Associate Degree Nursing Students' Perceived Barriers to Baccalaureate Nursing Education and Intentions to Enroll in a Baccalaureate-only Nursing Environment

Although they are known to be nontraditional, studies have not addressed Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) students' choice of the ADN route to professional nursing practice. A survey of ADN students revealed perceived barriers to baccalaureate nursing education and that up to 37% would not have enrolled if the baccalaureate had been the minimum requirement to become registered nurses. The findings could provide information for more reasoned solutions toward the goal of advancing nurses' education.