Key Takeaways
You can typically complete an ADN program in two years, with some programs taking as little as 18 instructional months.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% employment growth for RNs over the next decade, with about 180,800 openings annually.
ADN graduates who become licensed RNs can pursue roles in medical-surgical, pediatric, emergency, obstetric, or geriatric nursing.
The number of registered nurses working in the United States is more than 5 million as of 2026, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). And the number of nursing jobs is going to continue to grow over the next decade, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
There are several ways to become a nurse, but if your goal is to become a registered nurse (RN), completing a nursing program such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is an essential step in achieving that goal. But what is an Associate Degree in Nursing, and what can you do with an ADN?
What Is an Associate Degree in Nursing Program?
An Associate Degree in Nursing program is a nursing degree program with both classroom and clinical coursework that teaches individuals the knowledge and professional skills needed to provide essential care to patients in a wide range of healthcare settings.
Nurses with an ADN are equipped to handle daily patient interactions, such as health assessments, wound dressings, and vaccine administrations. Earning an ADN can also be a great stepping stone toward earning a bachelor’s degree and potentially even a master’s degree in nursing, both of which can lead to career advancement and an increased salary potential.
Key Objectives of an Associate Degree in Nursing Program
A top objective of an ADN program is to prepare students to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN), which is required for state RN licensure. Nurses may also qualify to take the NCLEX-RN by earning an RN nursing diploma or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Another objective of an ADN program is to help future nurses develop key skills. The ADN curriculum encourages students to think independently and critically while they develop their clinical nursing competencies. Professionalism as well as verbal and nonverbal communication skills are also highlighted.
In addition, these programs emphasize the importance of fostering a collaborative work environment, providing high-quality care, maintaining safety protocols, and educating patients on topics such as disease prevention and self-care techniques. Most ADN programs have a leadership course that introduces basic management principles so that graduates are prepared for supervisory roles.
Associate Degree in Nursing Curriculum
While ADN program curricula may differ slightly by school, most focus on fundamental nursing principles, health concepts, technology, and science courses. Apart from traditional coursework, students gain hands-on nursing experience through labs and supervised clinical opportunities.
Common ADN program courses include:
Pathophysiology
Pharmacology
Nursing concepts
Nutrition
Biology
Human anatomy
Physiology
Health assessment
ADN Program Benefits
One of the primary benefits of earning an ADN is the time it takes to begin working as an RN. ADN programs can typically be completed in two years, compared to the four years it usually takes to complete a BSN degree program, which may be more expensive. Some accelerated ADN programs can be completed in as little as 18 months (with required prerequisites).
Nurses can also advance their education by applying their ADN credits toward an accelerated BSN program once they’ve gained experience on the job. Individuals who are interested in various degree pathways should learn more about the differences between an ADN and a BSN.
Careers You Can Pursue With an Associate Degree in Nursing
Individuals with an ADN have several career paths they are qualified to pursue. Graduates who have become licensed as RNs can begin working in entry-level nursing roles where they’ll apply what they’ve learned and gain professional experience. Settings for these positions include hospitals, physician offices, urgent care clinics, outpatient centers, and nursing care facilities.
Common positions for RNs with an ADN include:
Medical-surgical nurse: Medical-surgical nurses care for patients with a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions, including those recovering from surgery. Med-surg nursing roles require broad clinical knowledge to be able to assess patients, provide treatments, and manage patients’ complex care needs.
Pediatric nurse: Pediatric nurses work with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide care to children that includes monitoring their growth and development, administering medications, and educating the children and their parents.
Emergency room nurse: Emergency room nurses provide care to patients experiencing illnesses and injuries that require immediate attention. They work with a team of healthcare professionals to monitor patients’ conditions, give medications, communicate with patients and their families, and assist with medical procedures.
Obstetrics nurse: Obstetrics nurses focus on providing healthcare to expectant mothers and newborns throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. Their responsibilities can include monitoring fetal development, assessing the mother’s health during pregnancy, assisting during labor and delivery, and providing postpartum care.
Geriatric nurse: Geriatric nurses provide direct patient care to older adults in settings such as assisted living facilities, retirement homes, and patients’ homes.
Psychiatric or mental health nurse: Psychiatric nurses or mental health nurses specialize in treating patients with conditions that impact their mental health. They are typically part of a team that includes nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals.
Once they have gained a couple of years of experience, nurses may choose to pursue a BSN. Some schools offer an RN to BSN bridge program for licensed RNs who want to continue their education. Nurses also may choose to earn an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). An MSN qualifies nurses to take on a broader scope of responsibilities and higher-level roles, such as nurse educator or nurse practitioner roles.
ADN Career Outlook
The BLS projects 6% job growth for RNs from 2025 to 2035, which is faster than the average growth projected for all occupations. The BLS also predicts there will be about 180,800 job openings for registered nurses each year during this period.
Besides the new jobs, which are expected to be the result of an increased need for professionals to treat the growing number of older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions, these openings will be due to nurses retiring or changing careers. According to a 2024 report from the Journal of Nursing Regulation, about 40% of nurses plan to leave nursing or retire in the next five years.
Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing
At Denver College of Nursing, individuals can earn an Associate Degree in Nursing in as little as 18 months. The ADN program is available at DCN’s Denver campus. Applicants need to meet certain prerequisite requirements to qualify, such as the completion of certain postsecondary coursework while maintaining a 2.0 GPA.
Earning an Associate Degree in Nursing is an excellent way for students to prepare to take the NCLEX-RN before seeking licensure in Colorado or another state. In the program, full-time students are offered classroom instruction and clinical experiences and are trained in key skills like communication, decision-making, and collaboration.
DCN also offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs at its Denver and Houston campuses, as well as online RN to BSN and MSN programs for RNs looking to advance their education. If you are ready to begin your nursing career or grow your nursing skills and knowledge, explore the Denver College of Nursing programs today.
Recommended Readings
How Long Does it Take to Become a Registered Nurse?
Requirements to Get a Colorado Nursing License
How to Become a Nurse Manager
