Can I Become a Nurse with an Associates Degree Before Nursing School?

Yes — in the United States, you can become a registered nurse (RN) with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), as long as you complete the program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. In the United Kingdom, however, you cannot practice as a nurse with only an associate-level qualification — you must complete a bachelors-level nursing degree approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

This means the answer depends on where you want to practice nursing. In the U.S., the associate degree remains a valid pathway, while in the UK, the minimum entry requirement is a Bachelor of Nursing (BN, BSc, or BEng Nursing).

Let’s go deeper into how this works in both countries, the differences between them, and how you can plan your path if you’re interested in nursing.

Understanding Nursing Education in the United States

In the U.S., nursing education has multiple entry points. The three main pathways to becoming a registered nurse (RN) are:

1. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN/ASN/AASN) — typically 2 years at a community college.

2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — a 4-year degree at a university.

3. Hospital diploma programs — less common today but still available in some regions.

After completing any of these routes, you must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination) to become licensed as an RN.

ADN as a Valid Pathway

The ADN is the fastest route into nursing in the U.S. because it usually takes only two years (after prerequisites). ADN programs are widely available at community colleges and technical schools.

Key points:

• Cost: ADN programs are usually more affordable than BSN programs.

• Licensure: ADN graduates take the same NCLEX-RN exam as BSN graduates.

• Employment: Many hospitals, long-term care centers, and community clinics hire ADN-prepared nurses.

• Career growth: Some employers may require ADN nurses to complete a BSN within a few years of employment, especially in Magnet hospitals.

Read Also: Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in South Carolina (SC)

So, in the United States, the answer to “Can I become a nurse with an associate’s degree before nursing school?” is a clear yes. You don’t have to complete a bachelor’s degree first to practice as a nurse.

Understanding Nursing Education in the United Kingdom

The UK system is very different. In the United Kingdom, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) regulates nursing education and practice.

To become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the UK, you must:

1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSc Nursing or BN Nursing) at an NMC-approved university.

2. Choose a nursing field: Adult, Children, Mental Health, or Learning Disability Nursing.

3. Register with the NMC after graduation.

Why an Associate Degree Is Not Enough in the UK

Unlike in the U.S., there is no associate-level route to becoming a registered nurse in the UK. Associate degrees or diplomas may qualify you for support roles, but not full nurse registration.

Instead, the UK has a role called Nursing Associate (introduced in 2019). Nursing Associates complete a two-year foundation degree and can work in healthcare settings — but they are not registered nurses. They function as support staff who bridge the gap between healthcare assistants and registered nurses.

If you complete a Nursing Associate foundation degree, you may later bridge into a full nursing degree (via a shortened course) — but you cannot practice as an RN with the associate-level qualification alone.

So, in the United Kingdom, the answer to “Can I become a nurse with an associate’s degree before nursing school?” is no — you must complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Side-by-Side Comparison: U.S. vs UK

Pros and Cons of the Associate Degree Path

In the United States

Pros:

• Lower cost and shorter duration.

• Faster entry into the workforce.

• Same licensure exam as BSN.

• Opportunity to upgrade later (RN-to-BSN).

Cons:

• Some hospitals prefer BSN-prepared nurses.

• Limited advancement into leadership or specialized roles without a BSN.

• May need to “bridge up” later to remain competitive.

In the United Kingdom

Since you cannot become an RN with an associate degree, the “associate-level” option only applies to becoming a Nursing Associate:

Pros:

• Faster entry into healthcare (2 years).

• Ability to bridge into full nursing later.

• Good for students who need flexibility.

Cons:

• Not a registered nurse role.

• Lower pay and fewer responsibilities compared to RNs.

• Must still complete a full BSc Nursing to become an RN.

Read Also: Can You Work as a Nurse While in Medical School in the U.S

Career Outcomes

• In the U.S., ADN-prepared nurses can work in hospitals, community clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient facilities. Some employers may require additional schooling later.

• In the UK, Nursing Associates work in hospitals, GP practices, and community care. However, to move into a Registered Nurse role, they must complete a BSc Nursing program.

Conclusion

So, can I become a nurse with an associate’s degree before nursing school?

• In the United States: Yes. You can earn an Associate Degree in Nursing, pass the NCLEX-RN, and become a registered nurse without completing a BSN first.

• In the United Kingdom: No. You cannot become a registered nurse with only an associate-level qualification. You must complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing approved by the NMC.

The bottom line is that the answer depends on where you want to work. If your goal is to practice in the U.S., the associate degree route is a valid, practical option. If your goal is to practice in the UK, you’ll need to plan for a full bachelor’s degree in nursing.