ADN Versus Diploma Nursing Degrees

If you want to get your RN quickly, you may be debating between an ADN degree and a diploma nursing degree. But what are the differences?

Both courses of study will allow you to become a nurse and work in the health care field. These programs are usually offered through a hospital or other like facility, and when you finish your program, you will be certified to work in a hospital or other inpatient facility with your diploma.

An ADN, or an associate's degree in nursing, is usually offered through a community college. When you finish the program, you will have an associate's degree and will be qualified to work anywhere an RN can work. However, most facilities require a BSN for career advancement.

Once you have completed either a diploma nursing degree or an AND degree, you may want to consider furthering your education with a BSN degree. South University offers a RN to BSN completion program for diploma or associate's degree nurses that can be completed in as little as 1 ½ years, entirely online.