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The current nursing shortage makes now a great time for women and men to pursue a nursing degree. Whether you are a recent high school graduate or someone looking to change careers, a nursing degree can prepare you for a highly rewarding profession that offers long-term growth and diversity. If you've decided on nursing as your career choice and wish to enter the field quickly, either a nursing diploma or an associate's degree in nursing will help you achieve that goal. Both credentials qualify graduates for entry-level nursing jobs, but each one offers distinct advantages that you should take into consideration.  What to Expect in Your Nursing Program Diploma in Nursing Hospital-based nursing diploma programs usually take two to three years to complete and prepare students for nursing jobs delivering direct patient care in hospitals or other inpatient facilities. With a diploma in nursing, you qualify to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for a registered nursing (RN) license. The number of hospitals that offer nursing diploma programs has decreased in the United States from over 800 in the 1970s to less than 100 today. However, the ones that exist are often affiliated with community colleges where students can take basic liberal arts classes that fulfill requirements for an associate's in nursing. Associate's Degree in Nursing As a cost-effective alternative to a bachelor's degree, students can earn an associate's degree in nursing at community colleges and 4-year institutions across the country. The curriculum for a 2-year associate's in nursing program focuses on technical nursing skills and typically requires students to complete basic math, science and English courses to round out their education. Graduates of an associate's in nursing program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for their RN license. An associate's degree in nursing qualifies students for entry-level nursing jobs in hospitals or inpatient facilities. Additionally, the degree often serves as a steppingstone for nurses interested in eventually earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Choosing Between a Nursing
Diploma and an Associate's in Nursing The table below highlights the similarities and differences between a nursing diploma and an associate's degree in nursing. Your individual situation and career aspirations will best determine the right program choice for you. | | Diploma in Nursing | Associate's Degree in Nursing | | Time to Completion | 3 years | 2 years | | Program Location | Hospitals | Community or 4-year colleges | | Qualifies You for Licensure Exam | Yes (NCLEX-RN) | Yes (NCLEX-RN) | | Types of Nursing Jobs You Can Attain | Entry-level at hospitals or inpatient care facilities | Entry-level at hospitals or inpatient care facilities | | Fulfills Requirements You Can Apply to a Higher-Level Degree | No | Yes | Applying Your Nursing Diploma or
Associate's in Nursing Toward Certification Getting your nursing diploma or associate's degree in nursing are great ways to start your nursing career. And you will find many accredited nursing programs that provide the technical and hands-on training you need to succeed as a practicing nurse. As previously mentioned, either a diploma in nursing or an associate's in nursing qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for your registered nursing license. However, an associate's degree can serve you later in your career should you decide to pursue a BSN or an advanced nursing degree that prepares you for specialized nursing practice. Of course, if you choose to earn a diploma in nursing now, you can always return to school to complete requirements for an associate's or bachelor's degree later in your career. Turn Your Dream of Becoming a Nurse Into Reality Nursing is an excellent career choice given the current demand for qualified nurses across the country. The field accepts candidates of all ages and experience levels, and nursing students will find a wide variety of financial aid options available to help them fund their education. So put your compassion, dedication and skills to work in a nursing career, and enjoy the long-term personal and professional rewards the job has to offer. Sources:
DiscoverNursing.com, 2002-2006
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009 |
