Nurses with Associate Degrees Enter Workforce

According to data from the 2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses, more nurses entered the workforce with an Associate Degree in Nursing than those with a diploma, Bachelor's Degree or higher level of education. For nurses that had established employment prior to 2008, the highest level of education was a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Of the 50% of established nurses with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing or higher in 2008, around 26% held a Master's or Doctorate level education. In contrast, there were no new nurses reporting a graduate-level education upon beginning a career in nursing. These figures indicate that while many nurses began a nursing career with an Associate's degree, many continued to pursue higher levels of education while continuing to work as a nurse.

Earn Your Nursing Degree Online

Explore these accredited online nursing degree programs below and request free no obligation information from any that interest you.

We recommend getting information from several schools so you can compare the programs, costs, time commitments and financial aid options.

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Associate Degree in Nursing Program

The Chamberlain College of Nursing allows students currently working in the healthcare field to earn their degree without disrupting their work schedule or family life.

University of Phoenix Nursing

RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Health Care Administration (Associate's)

AA in Health Care Administration - Pharmacy Practice

AA in Health Care Administration - Medical Records

At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.

Kaplan University Online

RN to BS in Nursing Completion Degree

Medical Assisting (Associate's)

Kaplan University's degree program offers an accredited, online RN to BSN degree completion program that centers around health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, information and health care technologies, ethics, human diversity, management theory, and health care system and policies.