Competency is defined as a “concrete category against which a person’s adequacy or sufficiency may be judged” (Short, 1964, p. 201). In order for a person to be considered competent he/she must possess the “required knowledge, skills, and abilities to function in a given field” (Howsam & Houstan, 1972, p. 3). The profession of nursing has been continuously evolving and changing, and the advancements in modes of study have further accelerated the process of changes and development. After doing in-depth research this paper will be focus on three differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate degree level and the baccalaureate degree level. The differences in education approach, differences when it comes to clinical experience,
