Registered Nursing/Associate Degree in Nursing
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Program Details
What Will I learn
Upon completion of the Associate Degree in Nursing program, graduates will be able to:
- Justify a plan of care that provides safe, quality patient centered care to persons throughout the lifespan and
across the health/wellness continuum that creates an environment promoting caring and professionalism
with consideration for the patient’s cultural/societal beliefs and practices. - Apply scientific evidence-based knowledge to concepts in the care of patients throughout the lifespan and
across the health/wellness continuum. - Validate effective communication and behaviors with healthcare stakeholders that is consistent with the
nursing scope of practice and adhering to legal and ethical frameworks.
- Assist individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve optimal health utilizing the knowledge gained from biological, social, and nursing sciences.
- Formulate a comprehensive plan of care that minimizes risk and optimizes safety using the nursing process.
- Integrate the role of professional nursing into clinical practice.
- Apply psychological, social, and cultural knowledge to nursing practice.
- Use inter- and intra-professional communication and collaboration skills to deliver evidence-based, patientcentered care.
- Assume the role of advocate to improve healthcare delivery by communicating and acting according to the expressed needs of the individual.
- Interpret data and apply evidence to support clinical judgment.
- Develop and implement patient education based on identification need and in collaboration with the patient.
- Utilize a variety of resources, including electronic media and medical technology to provide safe, quality care of the patient and family.
- Provide leadership, manage resources, delegate and supervise members of the healthcare team.
- Relate and apply concepts of communication, reasoning, critical analysis, ethical behavior, and appropriate interpersonal interaction to situations in their career and personal life.
Military Policy
Challenge / Advanced Placement for Military Trained Healthcare Personnel Requesting Entrance into the Registered Nursing program
Individuals who have held Military Health Care Occupation, specifically: Basic Medical Technician Corpsman (Navy HM or Air Force BMTCP), Army Health Care Specialist (68W Army Medic) or Air Force Independent Duty Medical Technician (IMDT 4N0X1C), may achieve advanced placement into the nursing program with documentation of education and experience qualifying them for the specific Military Health Care Occupation and upon successful completion of the challenge exam(s), dosage calculation exam, and skills competency exam.
A qualified military professional must:
- Be active in good standing (or) have been discharged under “honorable” condition.
- Submit credits earned through college course work or military experience for an applicable Military Health Care Occupation achieved
Credits Earned by Students Receiving Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
Incoming students receiving Veteran’s Affairs benefits will have any previous college coursework or training (military and non-military) evaluated to determine whether the previously earned credit may be transferred into their program of study.
Applicants/Military Professionals Challenging LVN Coursework and Licensure Requirements
The Registered Nursing – LVN to RN Bridge program does allow applicants to challenge the LVN coursework and licensure requirements. To successfully do so, applicants must:
- Achieve a benchmark equivalent National Standard for ATI Fundamentals Proctored Assessment to establish foundational knowledge base.
- Achieve a minimum score of 75% on the Final Exam for RN10 and RN10L.
Carrington College has well defined policies and procedures that govern the acceptance of credit for coursework completed at other institutions, including military education and training for Veterans Administration students. Please refer to the Transfer Credit Policy in the academic catalog for further details.
Cost & Financial Aid
Your education is an investment in your future, and Carrington College is here to help. We offer a variety of financial aid options, including federal, state, and private programs, Sas well as student loans, grants, and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Each program has different requirements and application instructions. Our team is here to guide you through the options and application process.
Academic Cost
For complete information on current tuition costs, please see the Academic Catalog.
Compare programs
Once you have decided you want to pursue a rewarding career in the nursing field, choosing the right job path and career education is the next step.
Location Availability
Carrington College offers the Registered Nursing/Associate Degree in Nursing programs at 8 campuses in four states. To learn more about each location, explore their pages.
Associate Degree in Nursing
Carrington College’s Associate Degree in Nursing program can be completed in 96 weeks.
Registered Nursing
Carrington College’s Registered Nursing degree program can be completed in 80 weeks.
