An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is a

tertiary education Tertiary education, also referred to as third-level, third-stage or post-secondary education, is the educational level following the completion of secondary education. The World Bank, for example, defines tertiary education as including univers ...

nursing Nursing is a profession within the health care sector focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life. Nurses may be differentiated from other health ...

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

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...

, this type of degree is usually awarded by

community college A community college is a type of educational institution. The term can have different meanings in different countries: many community colleges have an "open enrollment" for students who have graduated from high school (also known as senior se ...

s or similar nursing schools. Some four-year colleges also offer this degree. Students awarded an Associate of Science in Nursing are qualified to sit for the

NCLEX-RN The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses in the United States, Canada and Australia since 1982, 2015 and 2020 respectively. There are two types, the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN. Aft ...

and apply for

licensure Licensure means a restricted practice or a restriction on the use of an occupational title, requiring a license. A license created under a "practice act" requires a license before performing a certain activity, such as driving a car on public roa ...

as a Registered Nurse. 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 offici ...

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

as a Registered nurse 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 Unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are paraprofessionals who assist individuals with physical disabilities, mental impairments, and other health care needs with their activities of daily living (ADLs). UAPs also provide bedside care—includ ...

license in order to apply and enroll in the nursing program.

Similar degrees

Diploma in Nursing A Diploma in Nursing or Nursing Diploma is an entry-level tertiary education nursing credential. Background In the United States, this diploma is usually awarded by hospital-based nursing schools. Diploma programs in the United States require 2 ...

(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 Registered nurse 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 has a long history. The current form of nursing is often considered as beginning with Florence Nightingale who pioneered modern nursing. Nightingale initiated formal schools of nursing in the United Kingdom in the l ...

requires all students to obtain a full Bachelor 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 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