ASN versus a Certificate in RN

Published

I've been accepted into the nursing program at my college and start June 19. As part of the requirements to begin classes, along with getting drug tested and fingerprinted, I had to meet with an academic counselor. I found out thru the counselor that I am missing 4 general education classes to get my associates degree in Nursing. She told me that if I can fit in these three general education classes during the winter and summer between the nursing classes, and pass them, than I can graduate with an ASN. Now that did not add more stress on me. It seems that I did my prereq's and requirements to get into the nursing program at another college for their nursing program. Since I applied at that college and the one I was accepted into, I assumed the requirements were the same because they are in the same district. When I applied here, I was not told anything different from the nursing department.

I was also told by the academic counselor that even if I was unable to do the 4 general ed. classes during the program, because I already have an A.S. degree in something else, I can still finish the RN program with a certificate and still take the NCLEX-RN and be a licensed RN.

My question and predicament is will there be a problem getting a nursing job without the Associates Degrees but still be a licensed RN? I was told by the counslor that Nevada right now is the only state requiring nurses to have an ASN.

Any advice and knowledge is sooooo appreciated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In the long run you would be doing yourself a disservice by not getting the ASN. If you really feel pressured about doing the 4 classes while in the nrsg program, then only do them one or two at a time during breaks from the program during the summer like you were advised or wait and do them after completion of the program. Yes, you can get your RN and get hired without the ASN, but you might want to go forward with your education. Also, I have found that occasionally my education was, in fact, discussed during job interviews. It will be so much easier if you just go ahead and complete your ASN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm gonna attempt to get these classes done during the breaks but it's reassuring that they will not keep me from getting a job as an RN. My goal is to get an ASN even if I get thoses classes done after I finish because I want to go on to get a BSN in Forensic Nursing. The general education classes I need to take for graduation are Intermediate Algedbra I and II (I already have Elementary Algebra), a state & local government class (knowledge of state and local governement) and an interdisciplinary Humanities class.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Every job I've ever seen advertised in my area of CA requires a license and graduation from an accredited school of nursing, either ADN or BSN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
I've been accepted into the nursing program at my college and start June 19. As part of the requirements to begin classes, along with getting drug tested and fingerprinted, I had to meet with an academic counselor. I found out thru the counselor that I am missing 4 general education classes to get my associates degree in Nursing. She told me that if I can fit in these three general education classes during the winter and summer between the nursing classes, and pass them, than I can graduate with an ASN. Now that did not add more stress on me. It seems that I did my prereq's and requirements to get into the nursing program at another college for their nursing program. Since I applied at that college and the one I was accepted into, I assumed the requirements were the same because they are in the same district. When I applied here, I was not told anything different from the nursing department.

I was also told by the academic counselor that even if I was unable to do the 4 general ed. classes during the program, because I already have an A.S. degree in something else, I can still finish the RN program with a certificate and still take the NCLEX-RN and be a licensed RN.

My question and predicament is will there be a problem getting a nursing job without the Associates Degrees but still be a licensed RN? I was told by the counslor that Nevada right now is the only state requiring nurses to have an ASN.

Any advice and knowledge is sooooo appreciated.

I see that you are in California. I suspect that what your academic counselor is referring to is a quirk of CA law that allows licensing of candidates who complete the nursing portion of their school's program and pass NCLEX, regardless of whether or not they have met their school's requirement for graduation. Thus, apparently there are students in CA who complete their nursing curriculum, pass NCLEX, are licensed as RNs in CA but have never graduated from their school. CA is the only state, to my knowledge, which allows this circumstance.

If you ever move out of the state of CA, this would become a major issue when you attempted to become licensed in another state. Your lack of an ADN/ASN would also be an issue if/when you wish to complete your BSN.

See this recent, lengthy thread from a CA RN who moved out of state.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f283/what-degree-213532.html

My advice - complete the gen ed requirements & graduate. You never know what life holds later on.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Since my wife and I plan to move to Oregon after I finish School, I better get those general education classes done and graduate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

Good luck in school, shawnrj ... it'll be a wild ride.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You're right about finishing the requirements at your present school. Most schools require that the last X number of credits be completed there (residency requirement). You most likely would have a problem finishing at an Oregon school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Good luck in school, shawnrj ... it'll be a wild ride.
Thanks.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion