smiling female nurse wearing stethoscope and arms folded in medical hallway

Professional Nursing (ADN/RN) Program

Associate's Degree

Next Start Dates
April 03, 2023

18 months finish in as few as1

National leader
in nursing education

19 campuses in five states offer ADN courses

Your Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN): The First Step in Making a Difference as an RN

When you decide to become a registered nurse (RN), you’re making the choice to change lives, including your own. In our ADN nursing program, you’ll develop the skills you need for a career in caregiving.

In our hybrid ADN/RN 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 experiences in this ADN degree program, you’ll be prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN® licensure exam.3

Already an LPN? With our LPN to RN Bridge, you can advance your education to the next level in as few as 12 months.1

Learn More at a Nursing Information Session


Sign Up for a Session


What Types of Classes Will I Take?

In this hybrid ADN program, you’ll take online and on-campus courses, as well as participate in on-site clinicals. Here are some of the topics you’ll cover in this nursing Associate's degree.
  • 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

What Skills Will I Gain?

Patient Care

Learn patient-centered skills in real-world environments within our ADN 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.

Clinical Decision-Making

Develop decision-making skills and care interventions that meet patients’ needs swiftly and calmly.

Well-Rounded Perspective

Gain firsthand industry insights from nursing faculty with real-world experience.

"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® Exam

Your NCLEX success is our goal. Taught by experienced faculty, our RN associate degree program prepares you to sit for the NCLEX-RN® national certification exam and become a confident RN.3

Confidently Work in Healthcare

Equipped with essential nursing training and employer-focused transferable skills, our ADN nursing graduates are able to confidently pursue in-demand RN roles. They work alongside diverse teams of healthcare professionals in a variety of settings: physician’s offices, private medical clinics, hospitals, home healthcare services and long-term care facilities.

Professional Nursing (ADN/RN) Program Outcomes

Pursue a Growing Career

The projected job growth for Registered Nurses between 2020 and 2030 is 9%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).4 That's as fast as the national average.

Take the Next Step—Talk to Us!

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Fill out the form for further ADN program details like:

  • Program-Specific Coursework
  • Applying for Classes
  • Financial Aid and FAFSA (for those who qualify)
  • Customized Support

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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.3 If 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 nursing Associate's degree.

  • 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:

    12 months (LPN to RN Bridge)
    Or 18 months (ADN/RN)1

    Registered Nurse

    (median annual wage by industry)5

    • Government: $84,490
    • Hospitals; state, local and private: $76,840
    • Ambulatory healthcare services: $72,340
    • Nursing and residential care facilities: $68,450
    • Educational services; state, local and private: $64,630
  • 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.

    Registered Nurse

    (median annual wage by industry)5

    • Government: $84,490
    • Hospitals; state, local and private: $76,840
    • Ambulatory healthcare services: $72,340
    • Nursing and residential care facilities: $68,450
    • Educational services; state, local and private: $64,630
  • Graduate Degrees: Nursing (MSN & DNP)

    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 healthcare 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 >

    Sample job titles:

    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 students can finish in as few as 18 months1 for as low as $48,563.

$409 cost per credit
x 102 total credits
_______________________
$41,718 total tuition
+ $6,845 total fees
_______________________
$48,563 estimated total program cost

This pricing does not reflect all states. Please speak with an admissions advisor or use the tuition estimator tool to calculate your costs.

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:

Request More Information

Image shows illustrated nurse in scrubs running on a calendar as numbered days peel off.

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

Entrance Requirements

Unlike many other nursing schools, there are no prerequisites. At many campuses there are no wait lists for qualified applicants. With eight start dates a year at most campuses, you can begin your ADN classes 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 acceptance requirements and to receive help planning, attend an online Nursing Information Session where you’ll learn about 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 an ADN Program Near Me?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I become an RN?

    To practice as an RN, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN®3 national licensure exam. To sit for this exam, you must have completed either an Associate’s or Bachelor’s program in nursing from a qualified program and 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 healthcare workers such as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and physicians. This can include monitoring patients' health, administering basic care, reporting patient concerns and updating health records. Many LPNs work in assisted living or residential services rather than in hospitals.

    Professional nursing, on the other hand, refers to registered nurses 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. RNs 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?

    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 opportunities available, check out our blog post: Top 25 Types of Nurses Employers Are Looking to Hire.

  • How long does it take to become a nurse?

    First, you’ll need to complete a nursing program. The ADN program at Rasmussen University, for example, can be completed in as few as 18 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.

    For more information on nursing school, 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.

  • 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 prerequisites for the associate nursing degree program?

    Unlike many other nursing schools, there is no prerequisite coursework 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's Degree in Nursing (ADN) 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's Degree in Nursing (ADN) 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

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 with Conditions.
  • 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 Initial 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 Initial 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.

Logo: ACEN accreditationAccreditation 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 at http://www.acenursing.com/candidates/candidacy.asp.

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. On Feb. 9, 2022, pursuant to Ill. Admin. Code 1300.340(b)(4)(C), the Professional Nursing Associate’s degree program at the Romeoville/Joliet campus and its extension campuses was placed on probation for having an annual pass rate of less than 75 percent on the National Council Licensing Examination of first-time examinees for two consecutive years. The program has two years to demonstrate evidence of implementing strategies to correct deficiencies and bring the pass rate in line with the 75 percent criteria. If after two years of implementing strategies to correct the deficiency the annual pass rate is less than 75 percent, the program will be reevaluated and will either be allowed to continue to operate on a probationary status or will be disapproved and removed from the list of Illinois approved nursing programs.

