What Educational Programs in the USA prepare Nursing professionals?
• Diploma. Diploma programs, administered in hospitals, last about 3 years. Only a small and declining number of programs offer Diploma Programs. • An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) ADN programs, offered by community and junior colleges, take about 2 to 3 years to complete. About 700 RN Programs in 2002 were at the ADN level. Many AND- and Diploma educated Nurses later enter Bachelor’s Programs to prepare for a broader scope of nursing practice. Often, they can find a staff Nurse position and then take advantage of tuition reimbursement benefits to work toward a BSN by completing one of many RN-to-BSN programs. • A Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) BSN programs, offered by colleges and universities, take about 4 years to complete. In 2002, 678 nursing programs offered degrees at the Bachelor’s level. Generally, licensed graduates of any of the four types of educational programs qualify for entry-level positions as staff Nurses. • A Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) MS
