How to Choose the Best Associate Degree in Nursing Program? 8 Best Tips

This article outlines some actionable tips that aspiring nursing students must consider before choosing an associate degree in nursing program. Let’s explore these tips!

Do you want to advance your career in the nursing field? You are definitely in the right direction. According to the report by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the current rate of employment of registered nurses is expected to increase by 6% from 2023 to 2033, representing faster growth compared to all other occupations.

Completing an associate degree in nursing is a thriving opportunity to advance your career. However, the question is how to choose the best associate degree in a nursing program, as numerous institutions offer this degree.

Don’t worry, we have got you covered. In this article, we’ll share valuable tips to choose the best degree in nursing. Keep reading to explore these tips.

Key Highlights:

• Becoming a registered nurse is a rewarding career option for aspiring students aiming to make their careers in the medical field.
• Choosing the right associate degree in nursing (ADN) is the foundation for a lucrative career in the nursing profession.
• To select the right nursing program, students have to follow some key tips that we have mentioned in this article.
• These tips include determining the requirements, considering the benefits that nursing school offers, visiting the school before getting admission, checking the faculty’s qualifications, taking into account the accreditation, and exploring the clinical facilities offered by the nursing school.

Before moving on to these tips, let’s first get an overview of this nursing degree.

What is the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program?

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is a two-year degree that allows students to start their career quickly, as other nursing degrees take a longer time to complete. This degree also allows students to become eligible for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and get a license to become a registered nurse.

Further, students learn basic clinical skills and acquire fundamental nursing knowledge that is essential to become a skilled nurse. Upon completing this associate’s degree, students can start their career as a registered nurse in the following fields:

• Government Medical Sectors
• Private and State Hospitals
• Emergency Services Provision Institute
• Healthcare Residential Care Facilities
• Government and Private Medical Education Institutions

However, to complete this degree program from a reputable nursing school, students are often required to write an essay to get admission. Writing this technical document requires extensive medical knowledge, strong critical thinking skills, good analysis skills, and writing expertise.

These requirements make it hard for students to write this essay. They can avail of essay writing services from The Academic Papers UK to secure their seat in their desired medical institute.

8 Tips to Choose the Best Associate Degree in Nursing Program

An ADN is the stepping stone to making your career in nursing. You will find various options for nursing programs around you. Choosing any of them depends on your career aspirations, financial status, personal lifestyle, and other household responsibilities.

Nonetheless, apart from these factors, there are some tips that you must consider while selecting a program for the associate nursing degree. Have a look at what these tips are:

1: Determine Your Requirements

Different nursing programs have different structures from which different students can benefit, so it’s important to first determine what you actually want from that program before making any decision.

Below is a list of the key things that you must consider while picking a nursing program:

• The time frame in which you want to complete your associate nursing is your major requirement that you might consider while looking for an associate nursing degree. Some students want to enter the medical field as soon as possible, and they often go with a one-year associate nursing degree, while some other students want to complete an advanced nursing degree, so they go with a 2-3-year advanced nursing program after a bachelor’s. Thus, you have to just determine in which category you fall.
• The classroom structure has a significant impact on your overall studies. So, it is important to identify which classroom structure best suits you. For instance, some students learn more in large classroom settings, on the other hand others want individual attention in small classroom structures. Once you know which classroom structure works for you, you just have to check the average students per class in your desired nursing school.
• Nursing is a vast field of study, having various subfields such as acute care, pediatric, healthcare, surgical nursing, and cardiovascular. Do you know which nursing specialty you are interested in? If yes, then check how many extra classes and clinical time your desired institute is offering. And in case you don’t know, then a program with a wide range of subfields is your best bet.

2: Explore the Key Benefits Offered by the School

Your nursing school is the stepping stone of your medical career, so it is good to take time to find the best fit. Below are some key factors that you must consider while picking the best school for your associate degree in nursing online program.

