ADN Header

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN)

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year program that provides students with the foundational knowledge and hands-on clinical experience needed to become a registered nurse (RN). The program covers essential topics such as anatomy, pharmacology, patient care, and medical ethics, preparing graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and begin their nursing careers in a variety of healthcare settings. With a focus on both classroom instruction and practical training, the ADN offers a fast track to entering the nursing profession. This degree is ideal for those who are passionate about healthcare and eager to make a difference in patients' lives while balancing personal and professional growth. Students can continue on to our RN to BSN degree program, or take courses co-currently to get a headstart.

Degree Highlights

  • A cost-effective path to becoming an RN.
  • Enter the workforce more quickly than a traditional four-year degree.
  • Convenient coursework offered at our regional campuses.
  • Build a strong foundation to further your education later, such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or advanced nursing specializations.

The University of Akron associate degree in nursing in partnership with akron children's

Akron Childrens Logo

Meganne Chapman

The University of Akron and Akron Children's believe that an educated health care workforce is essential for delivering excellent patient care. That's why Akron Children's Career Launch program now includes the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree as an option for participants to launch their career in health care. 

Participants start by applying to Career Launch at Akron Children's and then for admission to The University of Akron. Upon acceptance, Akron Children's  will offer full scholarships to students, including 100% prepaid tuition, fees for uniforms, books, and supplies to students in the ADN program. In exchange, graduates will begin working at Akron Children’s and fulfill a work commitment. This collaboration will provide students with specialized training in pediatric care, equipping them with the skills to excel in children's health care.

Admission Requirements

The priority deadline to begin coursework in January is November 15th.

All students who meet the minimum requirements for admittance into The University of Akron and intend to major in nursing are accepted into the College of Health and Human Sciences.

If you are coming directly from high school, your high school records determine which first semester classes are right for you.

Students will begin the professional nursing sequence after pre-requisites have been met.

Curriculum Guide & Courses

Prerequisites

The following courses are prerequisites to the professional nursing sequence. Students must maintain a 2.75 grade point average and earn no less than a C in the following: 

  • BIOL:200 Human Anatomy & Physiology I or ANAT:206 Applied Human Anatomy & Physiology I; 3 credits
  • BIOL:201 Human Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory I or ANAT:210 Applied Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab I;  1 credit
  • ENGL:111 English Composition I; 3 credits
  • PSYC:100 Introduction to Psychology; 3 credits
  • SOCIO:100 Introduction to Sociology; 3 credits

Additionally, students will need the following to advance in the program: 

  •  ONE of the following:
    • Current STNA certification or; 
    • STNA skills evaluation or;  
    • Register and attend the UA ADN Skill Boot Camp May 16, 17, & 18, 2025, or;
    • Complete a patient care assistant course approved by the director of the ADN program.
  •  ONE of the following:
    • Passing score on HESI (75% on Reading and Math exams) or;
    • Minimum ACT score of 22 or SAT score of 1030 and GPA of any previous coursework 2.75. 
  • Successful Background Check
  • Urine Drug Screening
  • TB Test
  • Current BLS Certification for the Health Care Provider through the American Heart Association.

For more information