Is An ADN Worth It? – (Pros VS. Cons)
Written By:
Kelsey Bader
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. Read Full Bio »» , BSN, RN
Are you considering becoming a registered nurse? If so, you may know by now that there are several pathways from which to choose to accomplish your goals. One option I would like to discuss with you is an associate degree nursing program. Perhaps you have heard of this type of nursing program but wonder, “Is an ADN degree program worth it?”
Having been where you are, I understand that it can be hard to decipher all of the information that is out there. You want to make an informed decision and choose the best program to help you reach your goals that align with your circumstances. In this article, I am going to share 15 reasons why an ADN degree program is worth it and 5 reasons why it may not be the right degree for you to help you decide if this is the path you want to pursue. By the end of this article, you should feel more comfortable deciding whether an ADN program is worth it or whether an ADN program is not the right fit for you.
How Long Does an ADN Degree Take?
Typically, an ADN degree program takes between four to six semesters to complete. Of course, some factors can directly affect this timeline, such as prior college credits and enrollment status. For example, if you have previous college credits, you may be able to complete the program in less time by transferring credits to the nursing program. Also, full-time students can shorten the time it takes to graduate versus the time it takes part-time students to complete an ADN program. The length of completion can also vary greatly depending on the design and curriculum layout of the program.
One example is the ADN program at
Louisiana Delta Community College. The program has a curriculum that consists of 37 prerequisite credit hours and 33 nursing credit hours. As a full-time student, you can complete the program in six semesters.
Another ADN program, offered at the
University of Charleston, can be completed in just sixteen months. This program offers the flexibility of a hybrid curriculum plan.
If you are already a practicing LPN, you can complete an LPN-ADN bridge program like the one that is offered by
South Louisiana Community College. A program like this can be completed in as little as three semesters, contingent on all the prerequisites having been completed in your past program.
No matter which schools you consider, I strongly recommend checking the requirements of each program, as each must meet state licensing guidelines, and these vary from one state to the next.
How Much Does an ADN Degree Cost?
The cost associated with completing an ADN degree program can range anywhere from $4,651 to $45,282 for public school tuition and upwards of $135,000 for private school tuition.
There are many factors that can impact tuition costs, including enrollment status (full-time attendance vs part-time attendance), private vs public schooling, in-state vs out-of-state status, and program design (traditional, accelerated, LPN-ADN), etc.
For instance, the ADN program at
Midlands Technical College is estimated to cost $12,784 for five semesters of courses. This cost does not include any fees or equipment. On the other end of the spectrum, the ADN program offered at
American Career College in Los Angeles, California, is estimated to cost $85,441, which does include the cost of fees and supplies. Additionally, if you are looking for an LPN to ADN program, like the one offered by
Rasmussen University, you’re looking at an estimated program cost of $51,414.
Why is an ADN Degree Program Worth It? – the Pros
(The following are the 15 main reasons why an ADN degree program is worth it.)
REASON #1: Quicker Field Entry
If you’re looking for a nursing program that will get you in the field and working as soon as possible, the idea of earning an
Associate's Degree in Nursing is an excellent option. One of the features that makes an ADN degree program worth it is that you can typically enter the field in two years or less. When compared to the BSN program, an ADN program takes about half the time to complete.
The shorter time to complete the program was one of the driving factors that influenced me to apply to and complete an ADN program. I wanted to start working as a nurse as quickly as possible so I could begin to gain experience sooner rather than later, and the ADN program made that possible.
REASON #2: Lower Tuition Fees
When compared to the four-year alternative, ADN programs are more reasonably priced. Because ADN programs are shorter by nature, you have fewer tuition fees associated with completing the degree program. If finances are a determining factor when choosing which program to attend, then the lower tuition offered by an ADN program could make it a more feasible option.
Keep in mind that there are financial aid opportunities for all types of college degree programs. Although I chose to attend an ADN program, I still relied on financial aid to help cover the costs associated with earning my degree. Taking advantage of financial assistance options removed the immediate burden of the financial requirements and allowed me to focus solely on successfully completing the program. When applying to the nursing school program of your choice, don't forget to complete your
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) to see what federal student aid options are available to you.
