How Do Hospitals Hire RNs With Associates Degrees?
When it comes to deciding what type of degree to pursue, there are two options available: an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Both offer similar degrees, and both take a few years to complete.
Nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing typically work as a registered nurse (RN). They have a wide range of job opportunities and can expect good pay because they are in high demand, as hospitals and medical offices are constantly expanding and adding new nurses to meet growing patient populations.
The number of RN jobs is expected to grow over the next six years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the majority of these jobs will be in hospitals. Nevertheless, the BLS reports that a large percentage of RNs work in other settings – in home care, doctor’s offices and rehabilitation centers, for instance – so it is possible to find an RN job that suits your preferences.
Having an associate’s degree in nursing may also help you get a job as a clinical research assistant, where you will assist in writing drug trial procedures and designing materials for researchers to use. These positions are available at psychiatric hospitals, general hospitals and private practices.
Some RNs choose to go back to school for a bachelor’s degree in nursing after their associate’s, but this is not necessary for many jobs or career paths. The BSN will prepare you for more advanced positions and allow you to specialize in your chosen area of nursing.
If you’re planning to go for a bachelor’s in nursing, it is best to start your studies as early as possible. This will give you a head start and will save you time and money in the long run.
Hiring RNs with an associate’s degree has been on the rise in recent years because it has become more common to hire graduates with this education level. This allows a hospital to hire experienced nurses who can quickly advance to the coveted BSN level without having to send them back to school, says Karen Haller, PhD, RN, vice president of nursing and patient-care services at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.
While a BSN will be required to gain management status, it is not necessary for most nurses to have this level of education. In fact, most new grads at Hopkins start their careers with only an associate’s degree.
The salary difference between a nurse with an associate’s degree and a nurse with a bachelor’s is not huge, but it can be quite significant. Those with a bachelor’s degree in nursing earn more than those who only have an associate’s degree, because they are more likely to have a higher level of experience that can lead to increased pay.
A BSN is often preferred over an associate’s for entry-level positions and will give you the skills necessary to move into a master’s or doctoral degree. This is especially important if you are planning on becoming a professor in the future.