• No matter whether you are planning to attend on campus or to commute, the location of the school is an important factor that you must consider. If you are planning to commute, then consider various factors like drive time, parking, route, etc. If you will be living on campus, then consider the neighbourhood of the school and make sure that it is the surroundings that you will enjoy.
• Most students prefer to live on campus while completing their nursing education. If you are one of them, then you have to consider various things about life on campus at the nursing institution you are considering, such as:
  What is the distance of the hostel building from your department?
  What is the day-to-day dining menu?
  Is shuttle service available for students?
  Are there resting spaces or a study area for students?

• Most students prefer to work while living on campus during their associate degree in nursing program. If you are also planning to do a job with your degree to fulfill your financial needs, you must consider the available job opportunities on campus or nearby places.
• The next important factor that you must consider is the available technology that is being used during classes, labs, and libraries. Considering this factor is essential because using high-tech simulation in labs allows students to polish their clinical skills while studying.

3: Visit Various Schools and Consider Their Rankings

The best way to find a good associate degree in nursing program is to visit plenty of schools. Visiting the campus is a great way to interact with the faculty and get answers to all the questions that you have in your mind about the school. We recommend that you take time on your campus to explore the classroom structures, libraries, dorm rooms, nursing labs, and more.

Further, if it is possible, then you must visit the classes that are in session. This will give you a glimpse of what you will actually attend at that school. You can also talk with the current students and get to know about their experience of attending this nursing school.

Apart from the campus life, it is also good to explore the ranking of the nursing school that you are considering. Although ranking is not a deciding factor, it can be informative because ranking is based on data or statistics collected from various students. Moreover, we can say that ranking is helpful in case you are struggling to choose between two programs, as you can pick the program based on its ranking.

4: Verify School & Degree Accreditation

Accreditation is an important aspect of a nursing program. It is proof that the nursing program is offering high-quality medical health nursing education to students. This accreditation is also essential when you want to transfer your course to any other school.

However, accreditation of the school and the program both are important. The nursing school that you are considering must be approved by the Government’s Board of Nursing if you want to get the license. You can verify this approval by exploring the information on the official website of your desired school.

If we talk about the accreditation of the program, then it is also a significant aspect to consider while picking the right nursing program. If your chosen program is not accredited by the Government’s education department, then you will face difficulties in getting financial aid, transferring your course, and getting limited employment opportunities.

The highest accreditation comes from the following accredited department of the education department:

• The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education
• The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anaesthesia Educational Programs

Note: Keep in mind that accreditation of a program and school approval are not the same thing. Your entire school can be accredited doesn’t mean that your chosen program is guaranteed to be accredited.

5: Check NCLEX Passing Rate

You must know that you have to pass the NCLEX exam after completing your nursing program to get the license to become a registered nurse. You have to pay almost $200 to give this exam. This fee may increase depending on the location you are living in, so passing this exam is also important from a financial perspective.

You need to prepare for this exam during the associate degree in nursing program. Some schools are recognised as the best institutions to prepare for this exam for others. These schools have a dedicated class for NCLEX exam prep. Therefore, considering the NCLEX passing rate is important when picking a nursing school.

Generally, this passing is listed on the website of the nursing programs. Always choose the nursing program that has an 85% to 90% NCLEX passing rate, as it will ensure that your chosen school prepares students to pass this test with distinction.

6: Consider Cost and Financial Aid Programs

Considering the cost of the program is another important aspect to keep in mind while choosing the best nursing program. The total program cost must match your budget.

According to a report by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the total cost for the associate nursing program is $11,976. This cost includes the tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational expenses.

Your decision to live on campus or commute from home also depends on your budget. Besides, exploring the financial aid options at the school is also important while selecting a nursing school. Always choose the program that offers the following financial assistance:

• State grants
• Federal loans
• Scholarships
• Federal financial aid
• Study-work program

7: Get to Know About the Clinical Facilities and Experience

Another crucial thing that you have to consider while choosing the associate degree in nursing program is the clinical experience and facilities at the nursing school. This clinical expertise and facilities empower you to advance in your professional nursing field.

