Rozina Aziz If you’re thinking about becoming a registered nurse, you have several educational alternatives from which to choose. Continue reading to find out about each one.
What is a Diploma in Nursing?
The minimal need for employment as a professional in the nursing field—typically as a Licensed Practical Nurse—is a Diploma in Nursing, sometimes known as a Nursing Diploma (LPN). It is an entry-level, post-secondary diploma primarily provided by nursing schools housed within hospitals.
In recent years, associate’s degrees in nursing (ASN) and bachelor’s degrees in nursing (BSN) have supplanted nursing diplomas as the preferred educational pathway for aspiring nurses (BSN). Only those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree can apply for a license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN).
Most community colleges and technical schools used to provide nursing diploma programs, but this is becoming less common today. Almost all of these educational institutions currently solely provide Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ASN) programs, which take only two years to complete.
A hospital-based nursing school is often where students who wish to earn a diploma in nursing must enroll. Yet, there once were more of these nursing schools. Instead of functioning independently, most hospital-based nursing schools have created cooperatives with regional nursing schools, community institutions, and technical schools.
Nursing Diploma Program Evolution:
Nursing education has been sweeping across America’s urban centers since the 1870s, spreading like wildfire from Boston to New York, Chicago to Hartford, and Philadelphia to the ends of the earth. As hospitals sprang up like mushrooms, nursing schools sprouted up in their wake, providing a bountiful harvest of skilled caregivers for the nation’s health needs. As hospitals multiplied like rabbits, nursing schools swiftly followed suit and became the go-to source for all the country’s nursing needs.
At that time, classroom experience was limited and there was no established curriculum. Nursing students often volunteered at hospitals and would work up to 18 hours a day, seven days a week. Their education was primarily based on hands-on experience.
As the world of nursing education evolved, so did the duration of diploma programs. By the late 1900s, these bad boys took three years to complete! But that wasn’t the only exciting development – pioneering nursing graduates even went on to write textbooks, paving the way for specialized and advanced training.
Back in the day, diploma programs were the boss for producing fresh-faced registered nurses. With an astounding 1,300+ schools scattered nationwide, these programs ruled the roost in the groovy 50s and swinging 60s.
But these days, there are fewer and fewer of these programs. Less than 10% of all RN entry programs presently provide it. The fall in nursing employment began in the late 1970s when the focus of nursing education switched from on-the-job training to classroom instruction.
With an emphasis on clinical experiences and direct patient care, diploma programs today provide a solid social science and biology foundation. In comparison to other entry-level programs, these offer more clinical training. Some students prefer hands-on learning methods for nursing, and those who choose this program know its benefits.
The curriculum of the diploma program is comparable to that of the ADN or Associate Degree in Nursing degree, except that the former requires more clinical hours. Graduates are in high demand across the healthcare spectrum, from long-term care and acute care facilities to community clinics and hospitals. They become proficient in their clinical skills.
Most of the remaining diploma programs in the United States are focused in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. These students are prepared for career opportunities in nursing by hospitals, where many of them find employment after graduation. Less than 100 programs are available right now.
What makes a Nursing Diploma unique?
Depending on the institution, a nursing diploma program typically lasts one to three years and prepares students for entry-level nursing professions. Before beginning the nursing curriculum, students must complete the following prerequisite courses:
- Clinical application
- Pharmacology
- Nursing Informatics
- The Components of Patient Care
- An Overview of the Many Areas of Patient Care
- Mental health nursing
- Nursing Concepts Throughout the Lifespan (infant, child, adult, family, senior)
- Psychology/Sociology
What are the advantages of a nursing diploma program?
In most situations, a diploma degree focuses on patient or clinical practice and care because of the hospital setting. When choosing a school, keep this in mind. As part of the educational program, a significant portion of time will be devoted to practical experience working as a nurse or nursing assistant.
The idea that a nursing diploma is less important than an Associate’s degree is a widespread fallacy. Once again, the time spent in school is up to you, but you should feel prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam for your RN license after graduating. You have the skills and experience to succeed as a registered nurse in various healthcare settings.
Admission To A Diploma Program Based On Hospital:
The Nursing Diploma programs’ admissions procedures are standard for a conventional university. Visiting, speaking with admissions counselors, asking questions, and submitting an application are all possible at this school, just like any other.
Paying for nursing school:
The Admissions and Financial Aid team at your school holds the key to unlocking an avalanche of amazing opportunities. Don’t let federal funding slip through your fingers – let them guide you to success and financial freedom. The school may provide various options for student loans and scholarships based on merit and financial need.
Employment Opportunities:
Normally, nurses with a diploma in nursing can obtain entry-level nursing work in hospitals or inpatient facilities. They won’t have the education to work in technical specialties like pediatrics, cancer, or anesthesia. For those who want to start their nursing careers immediately, a diploma is an excellent alternative to a bachelor’s degree. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and becoming licensed as an RN are prerequisites for nursing in specialty fields.
Earnings:
A diploma is often required for entry-level nursing jobs, which pay between $15 and $20 per hour. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) nursing graduate will start out earning between $25 and $30 per hour, according to Allnurses.com. Experience, geography, and employer all play a role in wage range, as in any other profession.
How do nursing diplomas differ from associate’s degrees in nursing?
The main distinction between an associate degree nursing program and an RN diploma program is that the former requires students to complete college-level courses, whilst the latter does not. If you decide to continue your study after completing an associate degree program, your college credits will transfer into an online RN to BSN program.
Nursing diploma and associate degree programs take two to three years to complete and prepare students to sit for the RN licensing exam. A BSN requires significantly more time and effort from individuals with a diploma.
FAQ’s
Is an ADN the same as an RN?
An ADN is a two-year nursing degree that provides the necessary education to pursue an RN credential. To become an RN, one must obtain a diploma or degree (ADN, BSN), pass the NCLEX exam, and fulfill all state licensing requirements.
Which degree, an ADN or a BSN, is preferable?
You can take the NCLEX and become an RN with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an Associate of Applied Science degree. A BSN degree typically requires a longer duration of study and encompasses more advanced coursework, such as nursing leadership, research, and public health. Which is preferable is a matter of personal preference and depends on factors such as desired degree length and intended field of study.
Is a BSN salary higher than ADN?
Obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) usually leads to higher pay compared to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). However, work experience, location, and job duties can also impact salary.
How much more does a BSN make compared to an RN?
Due to their higher level of education, nurses who have earned their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees typically earn more than their counterparts who have only earned their RN diploma or certificate. Becoming a registered nurse (RN) with only an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) plus a diploma or certificate in the field is still possible.
