From the emergency room to the nursing home, registered nurses care for patients in all sectors of the health care field. Students interested in a nursing career have a range of entry-level training programs at their disposal. Diploma training programs run through hospitals are less common than two types of degree programs at educational institutions. Both the associate degree and the bachelor’s degree prepare students for professional licensure as RNs. However, students may find that each program structure has its benefits and drawbacks, depending on their short-term needs and long-term goals.

The associate degree in nursing is usually offered at community and technical colleges. Over the course of two or three years, students take courses and participate in clinical rotations in a local hospital in departments such as pediatrics, maternity and emergency care. Science topics covered include anatomy, biology and nutrition, and students also receive general introductory training regarding nursing issues, the nursing profession and care for various patient populations. Most A.D.N. programs require additional coursework in humanities and writing.

Bachelor’s Degree Structure

Bachelor’s degrees in nursing generally take four years to complete, making them longer and potentially costlier than equivalent associate degrees. Many schools require undergraduates to complete two years’ worth of prerequisite general education credits before applying to the professional program for the final two years. Nursing and science coursework is generally the same as in A.D.N. programs, but clinical rotations take place in a variety of health care environments, such as clinics, medical centers and non-profit health care organizations. More than the A.D.N., the Bachelor of Science in nursing focuses on communication skills, leadership development and critical thinking abilities.