Nursing
Associate's Degree
- Next Start Date
- April 01, 2024
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21 months finish in as few as1
National leader in nursing education
16 campuses in five states offer ADN courses
Professional Nursing: Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
When you’re looking at ADN programs to become a registered nurse (RN), you’re making the choice to change lives, including your own. You’ll develop the skills you need for a career in caregiving.
In our hybrid Professional Nursing (ADN) program, we get you on track quickly with:
- No need for pre-nursing coursework
- No waiting list at many campuses for qualified applicants2
- Eight start dates per year at most campuses, while some offer four start dates per year
With a mix of online courses, on-campus lab simulations and clinical settings in this ADN degree program, you’ll be prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN® exam and provide compassionate care.3
Already a licensed practical nurse (LPN)? With our LPN to RN Bridge, you can advance your education to the next level in as few as 18 months.1
Learn More at a Nursing Information Session
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On this page
What Types of Nursing Courses Will I Take?
In this hybrid ADN program, you’ll take online and on-campus Nursing courses, as well as participate in on-site clinical settings. Here are some of the topics you’ll cover in this Associate's degree in Nursing program.
- Nursing Care of the Older Adult
- Examine how personal attitudes and beliefs about aging impact healthcare for older adults
- Discover resources that promote autonomy and safety as patients age
- Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing
- Explore internal and external factors that impact a patient’s balance and well-being
- Study the effects of stress on a patient and their family, as well as the complexities of addressing mental health issues
- Dimensions of Nursing Practice
- Cover key principles of your professional nursing responsibilities
- Focus on how nursing is practiced in diverse healthcare settings with patients across their life span
- Role, Scope, Quality and Leadership in Professional Nursing
- Familiarize yourself with the various ways you can apply nursing theory
- Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ve gained in a clinical setting
- 25 Courses to Complete // 102 Credit Hours
ADN Curriculum to Prepare for Your Nursing Career
Patient Care
Learn patient-centered skills in real-world environments within our nursing school. Prepare to serve in a variety of healthcare settings.
Professional Confidence
Classroom and experiential learning build your confidence so you can provide exceptional patient care.
Critical Thinking
Develop decision-making skills and care interventions that meet patients’ needs swiftly and calmly.
Well-Rounded Perspective
Gain firsthand industry insights from faculty with real-world experience in the nursing profession.
"Being a nurse opens the doors to so many routes of life. I can’t wait to see where I fit in best."
Shannon B.
Graduate, Associate's Degree in Nursing
What Will I Be Prepared to Do When I'm Done?
Take the NCLEX-RN®3
Your NCLEX success is our goal. Taught by experienced faculty with vast professional nurse experience, our ADN program prepares you to sit for your national licensure exam and become a confident RN.
Confidently Work in the Nursing Field
Equipped with essential nursing training and employer-focused transferable skills, our ADN nursing graduates are able to confidently pursue in-demand registered nurse roles. They work alongside diverse teams of healthcare professionals in a variety of clinical settings: physician’s offices, outpatient clinics, private medical clinics, hospitals, home healthcare services and long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes.
Professional Nursing (ADN/RN) Program Outcomes
Pursue Career Goals
The projected job growth for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).4 That's as fast as the national average.
Take the Next Step—Talk to Us!
A Career of Lifelong Learning
Our ADN program is designed to give you the skills, knowledge and attitude you need to confidently sit for the NCLEX-RN® exam—an essential step to becoming a registered nurse.3If you choose to advance your education beyond ADN/RN, we have Nursing programs and credentials to support your lifelong learning journey, starting with our flexible, online post-licensure RN to BSN and then moving on to MSN and DNP. How far you go is up to you. And by continuing your education at Rasmussen University, you can save time and money in the process as you complete your Associate’s degree in Nursing program.
- Associate’s Degree: Nursing (ADN/RN)
Start here if:
You want to become a registered nurse (RN) and are looking for ways to leverage your LPN license, or want RN to be your first nursing credential.
Earn in as few as:
18 months (LPN to RN Bridge)
21 months (ADN/RN)1Career Opportunities:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Clinics
- Bachelor’s Degree: Nursing (RN to BSN or BSN)
Next step:
You’re ready to earn your BSN, want to become a Bachelor-prepared registered nurse and are looking for opportunities to advance your career.
View RN to BSN details >
Or start here if:
You want to begin your nursing career as a BSN-prepared registered nurse. Choose from two pre-licensure entry tracks—standard and second degree.
View BSN details >
Finish in as few as:
12 to 18 months (RN to BSN)1
33 months (BSN Standard Degree)*
18 months (BSN Second Degree)*Already an LPN? Our LPN to RN Bridge helps LPNs become RNs faster, further decreasing your time to program completion.
