Associate of Science in Nursing
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) typically includes foundational science courses like anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, alongside core nursing courses focusing on fundamentals, skills, and clinical practice. Specific courses often cover medical-surgical nursing, maternal-newborn nursing, pediatric nursing, and psychiatric nursing. Additionally, general education requirements such as English, math, and psychology are common.
An Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) typically requires between 60 and 72 credit hours, with the exact number varying by institution. These credit hours are usually split between general education courses and nursing-specific coursework, including clinical rotations.
Key Areas of Study:
- Foundational Sciences:
- Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the structure and function of the human body.
- Microbiology: Studying microorganisms and their impact on health.
- Chemistry: Exploring the chemical principles relevant to biological systems and drug interactions.
- Core Nursing Courses:
- Nursing Fundamentals: Introducing basic nursing concepts and skills.
- Nursing Skills: Developing practical skills for patient care.
- Pharmacology: Learning about medications and their effects.
- Clinical Practice: Applying nursing knowledge and skills in supervised clinical settings.
- Specialized Nursing Areas:
- Medical-Surgical Nursing: Caring for patients with a wide range of medical and surgical conditions.
- Maternal-Newborn Nursing: Focusing on the care of pregnant women, newborns, and their families.
- Pediatric Nursing: Providing care for infants, children, and adolescents.
- Psychiatric Nursing: Addressing the mental health needs of patients.
- General Education Requirements:
- English: Developing strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Mathematics: Building a foundation in mathematical concepts relevant to nursing.
- Psychology: Understanding human behavior and development.
- Other:
- Introduction to the Nursing Profession: Exploring the history, ethics, and roles of nurses.
- Professional Issues in Nursing: Addressing legal, ethical, and professional challenges in nursing practice.
- Nursing Health Assessments: Learning to evaluate patient health status.
Clinical Experience:
- Most ADN programs require a significant number of clinical hours, which are supervised practical experiences in healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
- Clinical hours allow students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world patient care scenarios and develop essential nursing skills.
Admission Requirements:
- ADN programs typically require a high school diploma or GED, and some may require specific high school coursework in science, math, and English.
- Many programs also require a minimum GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and completion of prerequisite courses.
- Specific admission requirements vary by institution, so it’s essential to check with the chosen program for details.