ASN or ADN??????

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Is there a difference between and ADN and an ASN???

Meaning if you get either are you able to take RN boards exam?:confused::confused:

Nope. I have an ADN degree and we were all eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam at the halfway point.

A lot has changed !! :) It's so crazy that with all of the talk of BSNs are the only 'real' nurses (which I vehemently disagree with, being an ADN) that they come up with more ways to NOT get a BSN- LOL.

Thanks for clearing it up :)

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

In NJ, the only way you can sit for the NCLEX PN is if you completed a course in practical nursing. All the half way point in an associates or bachelor's program gets you is half way closer to finishing your degree. Once you past the first semester of Nursing Fundamentals (or equivalent) you can challenge the CNA exam without taking the course. Most 2-year schools in my area award the Associates in Applied Science in Nursing.

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Specializes in ICU-MICU & SICU.

There is a difference actually in a ASN and a ADN. A nurse with an ADN is just that, they passed the requirements of their Associate degree to fulfill the requirement to sit for nursing licensure.

The ASN, an associate of science in nursing, usually takes quite a bit more science in school to then fulfill the requirements to sit for nursing licensure.

When I obtained an Associate degree before my BSN my program. My degree was called Associated in Applied Science of Nurse. I took so much science that once I got to my BSN all I has to take was my Pathophysiology.

Most school and professional organizations call all of them regardless an ADN or Associated Degree in Nursing. Most school choose how they present their associate degree and may make you take more science or something and call the degree something else. In the end we are all associate degree nurses, even thought I have a BSN. : )

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"from what i understand after reading some of the asn nurses' posts is that with the asn, you can take the lpn boards part way through....with adn, it's a straight shot for rn boards....:)"

some states used to allow that. some used to allow bs students to sit for lpn boards after a year or two so they could work as lpns on weekends. most states have let all this stuff go away by now-- you need to call your state board of registration in nursing to find out what they allow,but don't get your hopes up.

and before you get there, the same principle for naming applies at the higher levels: bs with a major in nursing = bsn; ms (with a nursing major) = msn; it just depends on what the institution prints on the diplomas.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
There is a difference actually in a ASN and a ADN. A nurse with an ADN is just that, they passed the requirements of their Associate degree to fulfill the requirement to sit for nursing licensure.

The ASN, an associate of science in nursing, usually takes quite a bit more science in school to then fulfill the requirements to sit for nursing licensure.

When I obtained an Associate degree before my BSN my program. My degree was called Associated in Applied Science of Nurse. I took so much science that once I got to my BSN all I has to take was my Pathophysiology.

Actually, I don't believe that's correct. An ASN and an ADN are interchangeable, and just depends on the particular facility (sort of like the difference between an LPN and an LVN).

And an AAS degree is considered more of a "vocational" degree, whereas an AS degree is more designed for matriculation into an undergrad program. So actually, an AS degree is more valuable, in terms of transferring to a school to continue on with a BSN (I learned this the hard way, as I always thought they were the same, and then I discovered when I started my RN-BSN program that they're NOT the same, and with my AAS degree, I have four additional classes I will have to take than if I had an AS).

AAS degrees are more often offered at technical or vocational schools, where AS degrees are more often offered at community colleges or junior colleges (of course this is a generalization and there are always exceptions).

That's great that your AAS program offered so many science classes, but that's not because it's an AAS degree, it's because of your individual program.

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I am a bit confused....I am an LVN with a ASN from the school I graduated from. So does that I mean can sit for the RN test???

I am trying to get my RN now and looking into schools. some community colleges have the 30 unit option - is this the one I should go for since I have my ASN?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I am a bit confused....I am an LVN with a ASN from the school I graduated from. So does that I mean can sit for the RN test???

I am trying to get my RN now and looking into schools. some community colleges have the 30 unit option - is this the one I should go for since I have my ASN?

No an AS in vocational nursing will not make you eligible for licensing as an RN in any state.

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There definitely are differences between the ADN, the ASn, and the AASn.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
There definitely are differences between the ADN, the ASn, and the AASn.

An ADN isn't an official degree- it's simply an abbreviation to denote a nurse who holds an associates degree. The other 2 are actual degrees.

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I always thought that one was a diploma- ADN (less courses) and the other is a degree- ASN (more science courses)

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
I always thought that one was a diploma- ADN (less courses) and the other is a degree- ASN (more science courses)

No, diploma programs are few and far between these days. They do not grant ADNs. ADN is simply an aggregate catch all phrase.

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