Online Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs

Q: Is it worth getting your ADN?

Obtaining your ADN comes with many advantages. Within two years, you can enter the nursing workforce and start earning an average of $86,000 per year as an RN. You can enjoy job security and opportunities for career advancement.

Q: Should I get my ADN before my BSN?

It depends on your goals. If you want to enter the nursing field quickly and affordably, starting with an ADN is a good choice. However, if you are striving for a management or leadership role in nursing, pursuing a BSN from the start may be more beneficial.

Q: Do ADN and BSN graduates take the same NCLEX?

Yes, anyone looking to practice as an RN in the U.S. must pass the NCLEX-RN. The exam is the same whether you have an ADN or a BSN, as both degrees prepare you for this test.

Updated on September 26, 2025

Edited by

Discover how online associate nursing programs can help you enter the medical field. Explore ADN program costs, expected coursework, and ADN salary potential.

Associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs offer a quick, efficient route to the academic credentials you need to launch an entry-level nursing career. They usually lead to associate of science (AS) degrees, and are also known as associate of science in nursing (ASN) programs.

Many ADN/ASN programs require little in the way of prerequisites, making them easily accessible with low barriers to entry. Explore the path, its affordability benefits, and the careers it can prepare you to enter.

Degree at a Glance

Typical Program Length: Two years or 4-5 semesters
Typical Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; some schools require candidates to take Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) assessments
Top Skills Gained: Basic clinical nursing, patient assessment, medical documentation, data collection, professional and interpersonal communication
Popular Concentrations: Concentrations not typically offered at the associate level

Top Online ADN Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Granite Falls, MN
2 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

A public institution, Minnesota West Community and Technical College offers degrees from its main campus in Granite Falls. At the institution, degree-seekers select from 13 online associate programs, which include an AS in nursing program. Applicants can enroll in the two-year program with a high school diploma or the equivalent. The school uses placement tests to determine the class selections for incoming students. Applicants work with admissions advisors to determine the necessary steps to enroll in the program.

In the nursing program, learners complete coursework online. The flexible format helps students earn their degree. Degree-seekers benefit from the program's asynchronous course options, which let learners complete course requirements on their schedule.

With an associate degree in nursing, students enter the workforce or transfer into a bachelor's program. The school's articulation agreements with four-year colleges make it easier for graduates to transfer their credits toward a bachelor's degree.

Minnesota West Community and Technical College Numbers:

Online Enrollment: 1,671

Percent of Students who Graduate: 45%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,300

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $10,600

49%

Online Enrollment

$ 5,300

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

59%

Retention Rate

$10,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Students Enrolled: 3,421

Institution Type: Public

Northwest Technical College

Bemidji, MN
2 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Northwest Technical College, a public institution in Bemidji, Minnesota, offers on-campus and online degrees. The school delivers 14 online associate programs, including an AS in nursing degree. Applicants with a high school diploma or GED can enroll in the online program. The program may administer placement tests for some incoming students. Applicants meet with admissions advisors to learn more about the enrollment process.

The distance learning format appeals to students who require a flexible schedule. The school's asynchronous classes, which require no set meeting times, allow learners to complete lessons on their schedule.

An associate degree in nursing prepares learners for the workforce or a four-year degree. The school's articulation agreements with local four-year colleges help graduates transfer seamlessly into a bachelor's program.

Northwest Technical College at a Glance:

Online Enrollment: 649

Percent of Students who Earn a Bachelor's Degree: 31%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,346

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $5,346

69%

Online Enrollment

$5,346

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

64%

Retention Rate

$5,346

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Students Enrolled: 947

Institution Type: Public

Our Methodology

Price Check

According to the most recent 2020 study by the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition cost of an associate healthcare program is just $5,221. While rising tuition costs aren’t directly caused by inflation, we can use the BLS inflation calculator to estimate this amount in today’s dollars, which is about $6,556 as of September 2025.

Why Get an Online ADN?

ADN programs are usually more affordable and quicker to complete than bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs. With an ADN, you can take the NCLEX-RN and begin practicing as a registered nurse (RN).

As a nurse with an ADN, you can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for RNs to grow 5% from 2024-2034, matching the median projected growth for all U.S. jobs.

Online ADN programs provide flexibility. Students can complete most graduation requirements at home, and asynchronous classes allow degree-seekers to learn when convenient. This format is ideal for those who must balance work or family obligations while pursuing their studies.

Career Outlook for ADN Graduates

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for RNs is $93,600. This figure includes RNs with an ADN or a BSN. Nurses can also increase their salary potential by continuing their education. Professionals with an ADN can enroll in an RN-to-BSN program, which can be completed either in person or through an online nursing program.

Fastest-Growing Jobs in Nursing and Healthcare
Job	Annual Mean Wage, May 2024	Projected Job Growth (2024-2034)
Cardiovascular Technologists	$67,260	+3%
Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics	$46,350	+5%
Health Information Technologists	$67,310	+15%
Registered Nurses	$93,600	+5%
Surgical Assistants and Technologists	$62,480	+5%

Source: BLS

ADN Licensing and Certification Requirements

ADN/ASN students often pursue careers as registered nurses. Licensing requirements vary by state, but they generally include:

A diploma or degree from an approved nursing program
A passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam
A background check

You can research state-specific details on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website. Before applying to a program, make sure it is officially recognized and approved by your state’s nursing board. If you graduate from an unapproved program, you will not qualify for licensure.

If you use your nursing degree to qualify for non-nursing roles involving licensure or certification, additional schooling, practical training, and/or exam requirements may apply.

Ways to Save on an ADN Degree

Online ADN/ASN degrees frequently offer built-in cost advantages, but savvy students always look for more ways to save. Following these tips may help reduce your program costs:

Scholarships and Grants

These financial aid sources that you don’t have to pay back reduce your out-of-pocket costs without creating debt. Start with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s financial aid portal, and consider applying to the federal government’s Nurse Corps grant program.

Compare Schools

Tuition rates can vary widely among nursing schools. Research approved programs in your state to find the lowest-cost options that will still qualify you for a nursing license.

Accelerate Your Graduation Timeline

The sooner you graduate, the faster you can join the workforce and start making money. If you feel comfortable doing it, and if you have the option, consider enrolling full time and taking as many classes as you are able to handle, including summers. You could save on time and a semester of tuition expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions About ADN Programs

Is an associate degree in nursing enough to become a nurse?

Yes, ADN programs meet the minimum requirements to take the NCLEX-RN, become an RN, and begin working in nursing. ADN-prepared nurses can work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

Some states, such as New York, require a BSN within a certain number of years after licensure. Many medical centers want BSN-only RNs because of Magnet certification. Therefore, a BSN may be necessary to advance your career and access more opportunities.