An online Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) introduces foundational clinical concepts alongside general education coursework. These programs are commonly used as a starting point for students new to nursing and prepare graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. ADN graduates earn a median of $67,894 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
Some students use an associate degree to enter the workforce as registered nurses, while others use it as a structured transfer pathway toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
An online associate degree in nursing (ADN) introduces core clinical concepts alongside general education coursework and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
Most online associate programs combine general education, introductory nursing courses, clinical skills labs, and supervised clinical hours at approved sites.
Many programs are structured around two academic years, but pacing and transfer credits can change the timeline.
Common courses include anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of nursing, health assessment, pharmacology basics, and clinical skills labs.
Many associate degrees are designed to transfer into RN-to-BSN programs, but policies vary by institution.
Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, official transcripts, and prerequisite courses in science.
For a full overview of degree paths, start here: Nursing Program Guide
How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only—always confirm details directly with each school.
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Most online associate programs follow a predictable structure designed to build clinical fundamentals.
Common components include:
To compare delivery styles and pacing, see: Online Course Formats
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Anatomy and Physiology | Body systems, structure, and function |
| Fundamentals of Nursing | Basic patient care, safety, and professional standards |
| Health Assessment | Physical examination, vital signs, patient history |
| Pharmacology Basics | Drug categories, dosing, administration routes |
| Medical-Surgical Nursing | Care of adult patients with common conditions |
| Clinical Skills Lab | Hands-on practice with equipment and procedures |
When comparing transfer pathways, verify:
To compare next step options, see: Online Bachelor’s in Nursing
Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent and official transcripts. Some schools also use placement assessments. Prerequisite science courses may be required before starting the nursing core.
For a full checklist, see: Nursing Admissions Requirements
| Level | Typical Credits | Median Earnings (1yr) | Median Earnings (5yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate (ADN) | 60-70 | $67,894 | $74,418 | $15,439 |
| Master’s (MSN) | 36-48 | $107,358 | $119,619 | $44,576 |
| Doctoral (DNP) | 60-90 | $125,952 | $134,953 | $67,862 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, latest academic year.
Compare degree options:
For a value and fit discussion, see: Is a Nursing Degree Worth It
