Associate of Science in Nursing

An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is a tertiary education nursing degree which typically takes 2–3 years to complete. In the United States, this type of degree is usually awarded by community colleges 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 and apply for licensure 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 have altered their curriculum to offer associate degrees.

Students that graduate with an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and receive licensure 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.