Career Opportunities:
- Hospitals
- Clinical Practice
- Administration
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Leadership
-
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
You want to influence present and future healthcare as a nursing leader. You have the choice of three MSN specializations that allow you to define your career course:
- Nursing Leadership and Administration
- Nursing Education
- Healthcare Technology, Simulation and Informatics
We also offer an online MSN Nurse Practitioner (NP) program if you're interested in making a positive impact as a nurse practitioner with the choice of four specializations:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
- Family NP
- Pediatric Primary Care NP
- Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A program for nurses called to lead at the highest levels in the healthcare system and public health and policy—the definitive terminal degree for nurse leaders.
Choose the specialization that best aligns with your interests and career goals:
- Executive Leadership
- Public Health and Policy
View DNP details >
Career Opportunities:
MSN:
- Director of Nursing
- Director of Education
- Clinical Nursing Informatics Officer
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Nurse Practitioner
DNP:
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Nursing Administrator
- Director of Public Health and Policy
- Government or Policy Activist
Tuition & Savings
Do the Math
With eight start dates2 a year at most campuses and a total of 24 courses—each 11 weeks in length—full-time Nursing students can finish in as few as 21 months1 for an estimated $51,414.
$432 cost per credit
x 102 total credits
_______________________
$44,064total tuition
+ $7,350 total fees
_______________________
$51,414 estimated total program cost
This reflects pricing for Florida students. Please speak with an admissions advisor or use the tuition estimator tool to calculate your costs.
Learn more about the financial aid cost of attendance (COA).
Explore Our Tuition Estimator Tool
Other Ways to Save
Higher education should be a manageable investment. Talk to an admissions advisor and learn how our Professional Nursing (ADN) program is designed to be more affordable with transfer credits, self-directed assessments, loans and grants, scholarship opportunities, corporate grants and military discounts for those who qualify.
Find more about:
- Military Tuition Benefits
- Corporate Alliances
- Federal Student Aid
- Transfer Credit and Other Knowledge Credit®
Request More Information
If the many rewards of being a nurse already have you considering this fulfilling career, our Associate’s degree in Nursing can help you get there efficiently. Take a closer look at why this ADN degree could be the right fit for you and your career path.
Read more
Admission Requirements
Unlike many other nursing schools, there is no prerequisite coursework. At many campuses there are no wait lists for qualified student applicants. With a no-cost application and eight start dates a year for students at most campuses, you can begin your Nursing courses when it's convenient for you.2
Talk to an admissions advisor
What Should I Know Before I Enroll?
Nursing Information Sessions
To learn about Rasmussen nursing programs and program requirements and to receive help planning, attend an online Nursing Information Session where you’ll learn about our Nursing department, TEAS scores, background checks, immunizations and more.
Register for a Session
Help Paying for College
You’re not alone figuring out how to pay for college. Our admissions advisors can help you find ways to save through self-directed assessments, loans for those who qualify, scholarships and more.
Support at Every Turn
You’ll find the support you need to grow as a nurse from mentors and faculty in this program. Our library services, academic support and career planning teams at our ADN school are ready to help.
Where Can I Find ADN Program Courses Near Me?
- Florida
Florida Campuses
Central Pasco Campus
16418 State Road 54
Odessa,FL
33556
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Fort Myers Campus
9160 Forum Corporate Parkway
Suite 100
Fort Myers,FL
33905
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North Orlando Campus
385 Douglas Avenue
Suite 1000
Altamonte Springs,FL
32714
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Ocala Campus
4755 SW 46th Court
Ocala,FL
34474
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Ocala School of Nursing Campus
1227 SW 17th Avenue
Ocala,FL
34471
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Tampa/Brandon Campus
330 Brandon Town Center Drive
Brandon,FL
33511
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- Illinois
Illinois Campuses
Aurora/Naperville Campus
2363 Sequoia Drive
Aurora,IL
60506
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Mokena/Tinley Park Campus
8650 Springlake Dr.
Mokena,IL
60448
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Rockford Campus
6000 East State Street 4th Floor
Rockford,IL
61108
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Romeoville/Joliet Campus
1400 West Normantown Road
Romeoville,IL
60446
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- Kansas
Kansas Campuses
Kansas City/Overland Park Campus
11600 College Boulevard
Suite 100
Overland Park,KS
66210
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Topeka Campus
3722 SW Burlingame Rd.
Topeka,KS
66609
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- Minnesota
Minnesota Campuses
Mankato Campus
1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 510
Mankato,MN
56001
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Moorhead Campus
1250 29th Avenue South
Moorhead,MN
56560
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St. Cloud Campus
226 Park Avenue South
St. Cloud,MN
56301
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- Wisconsin
Wisconsin Campuses
Green Bay Campus
904 South Taylor Street
Suite 100
Green Bay,WI
54303
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Wausau Campus
1101 Westwood Drive
Wausau,WI
54401
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Still have questions? Connect with an admissions advisor
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I become an RN?
