Can an AND take the NCLEX is a popular question among nursing candidates. Yes, you can take the NCLEX with ADN. There are two nursing qualifications recognized for taking the NCLEX. Specifically, if you want a career as a registered nurse (RN), two college degree paths you can choose are an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
The ADN path is becoming increasingly popular due to its shorter duration and quicker entry into the nursing profession, compared to traditional four-year degrees. In addition to ADN, you need to approach the exam fully prepared to achieve the required score. You can explore different test preparation guides in the market. A powerful test guide available to you is the Naxlex. Our materials guarantee you an A in the NCLEX. Join Naxlex for an A or 100% money back.
What is an ADN as a possible option to take the NCLEX?
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two- to three-year undergraduate nursing program designed to prepare nursing candidates to enter the nursing field. It is commonly offered at community colleges or vocational schools.
ADN programs explore fundamental nursing skills, patient care, anatomy, and physiology. The program offers a more accessible and affordable route to becoming a registered nurse (RN) compared to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which usually takes four years to complete.
Key Benefits an AND program
- Shorter Duration – ADN programs usually take about two years, making it a faster route to becoming an RN.
- Lower Cost – Since ADN programs are often offered at community colleges and vocational schools, they are generally more affordable than four-year BSN programs.
- High Demand – ADN graduates are in demand in various healthcare settings, from hospitals to nursing homes.
While ADN programs are quicker and more affordable, graduates often wonder how this degree fits into the licensure process, specifically whether it qualifies them to take the NCLEX exam. The program covers crucial content covered by the BSN programs. Therefore, with an ADN program can take the NCLEX just like the BSN.
Types of NCLEX that ADN graduates can take
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a standardized exam designed to evaluate whether nursing graduates have the knowledge and skills required to practice safely and effectively. There are two types of NCLEX exams that ADN graduates can take:
- NCLEX-RN: This exam is for graduates who aim to become Registered Nurses (RNs).
- NCLEX-PN: This exam is for graduates who wish to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs).
The NCLEX is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which ensures that the exam is updated regularly to reflect current healthcare practices and standards. The primary goal of the NCLEX is to ensure that only qualified candidates are licensed to practice nursing, protecting patients and the healthcare system from unsafe or underqualified practitioners.
Eligibility Requirements for the NCLEX-RN
Before taking the NCLEX-RN, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria. The basic requirements that all aspiring nurses must meet are:
- Completion of an accredited nursing program – Candidates wanting to practice as nurses must complete either an ADN or BSN program from an accredited institution.
- State Board Approval – Nursing graduates need to apply to their state’s nursing board to verify that they meet the educational requirements to take the NCLEX-RN.
- Application and Registration – Once approved by the relevant state board, candidates can register to take the NCLEX with Pearson VUE, the official testing partner of the NCSBN.
The educational pathway to the NCLEX-RN can vary, but the requirement is that a candidate must graduate from an accredited nursing program, which includes ADN and BSN programs. So, can ADN graduates take the NCLEX?
So can ADN Graduates Take the NCLEX?
The short answer is yes, graduates of accredited ADN programs are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. ADN programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pass the NCLEX-RN and become licensed RNs. The curriculum of these programs includes clinical training and coursework that meet the standards set by nursing boards across the U.S.
Many registered nurses begin their careers by earning an ADN, passing the NCLEX-RN, and entering the workforce as an RN. While some may choose to further their education by obtaining a BSN or even a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), an ADN provides a solid foundation for beginning a nursing career, so yes ADN can take the NCLEX.
Accredited ADN Programs and NCLEX Eligibility
Not all ADN programs can take the NCLEX. It’s important to ensure that the ADN program you attend is accredited by recognized agencies like the Accreditation Commission for in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing (CCNE). Accreditation ensures that the program meets the academic and clinical standards required for you to be eligible for licensure through the NCLEX-RN.
How to Prepare for the NCLEX as an ADN Graduate
Successfully passing the NCLEX requires diligent preparation. For ADN graduates, the following strategies can be useful: familiarize yourself with the exam format, use good study materials, practice the exam through the use of effective practice tests.
Applying clinical knowledge in your exam preparation is important. Don’t underestimate the value of your hands-on clinical experience. This practical knowledge is crucial when answering NCLEX questions, many of which are scenario-based.
Conclusion
You can take the NCLEX with the ADN program. There are two nursing qualifications recognized for taking the NCLEX. If you want a career as a registered nurse (RN), two college degree paths you can choose are an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). ADN graduates are therefore fully eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and pursue a career as a registered nurse.
With proper preparation, including studying, practice exams, and hands-on clinical experience, ADN graduates can succeed on the exam and enjoy rewarding careers in healthcare. Whether you choose to advance your education later or enter the workforce immediately, an ADN provides a solid foundation for a nursing career. Get a guaranteed A in the NCLEX, start here.
