An associate degree in Nursing (ADN) is the standard pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) today. This degree qualifies aspiring nurses to complete the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and, upon passing, pursue a range of specialties and careers after graduation.
While an associate degree in Nursing is not the only way to kick off an RN career, there is a reason why so many nurses choose this award to start. An associate degree in Nursing takes only two or three years to complete, while a traditional bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) takes four years or more. This means that nurses who complete their associate degree are prepared to jump into the workforce fast—building connections and caring for patients in need.
Still, the question remains, what can you do with an associate degree in Nursing? What types of careers will be available to you with this degree in hand?
At a high level, nurses with an associate degree are able to fulfill a diversity of patient care roles in hospitals, emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, long-term rehab centers, senior living facilities, and more. There is no shortage of work for RNs; every environment that delivers healthcare is a potential workplace for Registered Nurses. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are no signs of the job market slowing down. Across the nation, RNs can expect to see over 193,000 job openings each year between 2022 and 2032.
What you can do with an associate degree in Nursing
Before discussing the specific career paths available with an associate Nursing degree, let’s first explore what an associate degree in Nursing can do for you and your career.
While the initial investment in nursing school can feel hard at times, most nurses agree that it quickly pays off. With an associate degree in Nursing, you will become eligible for RN licensure and gain access to an array of career benefits upon becoming a Registered Nurse. These include:
- Eligibility for licensure – All Registered Nurses in the U.S. need to become licensed, and completing the NCLEX-RN examination is the standard process for doing so. In order to become eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN, you must complete an approved nursing degree program. This will enable you to practice and provide patient care.
- Flexibility and mobility – Registered nursing careers are ranked among the top 10 best healthcare jobs, and part of the reason for this is the level of flexibility and upward mobility involved. Nurses can take on a range of schedules depending on their needs and work environment, from regular office hours to three-day workweeks and overnight shifts. On top of this, nurses have the potential to grow in their fields. Starting with an associate degree in Nursing lays the groundwork, but nurses can keep learning and growing their skillsets through continuing education and certification options.
- High salary potential – RNs across the nation earn an average of $86,000 per year. However, there’s the possibility of earning even more depending on where you live and work. RNs in Connecticut can expect to earn over $100,000 annually.
Learn how to become a Registered Nurse in our free, downloadable guide!
Now, without further ado, let’s explore some of the lucrative career options available to those with an associate degree in Nursing.
Associate degree in Nursing career options
An associate degree in Nursing (ADN) provides a strong foundation for a variety of roles, but most importantly, it enables you to become a Registered Nurse. With an RN license, you can go on to fulfill a broader range of roles and titles in nursing. While the specific duties of these roles will vary, most RNs can expect to coordinate care for patients, administer medications and treatments, educate patients and their families, monitor patients’ health status, operate medical equipment, perform diagnostic tests, and collaborate with a larger medical team.
Below are some examples of the specific careers available to you with an associate degree in Nursing and RN licensure:
1. Emergency Room Nurse
Emergency Room (ER) nurses deliver crucial care in emergency departments. They respond to urgent medical situations and help stabilize patients in need. This is a fast-paced career option designed for nurses who like variety in their day-to-day and are able to think quickly on their feet.
2. Home Health Nurse
Home health nurses provide healthcare services to patients in their homes. These patients typically require longer-term care and oversight, but prefer to stay in the comfort of their own homes. Examples of demographics include the elderly, patients with chronic illness, and those recovering from injury or surgery. Home health nurses assist these patients with daily living activities and help to manage any chronic symptoms or conditions.
3. Travel Nurse
Travel nurses typically work for healthcare agencies, fulfilling short-term staffing needs in a variety of places and healthcare environments. Travel nurses receive temporary assignments (typically a few months at a time) working in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings throughout the U.S. Like any RN, travel nurses deliver patient care and collaborate with other team members, but enjoy a flexible career traveling from place to place.
4. Long-Term Care Nurse
Nurses often work in long-term healthcare settings, such as nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living facilities, caring for elderly and disabled patients. Nurses in these settings will assist patients with daily living activities, as well as administer treatments and ensure residents are comfortable. Nurses in these settings enjoy the ability to form relationships with their patients, as they see the same patients every day.
5. Specialized RN in Private Practice Setting
While most RNs work in hospitals, many nurses (about eight percent in the U.S.) will also pursue careers in private practices and the offices of physicians. Nurses in these settings fulfill typical patient care duties, including administering medications, monitoring patient health, completing patient assessments, and assisting with medical procedures. However, these RNs can look forward to more standard “office hours”, as many physicians’ offices and practices are only open on weekdays, from nine to five. Additionally, nurses in practice settings are often able to gain specialized knowledge and skills. Here are some examples of areas you can specialize in as a Registered Nurse:
- Critical Care
- Dialysis
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Pediatric Care
- Oncology
- Women’s Health or OB/GYN
Carve your own path with an associate degree in Nursing
While the above list showcases some of the most exciting or popular careers with an associate in Nursing, it’s in no way meant to be a comprehensive list. This is because the career options with an associate degree in Nursing are limitless! With the foundational knowledge and skillsets in nursing, plus your official RN credential, you have the option to pursue a vast array of specialties and titles inside and outside of patient care. Depending on your interests and talents, as well as scheduling needs and career goals, you can truly carve your own path and choose the area of nursing that feels right to you.
To learn more about the different nursing specialties available to RNs, visit our article here.
Additionally, you do not need to enter a career right after graduation. Or, if you do choose to get started in the workforce, you still have the option to continue your education and advance your career prospects. Most nurses choose to get an associate degree in Nursing so that they can kickstart their career fast. However, with a little experience under their belts, they often go back to school to earn a bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN). A BSN degree can qualify Registered Nurses for more advanced leadership roles, or put graduate school a bit more in reach for those looking to become an APRN. And RN-to-BSN programs are very flexible. At Goodwin, the RN-to-BSN degree is offered entirely online and in a part-time format, so that nurses can continue working while advancing their education.
Pursue your associate degree in Nursing at Goodwin University
The beauty of the nursing field is the vastness and variety involved. With an associate degree in Nursing and your RN license in hand, you will have access to a number of job opportunities working with diverse populations, in different specialties.
If you live in Connecticut, Goodwin University can help you launch a nursing career you love. We offer a variety of career-entry nursing degree programs for aspiring RNs, including the associate degree route. Our nursing programs are flexible, with part-time class schedules, evening course options, and no wait lists for enrollment. At Goodwin, you can complete your associate degree in Nursing in just 20 months part-time, after prerequisites are complete.