Further, an updated lab will allow you to start your nursing practice before working with the actual patients. Without this clinical expertise, transitioning into your new professional role will become a challenging task for you.

Therefore, it is important to consider the following factors to assess the clinical facilities that you will get during your nursing program:

• What hospitals and clinical setups is your chosen program associated with?
• What does the nursing program allow students to do or not to do?
• How much hands-on experience does the program offer?
• What state-of-the-art facilities are offered at the program?

8: Consider the Faculty Qualification

Before choosing any nursing program, it is also important to consider the faculty’s qualifications. That is because you will be spending most of your time with your professor. By knowing the professors’ qualifications and skills, you will get the validation that you will be getting the training from qualified professionals.

Moreover, a diverse nursing program having unique teachers will allow you to acquire fundamental nursing skills. So, always choose the associate degree in nursing program with professionals who have teachers with nursing skills and expertise, which helps you to prepare for a future nursing job.

To check the faculty’s qualifications, you can explore their profiles, which are usually given on the official website of the program. Further, you can ask questions to the professors directly before getting admission. These things may include:

• Their practical nursing experience
• From where they got their degree
• Their education level and specialisation

Now that you have explored some valuable tips that you must follow before choosing any associate degree in nursing program, we hope that these tips will help you in making an informed decision. If you are still confused, then you can pick any nursing school that we are going to mention in the next section.

5 Best Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs for Students in 2025

Selecting the best ADN is the keystone for students who want to pursue their career in the nursing field. Therefore, we have come up with a list of the best nursing degrees for students in 2025. Our curated list of nursing schools is based on the recommendations given by the National Center for Education Statistics.

Check out what these are:

1: Howard School

• Program Length: 2 Years
• Cost per Course: $80
• Accreditation: ACEN

One of the best schools for an associate degree in nursing program is Howard School, which offers a flexible nursing degree aimed at preparing students for the NCLEX exam. This institute offers this degree in both traditional classroom settings and online formats, making this degree accessible for professionals and students from rural areas. Further, this curriculum at this school is designed in such a way that allows students to start their profession as a registered nurse as soon as possible.

2: Chabot College, Hayward

• Program Duration: 2 Years
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Tuition Fee: $7,000

If you want 100% assurance of passing the NCLEX test, then the Chatbot College is the best option for you. This college boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate since 2015. Almost more than 40 students get admission to this nursing school every year, which makes it competitive for students to become one of these 40 students. There is no summer break in this nursing program; students attend four consecutive semesters, allowing them to complete this degree as soon as possible.

3: Cayuga Community College

• Cost per Credit: $211 for the Entire Degree
• Program Duration: 2 Years
• Accreditation: Accredited by ACEN

The Cayuga Community College is another great option for completing your associate nursing degree. This school aims to prepare students for their professional nursing career by providing the essential nursing skills during the coursework. Like the Howard School, it is also offering flexible learning options to students.

The best thing about this program is that it is a perfect blend of online coursework learning and practical nursing experience, promising a successful career in the nursing field to aspiring students.

4: Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC

• Program Length: 2 Years
• Annual Tuition Fees: $1,226 – $4,288
• Accreditation: CNEA

A-B Tech offers a student-centric and high-quality associate degree in nursing program. During this degree program, students get an opportunity to receive classroom instruction and implement this theoretical knowledge during hands-on clinical training.

In addition to traditional 2-year AND, this school also offers a Licensed Practical Nurse Program (LPN), which acts as the bridge for other professionals to move on to nursing.

5: University of Pittsburgh-Titusville

• Program Duration: 18-24 months
• Cost per Credit: $475 for the Entire Program
• Accreditation: ACEN

The University of Pittsburgh offers a great opportunity for students to become registered nurses. This nursing school conducts a separate class for NCLEX preparation and empowers students to pursue their careers in the nursing field. The best part of this nursing program is that it offers flexibility to students to complete their nursing degree on campus or in an online learning setting.

