Associate of Science in Nursing
Encyclopedia
An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is a tertiary education
nursing
degree
. In the United States
, this type of degree is usually awarded by community college
s or similar nursing school
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
as a Registered Nurse
.
Some hospital-based nursing schools that granted diplomas
altered their curriculum to offer associate degrees.
Many nursing schools offering a bachelor's degree
have "fast-track" programs to enable practicing nurses with an associate's degree to earn a bachelor's degree in approximately two years. In some institutions this is called "Bridging."
Tertiary education
Tertiary education, also referred to as third stage, third level, and post-secondary education, is the educational level following the completion of a school providing a secondary education, such as a high school, secondary school, university-preparatory school...
nursing
Nursing
Nursing is a healthcare profession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life from conception to death....
degree
Academic degree
An academic degree is a position and title within a college or university that is usually awarded in recognition of the recipient having either satisfactorily completed a prescribed course of study or having conducted a scholarly endeavour deemed worthy of his or her admission to the degree...
. In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, this type of degree is usually awarded by community college
Community college
A community college is a type of educational institution. The term can have different meanings in different countries.-Australia:Community colleges carry on the tradition of adult education, which was established in Australia around mid 19th century when evening classes were held to help adults...
s or similar nursing school
Nursing school
A nursing school is a type of educational institution, or part thereof, providing education and training to become a fully qualified nurse. The nature of nursing education and nursing qualifications varies considerably across the world.-United Kingdom:...
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
Licensure
Licensure refers to the granting of a license, which gives a "permission to practice." Such licenses are usually issued in order to regulate some activity that is deemed to be dangerous or a threat to the person or the public or which involves a high level of specialized skill...
as a Registered Nurse
Registered nurse
A registered nurse is a nurse who has graduated from a nursing program at a university or college and has passed a national licensing exam. A registered nurse helps individuals, families, and groups to achieve health and prevent disease...
.
Some hospital-based nursing schools that granted diplomas
Diploma in Nursing
A Diploma in Nursing or Nursing Diploma is an entry-level tertiary education nursing credential.In the United States, this diploma is usually awarded by hospital-based nursing schools. Students awarded a Diploma in Nursing are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure as a...
altered their curriculum to offer associate degrees.
Many nursing schools offering a bachelor's degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is an American four year academic degree in the science and principles of nursing, granted by a tertiary education university or similarly accredited school...
have "fast-track" programs to enable practicing nurses with an associate's degree to earn a bachelor's degree in approximately two years. In some institutions this is called "Bridging."
Similar degrees
- Associate of Nursing (AN)
- Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS)
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
See also
- Diploma in NursingDiploma in NursingA Diploma in Nursing or Nursing Diploma is an entry-level tertiary education nursing credential.In the United States, this diploma is usually awarded by hospital-based nursing schools. Students awarded a Diploma in Nursing are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure as a...
- Bachelor of Science in NursingBachelor of Science in NursingThe Bachelor of Science in Nursing is an American four year academic degree in the science and principles of nursing, granted by a tertiary education university or similarly accredited school...
- Master of Science in NursingMaster of Science in NursingA Master of Science in Nursing is an advanced-level postgraduate degree for registered nurses and is considered an entry-level degree for nurse educators and managers. The degree also may prepare a nurse to seek a career as a nurse administrator, health policy expert, or clinical nurse leader...
- Doctor of Nursing ScienceDoctor of Nursing ScienceThe Doctor of Nursing Practice is a terminal professional degree that focuses on the clinical aspects of nursing rather than academic research. The curriculum for the DNP degree generally includes advanced practice, leadership, and application of clinical research. The DNP is intended primarily...
- Nurse educationNurse educationNurse education consists in the theorical and practical training provided to nurses with the purpose to prepare them for their duties as nursing care professionals. This education is provided to nursing students by experienced nurses and other medical professionals who have qualified or...
- Nursing schoolNursing schoolA nursing school is a type of educational institution, or part thereof, providing education and training to become a fully qualified nurse. The nature of nursing education and nursing qualifications varies considerably across the world.-United Kingdom:...