Associate degree programs prepare students to become registered nurses. The curriculum is offered in a community college or senior university and prepares the graduate for technical nursing practice.
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The associate degree program originated in the early 1950s. The development of the program was influenced by (1) the need for additional nurses in the work force and (2) could be educated in less than the 3 years of the typical diploma program. The first associate degree nurse (ADN) program was conducted in the Cooperative Research Project in Junior and Community College Education at Teacher`s College, Columbia University, under the direction of Mildred Montag. The purpose of the program was to prepare technical nurses who chould assist professional nurses. The curriculum was designed to increase the science base and decrease the practice base, which was to be provided in the employment setting. Although originally intended to serve as a terminal degree, most ADN programs now serve as a base for RN Mobility programs.
Educational Setting
Associate degree programs are offered primarily by community and junior colleges. They may also be offered in vocational colleges, senior universities, or as free-standing degree-granting institutions.
Entry Requirements
Applicants to associate degree programs must meet the entry requirements of the college or university in which the program is located. These requirements typically include graduation from high school or the equivalent college preparatory curriculum and evidence of scholastic aptitude. Entry requirements for LPN to ADN programs may include licensure as an LPN and clinical practice experience.
Educational Base
Associate degree education is based in general education courses. The courses meet degree requirements of the college or university and include biological and social sciences. Approximately one half of the curriculum (30 credits) is composed of general education courses.
Curriculum
There are two curriculum patterns preparing graduates for the ADN degree. The first is a generic or basic curriculum. The second pattern is a LPN-to-ADN program that provides mobility for graduates of LPN programs and accepts credit and experience for previous learning.
The ADN curriculum builds on the base of general education courses and includes nursing courses in adult and child health, maternity nursing, psychiatric and mental health nursing, legal aspects of nursing practice, ethical issues, and professional roles. The curriculum prepares graduates of practice nursing, under the direction of the professional nurse, in roles of care provider, communicator, client teacher, manager of care, and member of the profession. The curriculum can be completed in 2 academic years (60 credits).
The nursing practice of a graduate from an associate degree program is directed toward the following :
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a. Clients who need information or support to maintain health.
b. Clients who are in need of medical diagnostic evaluation and/or are experiencing acute or chronic illness.
c. Clients responses to common, well-defined health problems.
d. Formulation of nursing diagnoses.
e. Nursing interventions selected from established nursing protocols where probable outcomes are predictable.
f. Individual clients, with consideration of the person`s relationship with family, group, and community.
g. Safe performance of nursing skills that require cognitive, psychomotor, and affective capabilities.
h. Structured care setting but primarily occurs within acute- and extended-care facilities.
i. Direct or indirect guidance by a more ecperienced registered nurse.
j. Direction pf peers or other workers in nursing in selected aspects of care within the scope of practice of associate degree nursing.
k. Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of self and other workers within the employment setting.
Degree Granted
The degree is granted by the institution of higher education in which the associate degree program in located. The degree may be an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Associate Degree (AD), or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS).
License
The graduate from an associate degree program is prepared to write the NCLEX-RN exam. In most states, the AD graduate is licensed as a registered nurse. In North Dakota, however, the ADN graduate is licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse under state legislation for differentiated education and licensure.
Accrediting Agencies and Professional Organizations
Associate degree programs are acrredited by the Assiciate Degree Council of the NLN. The institution of higher education may also be accredited by an appropriate technical or college accrediting agency.
Professional organizations promoting the interest of associate degree nursing are NLN, ANA, and NCNIP. The National Organization for the Advancement of Associate Degree Nursing was formed in 1986 to support associate degree education and nursing practice. The organization endorses registered nurse licensure for the associate degree graduate.
References :
Deloughery GL : Issues and Trends in Nursing, Mosby Year Book, St. Louis, Missouri, 1991
Montag ML : Community college education for nursing, New York, McGraw Hill, 1959.
Rapson MF : Implications for nursing education and the nursing profession, In Rapson MF, ed: Collaboration for articulation RN to BSN, New York, National League for Nursing, 1987.
National League for Nursing : Competencies of the associate degree nurse on entry into practice, New York, National League for Nursing, 1978.
Edge S : Appendix B, State positions on tutoring and licensure. In NLN, Looking beyond the entry issue : implications for education and service New York, National League for Nursing, 1986.
McCarty P : North Dacota educates under new rules, 1989.