Carrington College also offers a Registered Nursing certificate option that can be completed in 60 weeks. See academic catalog for details.
In accordance with the Board of Registered Nursing Policy (Section 1435.5), California Licensed Vocational Nurses may apply for the non-degree program. This program is commonly referred to as the “30-Unit option” and prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN Examination, but does not award an A.S. Degree. Completion of this option may not meet the criteria to practice in other states. Applicants will be considered on a space-available basis only and if program resources allow.
Accreditation & Approvals
Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234 an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at accjc.org.
For comprehensive information on Carrington College’s accreditation and approvals, visit carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.
The Associate Degree in Nursing program at Carrington College at the campus located in Albuquerque, New Mexico is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree in Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at www.acenursing.org/search-programs/.
The Associate Degree in Nursing program at Carrington College at the campus located in Phoenix, Arizona is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, 404-975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree in Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at www.acenursing.org/search-programs/.
The Associate Degree in Nursing program at Carrington College at the campus located in Mesa, Arizona has been granted initial accreditation status by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, 404-975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree in Nursing program is Initial Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at www.acenursing.org/search-programs/.
The Associate Degree in Nursing program at Carrington College at the campus located in Reno, NV is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, 404-975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree in Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at www.acenursing.org/search-programs/.
Effective April, 23, 2025, the Associate Degree in Nursing program at Carrington College at the campus located in Las Vegas, Nevada is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on April 23, 2027. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, 404 975 5000.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at www.acenursing.org/search-programs/.
The Associate Degree in Nursing program at Carrington College at the campus located in Tucson, Arizona has been granted initial accreditation by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 33 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, 404-975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree in Nursing program is Initial Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at www.acenursing.org/search-programs/.
The Arizona Board of Nursing certifies that Mesa, and Tucson campuses have satisfactorily fulfilled requirements and are granted full approval. Board offices: 1740 West Adams Street, Suite 2000, Phoenix, AZ 85007, 602-771-7800.
The Arizona Board of Nursing certifies that the Phoenix campus has entered into a voluntary consent for probation. Board offices: 1740 West Adams Street, Suite 2000, Phoenix, AZ 85007, 602-771-7800.
Carrington College holds full approval for its Practical Nursing program and its associate degree professional nursing education program. The Idaho Board of Nursing issued a certificate of approval. Board offices: 280 North 8th Street, Suite 210, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720 – 0061, 208-334-3110, dopl.idaho.gov/bon/.
The New Mexico Board of Nursing certifies that Carrington College is granted full approval in the State of New Mexico, bon.state.nm.us.
The New Mexico Board of Nursing certifies that Carrington College is granted initial approval to offer Practical Nursing in the State of New Mexico, 6301 Indian School NE, Suite 710, Albuquerque, NM, 87110, 505-841-8340, bon.state.nm.us.
Carrington College holds approval for the Reno campus from the Nevada State Board of Nursing, nevadanursingboard.org. Upon graduation from the Associate Degree in Nursing program, students are eligible to sit for the state licensing exam, which is required to achieve the Registered Nurse licensure.
Carrington College’s Sacramento LVN to ADN program holds approval from the California Board of Registered Nursing, PO Box 944210, Sacramento, CA 94244–2100, 916 322 3350, http://www.rn.ca.gov/index.shtml.
Carrington College’s Ontario, Rancho Mirage, and Visalia Registered Nursing programs hold approval from the California Board of Registered Nursing, PO Box 944210, Sacramento, CA 94244–2100, 916 322 3350, http://www.rn.ca.gov/index.shtml.
State Approvals
CALIFORNIA
Carrington College is a private institution and is approved to operate as an accredited institution by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Approval to operate means that SJVC has been found in compliance with the standards set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Title 5, Division 7.5, – Private Postsecondary Education of the California Code of Regulations. As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.
A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the Bureau’s internet website (www.bppe.ca.gov).
Course Catalog
The Associate Degree in Nursing program at Carrington College comprises three educational areas:
- Clinical
- Administrative
- Externship
For complete program information, please take a look at the Course Catalog.
