because they are designed to help prepare you to take the NCLEX after graduation. The NCLEX is the exam that determines whether or not you receive your RN credentialing. Talk about nerve-wracking! You want to go into the NCLEX exam feeling confident in your ability to successfully pass.

How to Overcome:

While the ADN program is designed to prepare you to take the NCLEX, there are some things that you can do to be better prepared for the exam. For example, be sure to take full advantage of the resources that are offered through your program. Most institutions incorporate materials from a third-party company that specializes in NCLEX prep. Regardless of what materials are assigned as part of the curriculum, take advantage of everything that you have access to. If there are additional practice questions, go through them.

You can also purchase additional study materials on your own through companies like Hurst Review Services or ATI Testing. While I feel like I benefited the most from utilizing the resources available through Hurst, there are so many options available. Also, don’t forget to buy an NCLEX-RN review book!


CHALLENGE #10: Preparing to Transition to Your First Nursing Role


About the Challenge:

An ADN program is hard, and one of the things that makes it hard is that it prepares you to transition to your role as a registered nurse. As you progress through the program and get closer to the finish line and graduating, it can bring on a lot of different emotions. You may be overwhelmed with feelings of excitement and relief. You may also feel a little worried or afraid because this is new territory for you. Feeling this way during this time of transition is perfectly normal.

How to Overcome:

There’s a lot of anxiety that can come with the realization that you are about to be responsible for your own set of patients. It is going to be okay, though; just take a deep breath! Many of the facilities that hire new nursing graduates have preceptorships to help make the transition from nursing student to nurse go more smoothly.

One thing I learned early on is that no matter how much you think you know, you never know too much to ask questions. Do not be afraid to ask questions! Whether you are asking your preceptor or a more seasoned nurse, be sure to seek guidance when you need it. You have been preparing for this, and you have proven that you are capable. Believe in yourself and trust that you will become more comfortable in your new role over time!



My Final Thoughts


If you have been considering enrolling in an ADN program, then the most pressing question on your mind has likely been, “How hard is an ADN program?” While the ADN program is going to challenge you physically, mentally, and emotionally, you can successfully conquer the obstacles, just as many before you have.

In this article, we discussed the 10 biggest challenges you will face in an ADN program and how to successfully overcome them. With this list, you have gained insight into some of the main challenges that you will face, and now you can better prepare yourself to overcome them.



Frequently Asked Questions Answered


1. How Long Does An ADN Program Take?

An ADN program can take anywhere from four to six semesters to complete, depending on your enrollment status and any prior credits you have completed.


2. What Are The Hardest Classes In An ADN Program?

The answer to this question is going to vary from student to student, depending on their academic strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most challenging courses in an ADN program include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing.


3. How Many Hours Do I Need To Study In An ADN Program?

There is no “one size fits all” answer here, as the amount of study time required to be successful in an ADN program is different for each student. The important thing is to identify what works best for you and stick with it! If you need to put in more study time to be successful, then do it. If you are a student who can pass exams without much preparation, then that's okay, too. Just remember, it is always better to be over-prepared when it comes to taking exams!


4. Is It Hard To Work During An ADN Program?

An ADN program is demanding of your time! With a condensed timeline and such a strenuous curriculum, you're going to stay busy, making it hard to work during an ADN program. It is possible to work while attending an ADN program, but there will be an additional set of challenges for you to overcome. You will need to master the art of time management to juggle the responsibilities that come with working while attending nursing school. It is doable though! I worked full-time throughout my entire ADN program. I found a job where I could work any combination of hours if the work for the week was done on time. This flexibility allowed me to balance school and work with ease.


5. What Next After Failing An ADN Program?

After failing an ADN program, you will need to meet with your academic advisor to get guidance about the next steps. With each program having different guidelines, you will want to check into the requirements of moving forward in your selected program. Sometimes, it is just a matter of retaking the course that you failed, and sometimes, you will have to reapply and restart the program all over again. Most institutions do have a limit on the number of times a student can fail before being completely dismissed from the program.



List of Sources Used for This Article


1. “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” (studentaid.gov)
2. “18 Effective Ways to Deal with Nursing School Stress” (nursingprocess.org)
3. “22 Clinical Goals for Nursing Students to be Successful in 2024” (nursingprocess.org)
4. “30 Top Therapeutic Communication Techniques in Nursing + How To Use Them” (nursingprocess.org)
5. “NCLEX Review for RN & PN” (hurstreview.com)
6. “ATI Testing” (atitesting.com)
7. “6 Hardest Classes in Nursing School and Ways to Survive Them” (nursingprocess.org)


Kelsey Bader, BSN, RN
Kelsey Bader is a registered nurse from Louisiana. Kelsey has a diverse range of experiences. Some of Kelsey’s work experience includes bedside nursing in ICUs at various hospitals in COVID and non-COVID units, emergency rooms. Kelsey has worked in remote chronic care management, as a remote patient monitoring nurse, and has experience as an Assistant Director of Nursing.