An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is a

tertiary education Tertiary education (higher education, or post-secondary education) is the educational level following the completion of secondary education. The World Bank defines tertiary education as including universities, colleges, and vocational schools ...

nursing Nursing is a health care profession that "integrates the art and science of caring and focuses on the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and human functioning; prevention of illness and injury; facilitation of healing; and alle ...

degree which typically takes 2–3 years to complete. In the

United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...

, this type of degree is usually awarded by

community college A community college is a type of undergraduate higher education institution, generally leading to an associate degree, certificate, or diploma. The term can have different meanings in different countries: many community colleges have an open enr ...

s or similar

nursing school Nursing is a health care profession that "integrates the art and science of caring and focuses on the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and human functioning; prevention of illness and injury; facilitation of healing; and alle ...

s. Some four-year colleges also offer this degree. Students awarded an Associate of Science in Nursing are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for

licensure Occupational licensing, also called licensure, is a form of government regulation requiring a license to pursue a particular profession or vocation for compensation. It is related to occupational closure. Some claim higher public support for ...

as a

Registered Nurse A registered nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who has graduated or successfully passed a nursing program from a recognized nursing school and met the requirements outlined by a country, state, province or similar government-authorized ...

. Students enrolled in an Associate of Science in Nursing program would take a variety of nursing courses in medical and surgical nursing, labor and delivery, pediatrics, psychiatric nursing, emergency medicine, orthopedics, and many others. The curriculum will also require supervised clinical experience in multiple specialties. Some hospital-based nursing schools that once granted

diplomas A diploma is a document awarded by an educational institution (such as a college or university) testifying the recipient has graduated by successfully completing their courses of studies. Historically, it has also referred to a charter or offi ...

have altered their curriculum to offer associate degrees. Students that graduate with an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and receive

as a

Registered nurse A registered nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who has graduated or successfully passed a nursing program from a recognized nursing school and met the requirements outlined by a country, state, province or similar government-authorized ...

can practice in a variety of occupations. This may include hospitals, rehab facilities, home healthcare services, and nursing facilities. There are also many outpatient settings such as clinics, schools, and physicians' offices.

Common program prerequisites

Many Associate of Science in Nursing programs require a series of courses to be completed prior to enrollment in clinical classes. This may include science based classes such as chemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, or general biology. Mathematics courses such as statistics or math for health sciences are also common requirements. A variety of other courses including nutrition, English composition, or history may be necessary for some programs. Schools may also require students to have an active Certified nursing assistant license in order to apply and enroll in the nursing program.

Similar degrees

* Diploma in Nursing (DN): an entry-level tertiary education nursing credential. * Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): a professional nursing degree earned in two to three years. * Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) * Associate of Arts in Nursing (AAN) * Associate of Nursing (AN) * Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)

RN to BSN

After graduating from an Associate of Science in Nursing program and receiving licensure as a

have the opportunity to earn a Bachelor's in Science of Nursing through an RN to BSN program. This program is typically shorter than traditional BSN programs offered at four year universities, as students have already completed a variety of nursing courses. Many programs can be completed in an online setting in as short as twelve months. These programs may include courses in healthcare innovations, management, leadership, ethics, community health, and a capstone course.

Nursing in the United Kingdom

Nursing in the United Kingdom Nursing in the United Kingdom is the profession of ''registered nurses'' and nursing associates in the Primary care, primary and secondary care of patients. It has evolved from assisting physicians to encompass a variety of professional roles. ...

requires all students to obtain a full bachelor's degree, and there is no state exam on completion of the course. The

Nursing and Midwifery Council The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the regulator for nursing and midwifery professions in the UK. The NMC maintains a register of all nurses, midwives and specialist community public health nurses and nursing associates eligible to pra ...

is responsible for approving educational programs and organizing them into four branches including, Adult nursing, Child nursing, Mental health nursing, and Learning disabilities nursing. Bachelor's degree programs leading to Nurse registration in the United Kingdom are typically 3 years in length. This will include a variety of theory subject modules taught over 2,300 hours as well as 2,300 hours of supervised clinical experience. Lesser awards such as Higher education diplomas in nursing are no longer offered, all nurses study to bachelor's degree Level.

Nursing in Australia

Nursing education in Australia is divided into two levels. Registered nurses (RN) must hold a three-year bachelor's degree, whereas enrolled nurses (EN) must complete an 18-month Diploma of Nursing. Enrolled nurses must practice with the guidance and supervision of registered nurses. Nursing in Australia does not allow medical professionals to carry a license, they are registered to practice in a specific state or territory. Registered nurses in Australia engage in a similar educational pathway compared to the Associate of Science in Nursing in the United States. Both programs use an accelerated form of study to allow for 2–3 years of education.

References

{{Nursing Science in Nursing Nursing degrees