People who want to get into nursing have their choice of several different programs, including ABSN, or Accelerated Bachelors of Nursing, or ADN, an Associate Degree in Nursing.
Although different, both programs provide students with a way to enter the nursing field.
Quick Summary Table
| Feature | ABSN | ADN |
|---|---|---|
| Target Students | Holds a bachelor’s degree in another field | First-time nursing students or medical assistants moving up |
| Program Length | 11 to 18 months | 24 months (2 years) for full-time students |
| Program Cost | $30,000 – $60,000 | $5,000 – $10,000 per semester |
| Program Locations | Universities, colleges, and specialty nursing schools | Public and private colleges, universities, and nursing schools |
| Admission Requirements | Bachelor’s degree, 2.5-3.0 GPA, recommendation letters | High school diploma/GED, 2.0 GPA, ACT/SAT scores |
| Curriculum | Anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing research, and clinicals | Biology, chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, pre-calculus, nursing classes, and clinicals |
| Licensure Exam | NCLEX-RN | NCLEX-RN |
| Salary | $66,000 – $101,000 (average $86,000) | $66,000 – $101,000 (average $86,000) |
| Career Advancement | More opportunities for leadership and advanced nursing roles | May be passed up for promotions favoring BSN holders |
| Additional Options | Accelerated ABSN/MSN program available (3 years for both degrees) | RN-to-BSN program available for further education |
ABSN or ADN?
Designed for learners who already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a different field, an Accelerated Bachelors of Nursing, or ABSN program allows them to get into nursing without spending another four years in the classroom.
These programs provide a solid nursing background that allows the student to enter the field at the RN level.
Another pathway to a career as an RN, an ADN or Associate’s Degree in Nursing can prepare students for the NCLEX exam.
ADN programs are for people who are either entering into the field for the first time or are moving up from a position as a medical assistant who have some experience in the healthcare field.
Program Length
ABSN Duration
Full-time students can expect to spend between 11 and 18 months in an ABSN program. The program contains the same number of clinical hours as a standard, non-accelerated bachelors of nursing degree.
The difference is that students dive right into the nursing courses and do not have to take any general education or filler classes.
ADN Duration
Obtaining an ADN degree takes longer than an ABSN. The students do not already have a degree, so they must take some general education courses, plus prerequisites.
As a result, earning an ADN degree while going to school full-time takes two years, or 24 months. Part-time programs will take longer, although some parts of the program, like the clinicals, require full-time attendance.
Program Costs
ABSN Costs
Costs for an ABSN program can vary based on the school and number of credit hours required to graduate. The price per credit hour ranges from $350 to $600, making these programs cost anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000.
Attending an out of state school costs more than an in-state one. Other items, like lab coats, equipment, and textbooks are not included in tuition.
ADN Costs
The cost of an ADN program varies based on the school, the number of credits taken per semester, and whether or not the student is considered in-state or out-of-state.
In general, students will pay between $5,000 and $10,000 per semester for an ADN program. Additional supplies and books are extra.
Program Locations
Schools offering ABSN programs include public and private colleges and universities. In addition, specialty schools that only have nursing programs often have them as well. All of these options are good, as long as the school is properly accredited.
There are many options for ADN programs throughout the country. Accredited colleges and universities, both public and private, often offer the program. Schools dedicated to only nursing are another option. Accredited programs are the key to finding legitimate schools.
Program Requirements
Typical ABSN Requirements
In order to apply for an ABSN program, learners must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
Although GPA and other requirements vary based on the school, students generally need a 2.5 to 3.0 GPA, as well as letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a personal goals statement.
ADN Requirements
Applications for ADN programs require a high school transcript or GED, plus any college transcripts for partial semesters attended.
ACT or SAT scores, a high school GPA of at least 2.0, and a formal application and submitted fee round out the application process for an ADN degree.
Salary
Students completing an ABSN program that have passed the NCLEX exam are ready to become registered nurses. ADN graduates are also ready to work as RNs, and must also receive a passing score on the NCLEX before qualifying for a job.
The average salary for an RN is $86,000, with the lowest making $66,000 and the highest $101,000. Salary depends on location, type of hospital or clinic, and years of nursing experience.
Curriculum
ABSN Courses
ABSN curriculum typically consists of courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and statistics. There are specialty nursing courses, such as pharmacology and research included.
Clinicals, where students work in a hospital setting, are an essential component of the ABSN program as well. Ideally, students graduate ready to pass the NCLEX exam.
Som Additional Coursework for ADN
The ADN program also includes required courses like microbiology, anatomy and physiology, plus specific nursing classes. However, students must take basics, like biology, chemistry, and pre-calculus in addition to the specialty courses.
As with the ABSN degree, students in an ADN program work in a hospital or laboratory setting for their clinicals.
Career Outlook for Those with an ABSN or ADN Degree
The Bureau of Labor Statistics or BLS predicts that the RN field will see 6% growth between 2021 and 2031. Qualified candidates will see around 200,000 job openings per year.
Other Details
On top of an ABSN program, learners can choose to enroll in an accelerated ABSN/MSN program. In three years, students will earn an ABSN and a Master’s in Nursing, qualifying for positions as a nurse practitioner or nurse educator.
Nurses with an ADN degree and who have passed the NCLEX qualify as RNs, the same as those entering the field with an ABSN.
However, as these nurses only have an associate’s degree, managers may pass them up for promotions, favoring employees with a bachelor’s degree instead.