REASON #3: Accessibility
Depending on your geographical location, you may have more accessibility to an ADN program than other program options. ADN programs are usually offered by community colleges and vocational schools. In the United States, there are close to 1,000 community colleges. With so many schools, there is an increased likelihood of an ADN program being offered locally to you. Greater accessibility for students is one of the top reasons why an ADN degree program is worth it! The ADN degree program may be the initial stepping stone that opens the door to a career in nursing that would not have been possible otherwise.
REASON #4: Strong Nursing Foundation
Even though an ADN program is shorter than other registered nurse programs, the curriculum for the program’s curriculum is structured to help you develop a solid foundation when it comes to the fundamentals of nursing. The courses are designed to fully prepare students to competently fulfill their future roles as nurses in the medical field. In the ADN program, you will learn about a variety of disease processes, treatments and interventions, evidence-based practices, and nursing fundamentals. In addition to lectures, you will also complete a set number of hours for clinical rotations. This combination of coursework and clinicals lays a solid foundation of nursing knowledge and skills, ensuring you are equipped to provide safe, quality care to patients.
REASON #5: Flexibility
With the majority of the ADN programs being offered by community colleges, there is an element of flexibility that you may not have with alternate programs. Many ADN programs offer a variety of individualized enrollment options, such as part-time, full-time, and even evening classes. Having the ability to customize the scheduling of classes makes the ADN degree program worth it for students who are simultaneously juggling other priorities like a family or a job. The flexibility that the ADN program provides makes it possible for students who would not be able to attend a nursing program otherwise to complete the program and go on to fulfill nursing roles throughout healthcare.
REASON #6: You Can Go Back to an RN to BSN Bridge Program
Whether you choose an ADN program because of its lower tuition cost, flexibility, or shorter time commitment, you always have the option to return to school and obtain your BSN degree. There are numerous RN-BSN bridge programs that allow students who have obtained their ADN degree to complete the required coursework and obtain their BSN degree. Most of the bridge programs can be completed simultaneously while you are working as a nurse, as many of the programs are offered online.
I chose to return to school and complete an RN-BSN bridge program about six months after graduating from an ADN degree program. For me, this pathway was the best option because I was able to start working as a nurse after just two years of schooling, then I was able to continue gaining experience in the field while I worked towards completing my BSN degree. Due to my enrollment status and the way I scheduled my classes, I was able to complete the RN-BSN bridge program in fourteen months.
REASON #7: You will Have Great Clinical Experiences!
Just like other program options, the ADN degree program requires nursing students to successfully complete a set number of clinical practicum hours. The completion of clinical hours is a requirement that is set by each state’s Board of Nursing and is one of the requirements that students must fulfill in order to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam. By providing nursing students with the hands-on experience of clinical rotations, students are given the opportunity to apply the knowledge they’ve learned throughout the program and practice the variety of skill sets that they have been taught. Overall, having the structured clinical experiences that an ADN degree program offers prepares nursing students to deliver quality patient care to a diverse population of patients. This aspect is one of the biggest reasons why an ADN degree program is worth it!
REASON #8: Career Path Flexibility
What some may view as a shortcoming of the ADN degree program, others may view as an opportunity. Since ADN graduates can secure entry-level jobs in a variety of environments, they are given a unique chance to directly observe and explore the career advancement opportunities that exist in nursing. For example, if you feel drawn to the field of nursing and you have found yourself considering a career in nursing management or administration, an ADN program would afford you the opportunity to observe those roles firsthand before taking on the commitments that come with the requirement of completing more extensive schooling.
I have always gravitated towards leadership roles. Before completing nursing school, I always pictured myself moving into an administrative role one day. It wasn't until I graduated from my ADN program and was working as a nurse that I got an up-close preview of what a management position entailed, and I realized that I actually preferred my patient care role.
REASON #9: Shorter Program/Same Credentials
If you want to become a nurse but are not looking to commit the standard four years to completing a program, then an ADN program may be the perfect alternative for you! As an associate's degree, the ADN program allows nursing students to be eligible to sit for the national credentialing exam, the NCLEX, after having completed just two years of coursework. The shorter curriculum definitely makes the program more appealing and is one of the biggest reasons why an ADN degree program is worth it.
When I finally decided to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse, I had already simultaneously completed two Bachelor's degrees within the last few years. The idea of an additional four years of schooling just seemed discouraging. It made me feel like I would be starting over from scratch, with nothing to show for the time I had already spent in school. That's when I came across the idea of an ADN program and realized that I could still obtain the same Registered Nurse credentials that a BSN program offered but in half the time. For me, this was the ideal option!
