Dreaming of days (or perhaps even nights) spent bustling from patient to patient as you make a difference in their lives and do work that truly matters? The ongoing nursing shortage is brimming with abundant opportunities to do just that. Various associate degree options, however, can feel confusing, overwhelming, and just plain ol' daunting. This guide cuts through all that clutter and confusion! We'll break down differences between three common paths: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), and Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS). Understanding what sets these programs apart and makes them great will empower you to choose the best match for your goals so you can jumpstart your nursing career lickety-split. Let's dive in!
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Community colleges, technical schools, and some universities offer this popular (and highly accessible!) program: perfect for those eager to become an entry-level nurse. Details are as follows:
- Duration & Prerequisites: Typically a 2-year, full-time program (though 18-month and part-time options are available), requiring a high school diploma/GED equivalent and the fulfillment of any specific GPA and course prerequisites (e.g., chemistry and biology).
- Curriculum & Coursework: Spans a broad range of nursing and healthcare subjects including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing theory, with additional concentrations available (e.g., pediatrics, obstetrics, mental/community health, etc.). General education ("gen ed") requirements include English, humanities, social sciences, and math.
- Clinical Hours: Clinical rotations, providing hands-on training in various settings (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes, and rehab facilities) under the wing of experienced staff nurses/instructors, help students learn to care for patients with "holistic health" in mind.
- Career Opportunities: After passing the NCLEX-RN exam, graduates become licensed registered nurses (RNs) and enjoy diverse employment opportunities whether in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other healthcare facility. Entry-level positions (e.g., hospital or home health nurse) are in play, though specialized roles are available with additional experience and education—as is the opportunity to seek flexible work as a travel nurse.
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
This degree program, commonly offered at technical/vocational schools and via hospital-based nursing programs (rather than at traditional colleges and universities), is similar to the ADN. The primary difference? It puts more emphasis on clinical skills rather than academic, classroom-based learning.
- Duration & Prerequisites: Typically 2 years, depending on the school/program, with prerequisites similar to its ADN counterpart (high school diploma/GED and standardized testing requirements).
- Curriculum & Coursework: Building on the ADN foundation via practical experiences and didactic coursework, the curriculum often includes courses spanning pharmacology, nutrition, mental health, obstetrics/pediatrics, and medical-surgical nursing.
- Clinical Hours: Given the program's focus on clinical skills, hands-on experience is key! Students gain this through a combo of clinical rotations in acute healthcare settings and participation in on-campus skills and simulation ("sim") labs.
- Career Opportunities: ASN graduates who pass the NCLEX-RN exam become licensed registered nurses (RNs) with employment opportunities mirroring those of ADN grads (e.g., in hospitals, outpatient centers, or long-term care facilities). They can also pursue specialized roles with additional experience/education.
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS)
The AAS in Nursing program, meanwhile is specifically designed to provide training across various nursing specialties and related healthcare subjects (e.g., pharmacology). Just like an ASN, it's commonly offered by vocational schools and as a hospital-based endeavor.
- Duration & Prerequisites: As with the aforementioned degrees, it typically takes 2 years to earn one's AAS. A high school diploma or GED as well as various GPA requirements are necessary to gain admission into the program; some programs also require students complete various prerequisites (microbiology and chemistry, for example) before diving into coursework.
- Curriculum & Coursework: AAS coursework is a bit more nuanced than its ADN and ASN equivalents, with classes ranging from nursing fundamentals and nursing management to health deviations and psychosocial self-care. Nevertheless, all AAS program curricula reflect a nice mix of lectures, "sim" lab work, and clinical experiences.
- Clinical Hours: Students get a feel for what it's like to work in a real-world healthcare setting under the guidance of experienced RNs and instructors: applying what they've learned in class, developing their nursing skills, and coming face-to-face with what teamwork means.
- Career Opportunities: An AAS degree arms graduates with what they need to tackle entry-level nursing positions in primary care, acute care, or long-term care. They can thus apply the blend of technical expertise and specialized skills they've learned no matter the healthcare setting.
A quick glance across the three types of associate nursing degrees reveals the following:
| Degree | ADN | ASN | AAS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Balance of coursework and clinical work | Emphasizes clinical practice | Career-focused with more bedside time and exposure to different specialties |
| Duration | 18 months to 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Coursework | Heavy academic focus across both nursing and gen ed courses | Fewer non-nursing courses | Less general education coursework |
| Transferability to BSN | Easier transfer, less additional coursework | More additional coursework; coursework not always transferable | More additional coursework; coursework not always transferable |
| Salary potential | $91,444(avg) | $76,000(avg) | $74,000(avg) |
| Job opportunities | Broad range of entry-level RN positions | Broad range of entry-level RN positions | Broad range of entry-level RN positions |
| Best for | Goal-oriented learners who may want to eventually earn their BSN or an advanced degree | Those with strong hands-on skills who prefer direct patient care | Those seeking a quick entry into nursing and exposure to many different practice areas |
Choosing the Right Nursing Degree
In pondering your future nursing career, think carefully about your own unique needs/wants to pave the best study path ahead for you. Consider these factors to decide which degree—associates or otherwise—will get you where you want to be:
- Career Objectives: Consider your long-term nursing goals. Looking to go after an advanced practice role, leadership position, or dedicated specialization (e.g., pediatrics)? Pinpointing your specific objective(s) can help determine if you need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an advanced degree. For many, however, an associate degree will suffice!
- Time & Financial Commitment: Consider your schedule and (quite frankly) how much money is at your disposal, knowing that associate degree programs are often more cost-effective than their BSN counterparts. Not only that, but they can send you off into the working world more quickly. Want to fast-track your career and/or have limited funds? The former might be the best choice. If you can invest additional time and resources, however, a BSN degree (or higher!) will give you more career choices over the long run.
- Opportunity for Advancement: Think you might want to extend your nursing education beyond 2 years? If you want to tackle an advanced practice role, do research, or assume a leadership position, you'll likely need at least a BSN to do so. Some employers may prefer (or even require!) a BSN for specific positions, even among those initially hired with an associate degree. Mull over your career advancement plans to help guide your decision.
- Accreditation & Licensure: Make sure the program you're eyeing is recognized by the nursing board in the state where you plan to practice and fully accredited. The latter is not only crucial for licensure purposes but also means you'll get a credible, top-notch education—given standardization across these programs.
- Research & Consultation: Knowledge is power! Do your research and compare/contrast various nursing programs with respect to curriculum, faculty, clinical opportunities, etc. Seek out advice from nursing professionals, academic advisors, and current/former students to gain insight into program strengths and reputation. Finally, consider a campus visit or pop into an information session to learn more about the learning environment and available resources.
So now, the time has come to weigh your options as you consider an ADN, ASN, or AAS degree: knowing each boasts its own unique benefits ranging from foundational classroom instruction to practical expertise gained in the sim lab and beyond. Should you go for an ADN with an easier path toward BSN transferability or an ASN or AAS where hands-on skills rule the day? Or perhaps something else altogether like a BSN? Consider your own individual goals and circumstances when deciding which suits you best. Either which way, you'll set yourself up to enjoy a rewarding career in a field grounded in the wise words of Hippocrates: "Cure sometimes, treat often, comfort always."
