Career Options

The practical nurse is prepared for employment as a beginning staff nurse in structured health care settings including hospitals and extended care facilities. The practical nurse works under the direction of a registered nurse and is qualified to give direct care to persons of all ages whose health care needs are relatively stable.

The associate degree nurse is prepared for employment as a beginning staff nurse in hospitals, extended care facilities, clinics and physicians’ offices. The associate degree nurse provides direct nursing care to persons of all ages whose health needs may be either simple or complex, or subject to rapid change. The associate degree nurse assists and directs nursing team members having less education or experience, plans and participates in health teaching, and performs nursing procedures with a high degree of skill. The Associate degree nursing program does not prepare persons for administrative, supervisory, or teaching positions.