Perceptions of students, faculty members, and associate degree nursing (ADN) program directors/coordinators concerning seven issues affecting ADN programs were obtained in 1982. The issues, which were identified through a review of the literature, were: entry into practice, professional and technical nurses, developing competency statements, expectations by hospital administrators, transfer/articulation, preceptor/student ratio, and clinical sites. Respondents rank-ordered the seven issues and discussed them, using an open-ended interview schedule (Polit and Hungler, 1978), which is appended. The sample consisted of 3 North Carolina, two-year college program directors/coordinators, 3 faculty members, and 11 students. For each issue area, perceptions of the three types of respondents are considered. Overall, it was suggested that standardized competencies could be useful to the employing agencies as well as to bachelor of science degree programs in nursing for use as evidence for granting credit. In addition, it was proposed that hospital administrators give recognition to the different educational backgrounds of new nursing graduates (e.g., internships, staff development courses on leadership and teaching). The literature review is included. (SW)