Program Specific Disclosures
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) requires that the following student achievement outcome data be made publicly available.
- Graduates’ success on the licensure and/or certification examination
- Students’ completion of the nursing program
- Graduates obtaining a job
To view this information for Carrington College’s ACEN – accredited nursing programs, click here.
Continuing Education For Graduates
Student Outcomes
REAL WORLD SKILLS
START YOUR PATH
FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS
AFFORDABLE TUITION
Discover What It’s Like to Train to Become a Nurse at Carrington College
Career Opportunities
Registered nurses have more authority and need less supervision while they work. According to the BLS, most registered nurses work as part of a team with physicians and other healthcare specialists. Some registered nurses oversee licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides.1 Specific job duties will vary by employer and employment setting, for example, an RN working in a residential care facility would have different duties than a nurse working in an emergency department.
Some typical job duties of an RN are:1
- Assess patients’ conditions
- Record patients’ medical histories and symptoms
- Observe patients and record the observations
- Administer patients’ medicines and treatments
- Set up plans for patients’ care or contribute information to existing plans
- Consult and collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals
- Operate and monitor medical equipment
- Help perform diagnostic tests and analyze the results
- Teach patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries
- Explain what to do at home after treatment
What Will I Learn?
Pharmacology
Maternal Child Nursing
Medical Surgical Nursing
Community and Mental Health Nursing
Registered Nursing/Associate Degree in Nursing
Talk to an enrollement services representative about your options and earn your Associate Degree in Nursing in as few as 23 months.
Check out our guide on Nursing.
Are you interested in helping people? What about moving at a fast pace in a health care setting? Learn more about different levels of nursing, nursing school, and how to become a nurse.
Ask one of our graduates about their Carrington College experience and they’ll likely describe it as life-changing.
Explore The School of Nursing
School of Nursing
Student Life
The passion our students bring to their education is real. At Carrington College, we want to keep that passion going far beyond our learning experience.
ALL NURSING PROGRAMS
There are many different nursing programs to choose from, so you can select the career path that best suits your personal and professional goals.
Compare Programs
Once you have decided you want to pursue a rewarding career in the nursing field, choosing the right job path and career education is the next step.
Nursing Resources
Whether you’re just starting out in nursing, or taking your education to the next level, there are plenty of nursing student resources to assist you.
Financial Services
Figuring out how to pay for your education can be intimidating, but we’re here to help! Student loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify.
Registered Nursing/Associate Degree in Nursing FAQ
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What is an ADN?
An ADN (or Associate Degree in Nursing) is a degree program for aspiring nurses. An ADN program offers a comprehensive exploration of practical nursing to prepare students for a career in registered nursing. Graduates with an ADN pursue a registered nurse (RN) designation by taking and passing the National Council Licensure Exam for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).* At Carrington College, our ADN program covers a host of patient-care essentials, including pharmacology, surgical nursing, community and mental health nursing, and more.
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What does ADN stand for?
ADN stands for Associate Degree in Nursing. Programs for this degree explore practical nursing competencies to prepare students for a career in registered nursing. Upon earning their ADN, graduates will pursue the opportunities in the industry by taking and passing the National Council Licensure Exam for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN)* to earn the registered nurse (RN) designation.
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What can you do with an Associate Degree in Nursing/Registered Nursing degree?
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)/Registered Nursing degree can lead to a number of opportunities in the nursing field. Holders of this degree can pursue a registered nurse (RN) designation by taking the National Council Licensure Exam for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN)*. Upon earning that designation, they are qualified to perform a number of job duties in patient care, including patient condition assessments, recording vitals, administering treatment plans, and more.
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How long is an associate in nursing/Registered Nursing degree?
A quality Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program should take about two years to complete, depending on what kind of transfer credit you are eligible to receive. At Carrington College, our ADN program offers a comprehensive review of nursing essentials—the kind of knowledge, confidence, and credential needed to take and pass the National Council Licensure Exam for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN)*.
Sources:
Disclosure:
*Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.