There are many pathways you can take to become a registered nurse (RN), which can get confusing for those just starting out. Do you actually need to complete your bachelor’s degree? Or are you an RN with an associate degree? What makes a nurse an RN, exactly?

There’s a ton of information out there, and not all of it will give you a clear-cut answer, which is: You absolutely can become an RN with an associate degree. That said, you are not automatically an RN after completing your degree; you still need to pass a licensing exam.

Simply put, you’re not technically a registered nurse after earning your degree. Earning your associate degree in Nursing (ADN) is an important step, but not the entirety of the process. You still have to go through the rest of the licensing to become a full-fledged RN.

Below, we’ll go over what you need to become an RN with an ADN. Let’s begin.

What is an RN, exactly?

A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed healthcare provider typically responsible for patient care and healthcare education for patients and families. They often support patient health outcomes and work closely with the patient care team.

There are many ways to work as an RN. You could work in a hospital, a private clinic, a long-term care facility, a community health organization, or even a school.

In any of these roles, you could be doing anything from giving meds as needed to coordinating patient care, and everything in between. What makes you an RN isn’t the level of education you achieve, but rather whether or not you have a license. To get your RN license, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN, a national licensing exam.

Are you automatically an RN after earning an associate degree?

No. Can you be an RN with an associate degree? Yes. Earning your associate degree is great progress toward becoming an RN, but it’s not the end of the road. It will not automatically make you a registered nurse. To become a registered nurse, you’ll have to pass your NCLEX-RN exam.

However, to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN test, you must have graduated from an appropriately accredited program. Then you take the test and apply for your nursing license with your state. The ADN is often the first step on the journey to becoming a registered nurse.

Can you be an RN with an associate degree?

Yes. Having an associate degree in Nursing (ADN) is one of the most common and quickest paths to being an RN. The degree program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to both pass the NCLEX-RN and work as exceptional nurses.

An ADN nursing program is often the fastest and, therefore, the most affordable way to enter nursing. A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) often takes twice as long, and many prospective students can’t afford to wait that long. Once you’ve got your ADN, you’re eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and get your license to be an RN.

Why an associate degree is a smart first step

An associate degree in Nursing is a great launch pad for your nursing career. It can be done quickly, and you can always go back for further education after becoming an RN if you’d like. It gets you to the finish line quickly while leaving the door open to further education and advancement if you choose to pursue it.

With the constantly growing demand for registered nurses, earning your associate’s degree and entering this field is a great career opportunity. There is a ton of long-term growth and advancement potential in the nursing field.

Learn how to become an RN with your ADN through Goodwin University

What can you do with an associate degree in Nursing?

Once you’ve earned your ADN and passed the NCLEX-RN, the world is your oyster. You get to decide where you want to work within the healthcare industry.

Then, later on, if you decide that you want to pursue your BSN or advance into specialized fields, it’s easy to finish your BSN with an RN-to-BSN program designed specifically for practicing nurses with an ADN.

ADN vs. BSN: Do you need a bachelor’s degree to be an RN?

This is one of the most commonly misunderstood concepts in nursing. You do not need a bachelor’s degree to become a registered nurse. Both ADN and BSN graduates can take the same NCLEX-RN exam and earn the same RN license. The biggest difference between an ADN and a BSN is potential opportunities for future advancement.

Many leadership positions, specialized nursing roles, and advancement to a nurse practitioner role all require a BSN. So while you can become an RN with only an associate degree, there are limitations to where that can take you long-term in a career.

How to get started on your nursing journey

If you’re ready to start your journey to becoming an RN, the process starts with choosing the right program for you. Apply today and chat with admissions counselors to see what’s the best path for you.

Goodwin University is a fully accredited ADN program offering classroom and clinical training that prepares graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN and pursue their dream of becoming a nurse.

Learn more about the ADN program at Goodwin University to see if becoming a nurse is the right career choice for you.