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Associate's Degree Differences

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Associate's Degree Differences
Difference in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate level versus baccalaureate
Keyosha Moore
Grand Canyon University
10/12/2014
An ongoing decision most nurses face today is whether or not to go back to school and gain a higher education. Education is a key component in being a successful nurse. This paper will explain the difference between Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This paper will also describe the disadvantages and advantages as to why some people decide to choose one over the other.
An Associate’s Degree is a degree were you’re only required to receive a minimum of two years of college education. Typically this degree can be obtained at a local community college.
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In order to be eligible to be a nursing student: 1) You must be a high school graduate and at least eighteen years old 2) You must be able to obtain official transcript records. You must also have a GPA of at least 2.0 from a scale of 4.0 to qualify for enrollment (JNurs EDUC). 3) Must be able to obtain a reference 4) Pass a criminal background check (JNurs EDUC). 5) Must be able to pass a drug test (JNurs EDUC). 6) Successfully pass the entry level exam. This test assesses knowledge in reading, vocabulary, grammar, and math ( JNurs EDUC). An associate 's degree in nursing is one good stepping stone in the academic phase of …show more content…
Although, nurses who have already obtained and associates degree in nursing can receive their BSN in less than two years. BSN prepares nurses for a variety of professional rolls and graduate studies. The course work of a BSN program covers, nursing science, research, leadership, and related sciences that inform the practice of nursing. At this point a BSN degree is not required but more and more jobs are requiring you to have your BSN before hire.
Some advantages of a BSN degree is that you will have more opportunities to grow such as administrative, research, manager, consulting and teaching positions, that would not usually be available to those without the degree. Another advantage to obtaining a BSN is that it’s a stepping stone to gaining your master‘s degree. You can gain your MSN within a year after completing your BSN (J CONTIN EDUC NURS). With a BSN you also receive more pay and better job

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