REASON #10: NCLEX Preparation
As part of the ADN program, you will complete lectures and assignments that are geared towards preparing you to sit for, and successfully pass, the NCLEX. Each program’s integration of NCLEX preparation can look slightly different. Some programs partner with an outside company that specializes in preparing students to take the NCLEX, while other programs may have an internal prep course that is unique to that specific school.
The program that I attended relied on a combination of two different resources to adequately prepare students. We completed assignments through
ATI Testing and the
Hurst Review. Whatever resource your institution chooses to implement, take full advantage of it! Also remember, you can always purchase additional materials if you feel like you need something more or something different.
REASON #11: More Personalized Learning Experience
For the most part, classes offered through community colleges or vocational schools tend to be smaller when compared to the class sizes you may encounter at your local university. Smaller classes allow students to have a more personalized, intimate learning experience. You can build a stronger relationship with your peers, teachers, and program leaders. Having a more personal relationship makes it easier to ask for other’s help or input throughout the program.
Some of the friendships I made in nursing school have become lifelong friendships. I know for a fact that surviving nursing school would’ve been a lot harder without those relationships. I feel like the advantage of having smaller classes made forming those bonds a lot easier, which is one of the many reasons an ADN degree program is worth it. Smaller classes also helped me to build relationships with my professors, which is something I did not have the opportunity to do when pursuing my prior degrees. The connections that were formed created an atmosphere of mutual support for each student's success in the program. We were all in it together, and we did not want anyone to be left behind!
REASON #12: Variety of Job Opportunities
With an ADN degree, nursing graduates are eligible as candidates for a variety of entry-level job opportunities. After graduating and passing the NCLEX to become licensed as a registered nurse, you will be available for jobs such as nursing roles within hospitals, community centers, long-term care facilities, clinics, surgery centers, schools, and correctional centers - just to name a few!
Within each of these settings, ADN graduates can choose to work in a variety of healthcare specialties. Some of these specialties include emergency medicine, critical care, hospice, telehealth, and community health. There are endless opportunities, and obtaining an ADN degree will empower you to pursue diverse career paths within the field of nursing.
REASON #13: ADN Programs Provide a Pathway to an Advanced Degree
If you graduate from an ADN degree program and decide you want to further your career, there are options available that will allow you to go on to obtain an advanced degree in nursing. What this means for you is that you are not boxing yourself in by completing an ADN program, so to speak. As an ADN graduate, you can not only complete an RN-BSN bridge program, but you can earn a master’s or doctorate in nursing. With one of these graduate degrees, you could become a nurse practitioner, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, or a certified nurse midwife. These are just a few of the possibilities when it comes to an advanced nursing degree! Regardless of the career path you choose, an ADN degree program can serve as the perfect stepping stone to reach your goal.
REASON#14: You Will Learn Critical Thinking Skills
Critical thinking skills in nursing are, well…critical! There is a reason why almost every job description throughout the medical field lists ‘strong critical thinking skills’ as a basic requirement. This skill set is imperative to the delivery of safe, quality healthcare to patients. Even though ADN degree programs have a more condensed timeline, there is still a large amount of significance placed on the development of student’s critical thinking skills and clinical judgment. The program’s focus on the growth of such vital skills is one of the top reasons why an ADN degree program is worth it!
REASON #15: You Can Earn Certifications
In addition to earning your ADN, you can also
earn nursing certifications, which make you more competitive in the job market. For example, you could earn a Critical Care RN Certification, Progressive Care Nursing Certification, or become a Certified Emergency Care RN. Although earning a specialty certification is not required, it is an excellent way to highlight your skills and knowledge. Having your associate degree is typically one of the requirements for becoming certified, which makes an ADN worth it.
Why an ADN Degree Program May Not Be Worth It for You? – the Cons
(Now that we have discussed the 15 reasons why an ADN degree program is worth it, I will share 5 main reasons why an ADN degree program may not be worth it for you.)
REASON #1: Lack of Long-Term Career Advancement Opportunities
If you are set on having a nursing career in leadership or management, then you may feel that an ADN degree program is not worth it. While you may find a job as a charge nurse in a long-term care facility or physician’s office with an ADN, most leadership roles require a minimum Bachelor’s degree to be considered. Therefore, if you have a career goal of long-term advancement, then completing anything less than a BSN degree program may seem like a waste of time. While you can still complete a BSN after getting your ADN, it will entail additional schooling and additional costs. Some applicants may prefer just to complete everything within one fluid program.
