Associates Degree in Nursing: ADN vs LVN
Ella has just finished High School and is currently deciding on which course to take for college. She is quite surprised to find a variety of courses to choose from. Wanting to work immediately, she wants to take a degree which will only last for about 2 years, much better if it is related to healthcare. After hours of brainstorming, she is now down to 2 choices: ADN and LVN, both confusing her since they both sound the same. How will she be able to make her choice? And more importantly, what is the difference between ADN and LVN?
LPN Degree
If what you want is completing school for about a year, then you should consider taking up licensed practical nursing (LPN) or licensed vocational nursing (LVN) programs since they boast the quickest length to completion, usually about a year.
LPN/LVN programs are often a convenient option for students who work or have other obligations since these programs allow you to receive training at a nearby hospital, vocational technical school or community college. Certain courses can also be taken online which works well with busy students as it allows them to study when it fits in their schedule.
This program is fast-paced. Students learn the basic skills to ready them for their first nursing job. Completing an LPN/LVN program makes you eligible for licensure after you pass a state administered nursing examination called the NCLEX-PN.
ADN Degree
The associate degree in nursing (ADN) program, on the other hand,concentrates more on technical skills than theory. 30 percent of ADN graduates consider the program as their stepping stone to a BSN.
It takes about two years and is usually obtainable at a community college or vocational school. There you can often find night and weekend courses, which are a plus for students with family and work obligations.
The required number of credit hours varies depending on location and educational institution; and the average number of credit hours required varies from 60 to 72.
Benefits of this program are that it is usually less expensive and is less time consuming. Also, you will become a nurse quicker.
The following are included in the ADN program core curriculum: Adult health, Maternal and newborn nursing, and pediatrics. Psychiatric nursing, community health nursing, and gerontological nursing are sometimes included as well.
This type of degree is perfect for someone who aims to become a registered nurse as well as in earning money sooner than a 4-year BSN program.
Difference between LPN and ADN
Students under an LPN program will not graduate with a degree in nursing but will rather obtain a license to practice nursing within a particular state provided they pass the NCLEX-PN exam, while; the graduate from an Associate Degree in Nursing will graduate with a degree in nursing. The ADN or the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) are 2-3 year programs and are considered the entry level for nursing.
From LPN to ADN
If you are an LPN many ADN programs will give you credits toward your associate degree. Most LPN to ADN programs allow the LPN to complete the program in 3 semesters, giving credit for Fundamentals of Nursing and Med/Surg 1 or the equivalent.
If you are an LPN who aspires to be and ADN, you’ll be required to take some liberal arts courses, which add a level of difficulty and time to the program. There are some schools which offer online hybrid programs, allowing the student to complete some of the work at their convenience. However, they’ll still need to arrange their schedule for clinical practice at a local medical facility.
Also, when taking the ADN program, you might also want to consider pursuing nursing since ADN is a stepping stone for a bachelor’s degree if you decide to continue with school. Plus, there are employers who are willing to provide tuition reimbursement for licensed practical nurses who are interested in becoming an RN.
Sources:
- http://nursinglink.monster.com/education/articles/534-adn-vs-bsn-which-should-you-choose
- http://www.practicalnursing.org/lpn-adn-programs
- http://www.allnursingschools.com/nursing-careers/article/nursing-program-types/
Liane Clores, RN MAN
Currently an Intensive Care Unit nurse, pursuing a degree in Master of Arts in Nursing Major in Nursing Service Administration. Has been a contributor of Student Nurses Quarterly, Vox Populi, The Hillside Echo and the Voice of Nightingale publications. Other experience include: Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Obstetric, Emergency and Recovery Room Nursing.
