Hospital Nurse with an Associate's Degree: Is It Possible?

In the United States, the minimum educational requirement to become a registered nurse (RN) and get a job as a hospital nurse is typically an associate degree in nursing (ADN). An ADN program generally takes two years to complete and includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.

After earning an ADN, individuals must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to obtain their RN license. Once licensed, individuals can apply for RN positions in hospitals and other healthcare settings.

While some hospitals may prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), many accept applicants with ADNs due to the current nursing shortage. However, it is worth noting that some positions or career advancement opportunities may require a BSN or higher nursing degree.