REASON #2: Lower Rate of Compensation
When compared to graduates of a BSN degree program, ADN graduates typically earn lower salaries, which is one reason you may feel an ADN is not worth it. For instance, the beginning salary of ADN program graduates is around $50,000 for an entry-level position. On the other hand, a BSN graduate may be offered a starting salary of $54,000 for the same position.
With experience, your earning potential increases. However, the fact that you have an associate degree instead of a higher nursing degree may still leave you at a lower pay rate. In addition to your level of education and years of experience, specialty training, certifications, and geographical location may impact your earning potential. Unfortunately, you may be slightly restricted on just how much specialty training/certifications you can complete, as many of these advancements require the applicant to have a BSN degree.
REASON #3: Less Exposure to Professional Development Coursework
Most of the fundamental courses in ADN programs highlight the importance of things like leadership, ethics, and effective communication throughout nursing. Unlike alternative nursing programs, most ADN programs do not offer extensive coursework in professional development or leadership topics. While ADN programs may provide an overview of professional development elements, you may not have the opportunity to receive the level of in-depth training that other programs offer.
As a result, ADN program graduates may not feel as prepared to play an active role in things like interdisciplinary collaboration and patient advocacy when compared to their counterparts. For this reason, you may feel that the ADN degree program is not worth it.
REASON #4: Job Market Competition
Even on job postings that do not list a BSN as a defined requirement, when given an option, employers often prefer candidates who possess a BSN degree compared to those with an ADN degree. Therefore, depending on the situation, you may be at an automatic disadvantage when it comes to competition in the job market. Unfortunately, in some cases, even if you have more experience, the only way to eliminate the disadvantage would be to return to school and complete an RN-BSN bridge program.
REASON #5: Your Personal Goals Do Not Align with Program Goals
I like to encourage anyone considering going to nursing school to think about personal and professional goals before choosing the type of program they want to attend. Your personal and professional goals need to line up with the goals of whichever program you choose. If your goals do not align with an associate degree nursing program, you may feel the ADN degree program is not worth it. It is perfectly okay if you decide an ADN program is not the path for you. After all, there is not one program out there that is a perfect fit for everyone. Luckily, there is a variety of options to choose from, so you can choose the best option for you.
What is the Average Salary for ADN Degree Holders?
According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of an ADN degree holder is $89,010. This figure is based on an average hourly compensation of $42.79, which equals $1,712 per week and $7,420 per month.
Hourly | $42.79 |
Weekly | $1,712 |
Monthly | $7,420 |
Annual | $89,010 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Is the Cost of an ADN Degree Worth The Return On Investment (ROI)?
The answer to this question varies, depending on who you ask. For some people, the lower cost, flexibility, and shorter time commitment are enough to make the ADN degree program well worth the return on investment. For others, the ADN degree program just seems like an unnecessary step in the pathway of obtaining a BSN degree. There is no right or wrong answer here. At the end of the day, the cost of the program compared to your potential income makes an ADN program worth the return on investment. Anything you do beyond that only adds value to your career or makes your potential greater.
My Final Thoughts
When I was first considering going to nursing school, I felt a bit overwhelmed by all the program options. I knew I wanted to become a registered nurse, but I wondered, “Is an ADN degree program worth it?” So, I understand if you have questions. Personally, I found it helpful to make a list of the pros and cons of the different types of programs and comparing them to my individual situation. At the end of the day, the ADN degree program provided me with the best option in terms of what I was looking to get out of the program.
In this article, I shared my opinion, based on my experiences, of 15 reasons why an ADN degree program is worth it and 5 reasons why it may not be the right degree for you. I encourage you to make your own list of pros and cons and compare them to the reasons I listed here to help you make a decision that is best for you.
List Of Sources Used For This Article
1.
“What is an ADN Program? - The Complete Guide” (
nursingprocess.org)
2.
“FASFA Form” (
studentaid.gov)
3.
“NCLEX Prep Solutions” (
atitesting.com)
4.
“NCLEX Review” (
hurstreview.com)
5.
American Nurses Credentialing Center
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.