Associate Degree (AD) programs are usually located in community colleges. There is a balance of content between general studies and nursing education. The program offers a wide variety of clinical nursing experiences and prepares graduates to function as direct care providers.

What can a student anticipate in an associate degree program? Although there is no standardized curriculum, it is common for the student to complete the course requirements in four regular semesters and one summer session.

The AD program is not necessarily the first half of a baccalaureate (BSN) program, although some AD program curriculums and designed to be articulated with baccalaureate degree programs. The student not expect total transfer credit between AD and BSN.

Baccalaureate Degree programs, for the most part, are four academic years in length and are located in senior colleges or universities. 

The course of study combines education in the theory and the practice of nursing with general education in the humanities and behavioral, biological and physical sciences, which serve as a base for the development of the nursing major. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is the only Community health nursing, for example, is offered only in the BS program.

The BSN is the only program that prepares the graduates for immediate entrance into graduate study at the master's degree level which is a requirement for teaching, administration, clinical specialization and nursing research.

Diploma Nursing programs are hospital based, but often include academic courses at near by colleges or universities. The courses are usually in the biological, physical, and social sciences, as well as English, and offer academic credit. Diploma programs offer a wide variety of clinical nursing experience, along with principles of nursing care and classes in the basic sciences and humanities.

Graduates of diploma programs who wish to go on for a baccalaureate degree in nursing may receive some college credit through demonstration of specific knowledge and skills on placement testing. Diploma courses, however, are not equivalent to college credit courses. 

Tuition charges for all programs vary considerable, depending in whether the student attends a public or private institution, whether the student attends public or private institution, and whether the student is a resident or nonresident of the state where the program is located. Public institutions are usually the least expensive program.

You and your counselor should explore the following questions openly and honestly when considering your nursing career. 

· What has been your level of achievement in high school and/or college?
· Will a part-time job be necessary while you are a student?
· Will you be able to move to another location to attend school? 
· What are your nursing career goals (i.e., bedside nursing, teaching, administration)?
· What are your long-term academic and career goals?

Trends in health care delivery and health education predict that nursing preparation at the baccalaureate level will be advantageous in the future. 

See the Nursing Kit

Would you like Y-Axis to assist 
you choosing the right nursing
program?
Contact: customerservice@y-axis.com