Where Can Students Work After Completing the Associate Degree in Nursing Program?

As per the report by Zippia, 46% of the registered nurses in the U.S have completed the Associate Degree in Nursing, and 44% professionals have done their Bachelor’s in Nursing, which means ADN is the most common pathway in the nursing field.

Earning an Associate Degree in Nursing is a great opportunity for students to kick-start their careers in the medical profession. By completing this degree, students can work in the following medical settings:

• Hospitals: One of the greatest medical settings where ADN nurses can work after getting licensed is a hospital. In hospitals, these nurses provide direct care to the patients. This direct care includes assistance in medication, conducting basic diagnostic tests, assisting in surgical units, and more.
• Long-term Care Facilities: ADN nurses are also primary caregivers in long-term healthcare facilities and nursing homes. These nurses offer assistance to elderly or disabled residents by managing their medication, monitoring their health changes, and reporting to families about their health conditions.
• Private Clinics & Medical Offices: After completing the associate program in nursing, aspiring professionals can perform the regular assessments of patients, administer their vaccinations, and assist doctors during surgical operations.
• Home Healthcare Companies: Another way to start a nursing career after becoming a registered ADN nurse is home healthcare companies. At these healthcare companies, the ADN nurses offer personalised care to the patients in wound treatment, medication, and other minor surgical operations.
• Outpatient Care Centres: The registered AND nurses generally focus on providing preoperative and postoperative care. Also, at these outpatient care centres, the nurses prepare the patients for the surgical procedures and later monitor the speed of the recovery.

How Much Time Does it Take to Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing Program?

Generally, the ADN Program takes 2 to 3 years to complete. This degree comprises classroom learning, lab work, and clinical rotations. Moreover, in the first year of this degree program, the students get education of the general courses in the first year, and the students learn more specific courses in the last year.

The theoretical knowledge of the classroom enables students to build the foundation of the nursing field, clinical rotations allow students to get hands-on experience in healthcare settings, and the lab work gives an opportunity to practice nursing skills in the professional field. So, we can say that the total time to complete this nursing program depends on the time that students take to master both theoretical knowledge and practical applications.

Also, during this degree program, students write multiple essays on complex topics related to the nursing field. However, sometimes it becomes an uphill battle for them to write an essay on complicated topics; they can approach the reliable essay writing agencies to ensure the successful completion of their essays.

How Much a Student Can Earn After Completing the Associate Degree in Nursing?

Becoming a registered degree after completing the Associate Degree in Nursing is a lucrative career opportunity. However, the average salary of a registered nurse depends on various factors, including experience, location, and expertise. According to the report by Nurses.co.uk, the average annual wages of nursing professionals are the follows:

• Home care Nurses: £66,542
• Clinical Associate: £57,551
• Oncology Nurse: £73,616
• Infection Preventionist: £79,149
• Patient Coordinator: £47,463
• Pediatric Nurse: £65,988
• Care Coordinator: £49,579
• Emergency Room Nurse: £66,940
• Clinical Research Associate: £93,292
• Infection Preventionist: £79,149
• Clinical Associate: £57,551

Which Specialisation is the Best for Nursing?

Nursing is a diverse profession which seamlessly encompasses many opportunities. All the specialisations in nursing are rewarding and highly paid.

Have a look at some of the most popular specialisations in nursing:

• Nurse Anesthetist
• Family Nurses
• Nursing Field Educators
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Mental Health Practitioner
• Psychiatric Nurse
• Nurse-Midwife

Conclusion

Pursuing your career in the nursing profession is one of the best decisions that you have ever made. That’s because it is a lucrative and rewarding career in the medical industry. However, choosing the right associate degree in nursing program is a challenging task for students.

To help them, we have come up with some effective tips that students must take into account while choosing the right program for themselves.

These tips include determining your requirements, visiting the nursing school, exploring the benefits that the school is offering, checking the faculty’s qualifications, checking the clinical facilities, and considering the financial aid program. We hope that this guide will be a beacon of light in making an informed decision.