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.

Additional accreditation details >

View Student Achievement Data >

logo-accreditation-acen logo-accreditation-ccne chart-credential-laddering-associates-bachelors-masters 0 Credits90 Credits180 Credits48 CreditsStart HereHIGH SCHOOL GRADSStart HereTRANSFER STUDENTSStart HereSECOND DEGREE PURSUERSEnd HereASSOCIATE'S DEGREEStart HereMASTER'S DEGREEPURSUERSEnd HereBACHELOR'S DEGREEEnd HereMASTER'S DEGREE chart-credential-laddering-associates-bachelors 0 CreditsStart HereHIGH SCHOOL GRADSStart HereTRANSFER STUDENTS90 CreditsStart HereSECOND DEGREE PURSUERSEnd HereASSOCIATE'S DEGREE180 CreditsEnd HereBACHELOR'S DEGREE chart-credential-laddering-msn chart-credential-laddering-nursing-programs chart-credential-laddering-nursing DNPMSNRN to BSNLPN to RN BridgeAccelerated BSNProfessional Nursing ADNPractical Nursing DiplomaPre-LicensurePost-Licensure icon-colored-outline-bank icon-colored-outline-certificate icon-colored-outline-circle-dollar-sign icon-colored-outline-folder-search icon-colored-outline-hand-heart icon-colored-outline-head-blocks icon-colored-outline-head-cog icon-colored-outline-head-heart icon-colored-outline-health-plus-leaves icon-colored-outline-hospital icon-colored-outline-lifelong-learning icon-colored-outline-light-bulb-analytics icon-colored-outline-location-pin icon-colored-outline-maginify-glass icon-colored-outline-magnifying-glass icon-colored-outline-monitor-healthcare icon-colored-outline-monitor-paper-search icon-colored-outline-nurse-rays icon-colored-outline-padlock-shield icon-colored-outline-person-presenter-screen icon-colored-outline-scales icon-colored-advance icon-colored-arrows-cross-curve icon-colored-briefcase-star icon-colored-build icon-colored-bulb-analytics icon-colored-certificate icon-colored-continual-development icon-colored-duo-chatbox icon-colored-folder-mortarboard icon-colored-forward-ribbon icon-colored-gears-clock icon-colored-globe-pen icon-colored-growth icon-colored-hand-bubble icon-colored-hand-stars icon-colored-hands-gear icon-colored-head-blocks icon-colored-head-cog icon-colored-health-plus-leaves icon-colored-hospital-building icon-colored-laptop-cbe-skyscraper icon-colored-laptop-checkmark icon-colored-laptop-webpage icon-colored-location-map icon-colored-location-pin icon-colored-monitor-paper-scan icon-colored-mortarboard-dollar icon-colored-national icon-colored-people-chat-bubbles icon-colored-person-cheer-star icon-colored-person-laptop-checkboxes icon-colored-person-screen-instructor icon-colored-person-whiteboard icon-colored-phone-chatbox icon-colored-police-light icon-colored-prep icon-colored-presenter icon-colored-regional icon-colored-save-time icon-colored-shirt-hat icon-colored-skyscraper icon-colored-state icon-colored-student-centered icon-colored-support icon-colored-world-experience icon-triangle-arrow-up-plant icon-triangle-calendar-pencil icon-triangle-clock-rotating-arrows icon-triangle-display-gears icon-triangle-hand-right-speech-bubble icon-triangle-laptop-coding-brackets icon-triangle-mortarboard icon-triangle-paper-ribbon icon-triangle-person-cheer-star icon-triangle-person-juggle icon-triangle-triple-people-chat-bubble ras-logo-flame ras-logo-horizontal ras-logo-stacked icon-modality-campus icon-modality-field icon-modality-online icon-modality-residential icon-social-facebook-square-colored icon-social-facebook-square icon-social-facebook icon-social-google-plus-square icon-social-google-plus icon-social-instagram icon-social-linkedin-square-colored icon-social-linkedin-square icon-social-linkedin icon-social-pinterest-p icon-social-twitter-square icon-social-twitter icon-social-youtube-play-colored icon-social-youtube-play icon-arrow icon-bank icon-camera icon-filter icon-general-chart icon-general-connect icon-general-degree icon-general-discuss icon-general-email icon-general-find icon-general-hat icon-general-heart icon-general-laptop-building icon-general-laptop icon-general-leader icon-general-map icon-general-money icon-general-paperwork icon-general-people icon-general-phone icon-general-speak-out icon-head-heart icon-info-circle icon-mail-forward icon-mglass icon-play-solid icon-quote-mark-left icon-quote-mark-right icon-scales icon-share-square-o icon-simple-chat icon-simple-desktop icon-simple-find icon-simple-hamburger icon-simple-phone icon-spinner icon-tag icon-testimonial-quotes icon-util-checkbox-white icon-util-checkbox icon-util-checked-white icon-util-checked icon-util-chevron-down icon-util-chevron-left icon-util-chevron-right icon-util-chevron-up icon-util-circle-arrow-down icon-util-circle-dot icon-util-language-switch icon-util-loading icon-util-open-window-button icon-util-open-window-link icon-util-pdf-button icon-util-pdf-link icon-util-refresh icon-util-x rebrand-arrows