For the best answers, search on this site shorturl.im/XTZ8KAs has been stated by some of the previous responders, there are many, and in fact the predominance of RN programs, currently, in the US are associate degree programs. Just be sure when you enroll in the program that it is an associate degree which prepares you for the NCLEX-RN, as there are now some associate degree programs which prepare students for the NCLEX-LPN/LVN. Associate degree nurses in the US have similar success on the NCLEX-RN and show similar competence in the entry level nursing positions. And many of the finest RNs are ADNs. BSNs (despite a few regional differences) make an average of $2,000 to $3000 per year more with a BSN differential paid by the hospital, in the first years. However, the actual salary differences become more evident, as most major hospitals and hospital systems now prefer or require a BSN for an RN to advance into a management or supervisory role, thus in the long run the BSN nurses make a higher income over the course of their careers. Also there are many positions in nursing which are posted as BSN required or preferred, and the ability to obtain your desired position is improved with the higher degree. (however, in the long run, experience usually works for an ADN in the application process). When applying for a graduate school program, all MSN programs require a BSN as a prerequisite degree. However, there are some bridge programs, which are available as ADN to MSN. In these programs, you finish the BSN at the school, prior to starting the MSN program. The average ADN program, though originally intended to be a 2 year program, now takes 3 to 3.5 years, due to the need to complete the sciences courses as prerequisites, these were once taken as co-requisites. A BSN program takes 4 years, so to complete an ADN and then take the BSN usually takes about half a year longer, than going directly through the BSN. Also, when there are a high number of applications for the MSN program from nurses with BSNs, there is less of a need for the schools to fill with ADN bridge applicants, so they have the students do the ADN to BSN then apply to the MSN in some cases. (This is most true with anesthesia programs which rarely, if ever, have ADN bridge programs). The salary average in the US for an RN with an ADN degree in 2007 was close to $59,000. However, this varies widely by your location. You can expect to make much more in the northeast or major west coast cities, however, the cost of living, usually offsets any increase over the national average....
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