Associate of Science in Nursing
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is a tertiary education nursing degree which typically takes 2–3 years to complete.[1] 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.[1]
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.[2]
Some hospital-based nursing schools that once granted diplomas have altered their curriculum to offer associate degrees.
Students that graduate an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program 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.[2]
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.[3]
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 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.[4]
Nursing In The United Kingdom
Nursing in the United Kingdom may require slightly different program prerequisites and curriculum, it also has a unique history. The Nursing and Midwifery Council is responsible for approving educational programs and organizing them into four branches including, Adult nursing, Child nursing, Mental health nursing, and Learning disabilities nursing.[5]
Similar to the Associate of Science in Nursing in the United States, nursing programs in the United Kingdom are typically 3 years in length. This will include a variety of courses as well as roughly 4,600 hours of supervised clinical experience. Although there is not an official Associate of Science in Nursing degree that has been authorized in the United Kingdom, the provided nursing education has many similarities to the ASN.[5]
Nursing In Australia
Nursing education in Australia includes two levels of nursing. Registered nurse (RN) a 3 year bachelor degree, and enrolled nurse (EN) 1 year of education. 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.[6]
See also
- Diploma in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Doctor of Nursing Science
- Nurse education
- Nursing school
References
- "Registered Nurses : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics". www.bls.gov. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
- "Nursing School Rankings and Career Guides". www.nursingcareer.org. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
- "Getting into a Nursing Program | Tips & Advice for RN Program Applicants | NursingLicensure.org". Retrieved 2020-12-10.
- "RN to BSN Guide". Nurse.org. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
- Ball, Jane; Rafferty, Anne Marie; Philippou, Julia (2019), Rafferty, Anne Marie; Busse, Reinhard; Zander-Jentsch, Britta; Sermeus, Walter (eds.), "England", Strengthening health systems through nursing: Evidence from 14 European countries, European Observatory Health Policy Series, Copenhagen (Denmark): European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, ISBN 978-92-890-5174-3, PMID 31465165, retrieved 2020-12-10
- "Nursing Around the World: Australia". ojin.nursingworld.org. Retrieved 2020-12-10.