To practice as a registered nurse, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN®3 national licensure exam. To sit for this exam, you must have successfully completed either an associate degree nursing program or Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a qualified institution in your state.
At Rasmussen University, we offer both BSN and ADN programs in certain markets, providing you with options to pursue the RN degree level that is right for you.
- What is the difference between practical and professional nursing?
Practical nursing refers to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who provide hands-on nursing care, working under the direction of health care providers, such as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and physicians. This can include monitoring patients' health, administering basic health care, reporting patient concerns and updating health care providers’ records. Many LPNs work in assisted living or residential services rather than in hospitals.
Professional associate degree nursing, on the other hand, refers to registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) who typically have a greater variety of job opportunities in the work environment. RNs often supervise others and count on their critical thinking skills to perform assessments and make judgments about patient care. Many nurses who complete an associate degree nursing program are more likely to work in hospitals in a variety of roles.
To learn more about the differences, check out our blog post: Practical Nursing vs. Professional Nursing: Understanding the Differences.
- What kinds of jobs can I get as an RN?
There are lots of options for you, including roles like:
- Travel nurse
- Pediatric nurse
- Surgical nurse
- ER nurse
- Administration
You might also work in hospitals, clinics or specialty centers.
To learn more about the employment opportunities available, check out our blog post: Top 25 Types of Nurses Employers Are Looking to Hire.
- How long does it take to become an RN?
First, you’ll need to complete an associate degree nursing program. The ADN program at Rasmussen University, for example, can be completed in as few as 21 months. If you’re already a licensed practical nurse, our LPN to RN Bridge can be completed in as few as 12 months.1 Plus, transfer credits and $149 self-directed assessments can help shorten your completion time.
After you graduate, you’ll need to pursue your RN license by passing the NCLEX-RN®3 national licensure exam. In most states, the earliest you can take the exam is approximately 45 days after your graduation date. This does vary state by state, so check with your nursing regulatory body (NRB) to find out if your state requires a longer waiting period.
For more information on nursing education and associate degree nursing plan, check out our blog post: How Long is Nursing School? Your Timeline to Becoming a Nurse.
- What kind of support services are available?
At Rasmussen University, we’re here to help. Support services include academic advising, tutoring, financial aid for those who qualify, 24/7 technical support and more. Talk to a student admissions advisor to learn more about how we'll help you earn your associate degree in nursing.
- What does nursing program accreditation mean?
Having accreditation means Rasmussen University has met established quality standards as set by the accrediting body. Achieving accreditation tells the public that an entity meets industry expectations for quality, and students can have confidence that quality control checks have been carried out by a third party.
- What are the prerequisitie courses for the Associate’s degree in Nursing program?
Unlike many other associate degree nursing programs, there are no prerequisite courses or general education courses in order to apply, and there are no wait lists at many campuses for qualified applicants. You only need to apply once and you can begin your ADN classes on one of eight start dates a year.
- ADN vs. BSN: Is there a difference?
Both an associate degree nursing (ADN) program and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) lead to the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and a career as a registered nurse (RN).
An associate degree nursing program can be completed in a shorter amount of time and for less money. A BSN is a longer time commitment up front, but results in a higher academic credential and a greater variety of career opportunities, including in nursing management and leadership roles.
If you choose to earn your Associate Degree in Nursing now, you can still earn a BSN through the online RN to BSN program.
To learn more about the differences between ADN and BSN, check out our blog post: RN vs. BSN: Is There a Difference?
Don't See Your Question Here?
Our dedicated team of admissions advisors can help you answer questions related to tuition, financial aid, admissions and more.
Request More Information
Call: 877-308-9946
Related Programs
Practical Nursing
- Diploma (PN/LPN)
- Online
- On Campus
- Field Experience
RN to BSN
- Bachelor's
- Online
- Field Experience
Healthcare
- Associate's
- Certificate (Online Only)
- Online
- On Campus
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The associate nursing program at Rasmussen University at the:
- Bloomington campus (with off-campus instructional sites in Hennepin/Anoka and Lake Elmo/Woodbury), located in Bloomington, Minnesota, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation for Good Cause.
