How an Associate Degree in Nursing Prepares You for the NCLEX-RN
An associate degree in nursing provides an accessible way for individuals to enter the nursing field and become much-needed health care professionals. The program equips students with the essential knowledge and clinical skills required to deliver high-quality patient care. Additionally, associate degree programs in nursing prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), a prerequisite for becoming a licensed registered nurse (RN), by covering essential content areas such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, maternity, psychiatric nursing, and community health. All these areas are covered in the NCLEX-RN.
Did you know there’s an NCLEX-PN exam, too? This exam is strictly for licensed practical nurses (LPNs). But what’s the difference between these tests, and between RNs and LPNs? Here, we’ll take a deeper look at the requirements for these levels of nursing and what you can expect to see on the exams required for licensure.
The Difference Between RNs and LPNs
Licensed practical nurses, known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas, take vital signs, administer medications, dress wounds, and carry out health care directions from a registered nurse, physician, or other team member. A registered nurse is a professional who has graduated from a nursing program and has an RN license. Registered nurses carry out many of the same duties as licensed practical nurses but have many more responsibilities in contributing to patient care, receive more training than LPNs, and work more closely with physicians. Some types of RNs include ICU/critical-care nurses, medical-surgical nurses, gastroenterology nurses, public health nurses, and occupational health nurses.
What Are the Requirements to Become an LPN?
Becoming an LPN is a good first step for students seeking a rewarding career in health care. To become an LPN, you need a high school diploma and to complete an LPN training program. LPN programs typically take about one year to complete and provide comprehensive training in essential nursing skills and patient care. The last step in becoming an LPN is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
What Are the Requirements to Become an RN?
To become an RN, individuals must complete an accredited nursing program, such as an associate degree in nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, and pass the NCLEX-RN. Associate degree programs in nursing vary but cover topics such as basic nursing practices, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and more. The programs usually include classroom instruction and clinical experiences. Bachelor’s degree programs in nursing vary, as well, but cover subjects that may include anatomy, biology, maternity, psychiatric nursing, and ethics in health, coupled with clinical training.
Nursing programs can be rigorous, but they help RNs learn the skills and knowledge needed to handle complex medical situations, make critical decisions, and provide compassionate care to patients.
What Do You Learn While Getting an Associate Degree in Nursing?
An associate degree program in nursing is an appropriate choice if you’re on the path to becoming an RN. These programs cover a comprehensive range of topics to provide students with the knowledge and skills to provide quality patient care. Some topics you may study in an associate degree program in nursing:
- Essentials of nursing care: This covers the basics of nursing practice, including patient care, and medical procedures.
- Anatomy and physiology: These courses cover the structure and function of the human body.
- Microbiology: This is the study of microorganisms and their impact on health and disease.
- Foundations of nursing practice: Topics here include growth and development, illnesses, and continuity of care.
- Reproductive health: This includes topics regarding female and male reproductive health, childbearing, genetic disorders, and newborn and pediatric health.
- Various health issues: Topics here cover various mental health disorders, cognitive impairment, immune functions, neuromuscular development, musculoskeletal disorders, and various other health problems.
In addition to what they learn in the classroom, students participate in extensive simulation labs and clinical rotations to receive hands-on experience and put their knowledge and skills to the test. These associate programs are designed to prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN, the licensure examination required to become a registered nurse.
What Is on the NCLEX-PN Test?
If you’re on your way to becoming an LPN and preparing to take the NCLEX-PN exam, you might wonder what to expect on the test. There are usually between 85 and 150 questions on the exam.
On this exam, the content falls into four main categories (safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity), broken down into subcategories:
- Safe and effective care environment accounts for 21%–33% of the total questions and consists of questions about patient care safety issues.
- Health promotion and maintenance make up about 12% of the questions and consist of questions about preventative and proactive measures.
- Psychosocial integrity makes up about 12% of the questions and covers topics on psychiatric health and diseases, substance abuse, and therapy.
- Finally, 43%–67% of the NCELX-PN test questions are in the physiological integrity section. A wide range of topics fall under this umbrella term, including adult medical and surgical care, pediatric care, gerontology, and infectious diseases.
What Is on the NCLEX-RN Test?
If, on the other hand, you’re preparing to become a registered nurse, you should expect to sit for the NCLEX-RN. This exam usually includes 70 to 135 questions; you’re given five hours to complete it. Most questions are multiple choice.
On this exam, content falls into similar categories as the LPN exam—four major “client needs categories.” These categories include safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.
- Under the safe and effective care environment category, management of care accounts for 17%–23% of all questions, and safety and infection control accounts for 9%–15% of exam questions.
- Health promotion and maintenance accounts for 6%–12% of exam questions.
- Psychosocial integrity accounts for 6%–12% of exam questions.
- The physiological integrity category includes four concepts:
- Basic care and comfort: 6%–12% of questions
- Pharmacological and parenteral therapies: 12%–18% of questions
- Reduction of risk potential: 9%–15% of questions
- Physiological adaptation: 11%–17% of questions
It’s important to note that as of April 2023, 10% of the NCLEX-RN includes long-form questions that test nursing students’ clinical reasoning skills. This is part of the Next Generation NCLEX, or NCLEX NGN.
If becoming an LPN or RN is in your future, consider pursuing the appropriate certification or degree program to start on your path to a rewarding future in health care.
