The answer to whether one can become a Registered Nurse (RN) with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is yes. The ADN is typically a two-year degree earned from a community college or technical school and represents a primary educational pathway into the profession. An RN is a licensed professional who has met all state requirements and demonstrated the necessary clinical competencies to practice nursing. The ADN route is the quickest path to RN license eligibility, allowing graduates to enter the workforce sooner than other educational options.
The Required Steps to Become a Licensed RN
After graduating from an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing program, the graduate must secure authorization to practice. This involves applying to the state’s Board of Nursing (BON) for approval to take the national licensing examination. The BON verifies program completion and educational prerequisites before granting an Authorization to Test (ATT).
The final step is successfully passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This standardized exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and ensures candidates possess the minimum competency required for safe entry-level nursing practice. Passing the NCLEX is required across all 50 states and U.S. territories to obtain initial RN licensure. Once the BON confirms a passing score, the Registered Nurse license is issued.
Comparing the ADN and BSN Pathways
The primary difference between the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs lies in the time commitment and the depth of the curriculum. An ADN is typically a two-year degree, often offered through community colleges, providing a rapid path to RN licensure. The BSN, conversely, is a four-year university degree that incorporates a broader range of coursework beyond the foundational clinical sciences.
The BSN curriculum includes expanded studies in areas such as community health nursing, research methodology, and organizational leadership. These additional subjects prepare graduates for complex patient populations and management responsibilities within healthcare systems. While both degrees prepare students for the NCLEX-RN and entry-level practice, the BSN provides a more comprehensive academic foundation.
The financial implications of these two pathways also present a contrast. Community college tuition for an ADN is often significantly lower than the tuition and associated fees at a four-year college or university offering a BSN. This difference in cost allows ADN graduates to enter the workforce and begin earning a salary with less educational debt.
The four-year BSN program requires a more extensive general education component, including a wider array of humanities and social science courses. The shorter duration of the ADN allows students to focus intensely on core nursing theory and clinical skills, enabling them to transition into clinical roles faster.
Employment Outlook and Employer Preferences
While the ADN provides full eligibility to become a licensed Registered Nurse, the current employment landscape presents distinct hiring preferences. Many large hospital systems now favor candidates who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This trend is linked to the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program, which recognizes healthcare organizations for nursing excellence.
Hospitals pursuing Magnet status must meet specific benchmarks regarding the percentage of their nursing staff holding a baccalaureate degree or higher. This translates into a strong preference for BSN-prepared nurses in competitive acute-care settings. Furthermore, a growing number of states have adopted or are considering “BSN in 10” legislation, which mandates that newly licensed nurses holding an associate degree must obtain their BSN within ten years of initial licensure.
This market dynamic means that ADN graduates often find initial employment in sectors like long-term care facilities, smaller community hospitals, outpatient clinics, and physician offices. These settings frequently hire ADN-prepared nurses, offering valuable entry-level clinical experience.
Data generally indicates a modest salary difference between ADN and BSN holders upon entry into the profession. BSN-prepared nurses are also typically preferred for roles in highly specialized areas, such as intensive care units. Consequently, many large employers now require ADN nurses to enroll in a BSN program and complete it within a predetermined period, such as three to five years after their start date.
Options for Career Advancement
For the ADN-prepared nurse seeking long-term career growth and professional mobility, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing becomes a logical next step. The industry has established numerous pathways to facilitate this academic progression while the nurse is already working. The most common route is the RN-to-BSN bridge program, specifically designed for licensed nurses who already possess an associate degree.
These bridge programs recognize the clinical experience and foundational coursework completed by the ADN nurse, allowing for a shorter duration than a traditional four-year BSN program. Many RN-to-BSN programs are offered in flexible formats, including online or hybrid models, which allow working nurses to maintain full-time employment while completing their degree. The typical completion time for these programs ranges from 12 to 18 months.
Achieving the BSN credential opens doors beyond the bedside, including access to specialized roles such as nurse educator, clinical research coordinator, or case manager. It also provides the academic prerequisite necessary for pursuing graduate-level education. Nurses with a BSN can apply for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners. The BSN is the foundational step toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, which prepares nurses for the highest level of clinical practice and leadership.