- Central Pasco campus, located in Odessa, Florida, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
- Fort Myers campus, located in Fort Myers, Florida, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this associate nursing program is Initial Accreditation.
- Green Bay campus, located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
- Mankato campus, located in Mankato, Minnesota, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
- Moorhead campus, located in Moorhead, Minnesota, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation with Conditions.
- Ocala campus (with an off-campus instructional site in North Orlando), located in Ocala, Florida, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
- Overland Park campus (with an off-campus instructional site in Topeka), located in Overland Park, Kansas, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation with Conditions.
- St. Cloud campus, located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
- Tampa/Brandon campus, located in Tampa, Florida, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this associate nursing program is Initial Accreditation.
- Wausau campus, located in Wausau, Wisconsin, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding these programs at
http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm.
Effective July 28, 2020, the associate nursing program at Rasmussen University at the Romeoville campus (with off-campus instructional sites in Aurora, Mokena, and Rockford) in Romeoville, Illinois, is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on July 28, 2024.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this candidate program athttp://www.acenursing.com/candidates/candidacy.asp.
Additional accreditation details >
View Student Achievement Data >
State Boards of Nursing
State Boards of Nursing
The Rasmussen University Professional Nursing Associate's degree in Minnesota, Illinois, Kansas, Florida and Wisconsin is approved by the Minnesota, Illinois, Kansas, Florida and Wisconsin Boards of Nursing
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
The Professional Nursing Associate’s degree program at the Romeoville/Joliet campus in Illinois is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation at the recommendation of the Illinois Board of Nursing. The Aurora/Naperville, Mokena/Tinley Park, and Rockford campuses in Illinois are recognized as extension campuses of the Romeoville/Joliet campus.
Minnesota Board of Nursing
The Professional Nursing Associate’s degree program at the Bloomington campus in Minnesota is approved with conditions by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. The Hennepin/Anoka and Lake Elmo/Woodbury campuses are recognized as satellites of the Bloomington campus. On Aug. 4, 2022, pursuant to the authority granted under Minn. Stat. 148.251, the Minnesota Board of Nursing issued a Stipulation and Consent for Correction Order imposing conditions upon the approval of the Professional Nursing Associate’s degree program at the Bloomington campus and its satellite campuses for having an annual pass rate of less than 75 percent on the National Council Licensing Examination of first-time examinees for three consecutive years. The program must, by the end of calendar year 2023, achieve a success rate of higher than 75 percent for candidates from the program who write the licensing examination for the first time and resolve all areas of non-compliance identified in the Stipulation and Consent for Correction Order. If the conditions imposed on the program are not resolved, then the Minnesota Board of Nursing will follow the procedure outlined in Minn. R. 6301.2360, Subp. 10(C) for uncorrected deficiencies, which may result in the removal of the program from the list of approved programs.
Florida Board of Nursing
The Professional Nursing Associate’s degree program at the Fort Myers campus in Florida is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. On Feb. 1, 2023, pursuant to § 464.019(5)(a)(2) Fla. Stat., the Professional Nursing Associate’s degree program at the Fort Myers campus was placed on probation for having a graduate pass rate for two consecutive years that was more than 10 percentage points lower than the average passage rate during the same calendar year for graduates of comparable degree programs who are United States educated, first-time test takers on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (“NCLEX-RN”). On Feb. 1, 2023, the Professional Nursing Associate’s degree program at the Fort Myers campus in Florida presented a remediation plan to the Florida Board of Nursing, including strategies that have been implemented along with strategies that the University plans to implement to improve first-time test takers’ performance on the NCLEX-RN. If the program, during the 2 calendar years following its placement on probationary status, does not achieve the required passage rate for any 1 calendar year, the board may extend the program’s probationary status for 1 additional year, provided the program has demonstrated adequate progress toward the graduate passage rate goal by meeting a majority of the benchmarks established in the remediation plan. If the program is not granted the 1-year extension or fails to achieve the required passage rate by the end of such extension, the board shall terminate the program.If Enrollee is accepted into the Professional Nursing Associate’s degree program at the Fort Myers campus in Florida and graduates from the program while it is on probation, then Enrollee will be able to sit for the NCLEX-RN. If Enrollee is accepted into the Professional Nursing Associate’s degree program at the Fort Myers campus in Florida and the program is terminated before Enrollee graduates, then the program will be taught out, which will allow current students at the time of program termination the opportunity to graduate and sit for the NCLEX-RN. Since the probationary status or possible program termination does not affect students’ ability to graduate and sit for the NCLEX-RN, refunds will not be issued for tuition and fees incurred because of the probationary status or if the program is terminated.
