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by
Sarah Beattie, DNP, APRN (Editorial Team / Admin)
Deciding to pursue your career as a registered nurse (RN) is an exciting time. However, knowing where to begin your educational journey can be challenging, as there are three associate degree programs in nursing available to choose from, among other programs like diplomas or bachelor's.
Suppose you've chosen to take the associate pathway. In that case, you'll need to decide between an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), and the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS). The degrees are similar, but there are also differences. Read on to help clarify which is best for you.
ADN, ASN, and AAS Nursing Degrees
If you are looking for an entry-level position in nursing, an ADN, ASN, and AAS are great places to start. All three options offer higher education, allowing students to sit for the NCLEX-RN and practice as an RN. With the shortest time from start to graduation, these programs provide quality education and experience to kickstart your career.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can also use all three associate nursing degree options as bridge programs to become RNs. and advanced education does not need to stop at the associate degree level. There are options for graduates with any associate nursing degree to further their careers by completing an RN to BSN or RN to MSN program.
ADN, ASN, and AAS Similarities
All three programs take around two years to complete when going full-time. These programs also typically offer part-time options and night and weekend classes for working students.
Similar prerequisites and requirements for the programs include general classes, specific nursing courses, and the need for on-site clinical hours.
Each program prepares students to pass the certification exam and enter nursing, ready to care for patients.
ADN, ASN, and AAS Differences
The ADN has the most classroom lecture time compared to clinical hours, while the AAS degree has the most clinical experience compared to classroom lecture time.
The ADN degree covers many nursing essential courses in more depth to prepare students to transition to a BSN program.
Some associate degree programs are part of university systems, while others are in technical colleges, vocational schools, or hospital systems.
ADN Explained
ADNs have a comprehensive approach to nursing courses to prepare students for a BSN bridge program in the future. At the same time, the clinical training offers experience in different care settings to prepare students to hit the ground running in a bedside nursing position.
Prerequisites and Requirements
The prerequisites and requirements to start in an ADN program will vary but often include the following:
- Must be 18 years or older
- High school diploma or GED
- Criminal background check
- Drug screen
- Health exams and vaccinations
- CPR certification
ADN Coursework
ADN courses depend on the institution, though there will be a mix of general and nursing-specific courses. Some institutions place general classes at the beginning of the program, while others require students to complete general education courses before entering the program.
General Education
- English or College Composition
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Statistics
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- Algebra
Nursing Courses
- Nursing Concepts
- Human Growth and Development
- Specific nursing care courses such as Pediatric Nursing, Maternal-Newborn Nursing, and Psychiatric Nursing
- Care Management
- Clinical hours
Institution
Nursing schools within colleges or universities offer ADN programs. These can be at a community or a traditional four-year college. Many colleges and universities provide advancement programs to work toward a bachelor's or master's degree.
ASN Explained
The ASN degree focuses less on comprehensive nursing lectures in the classroom and more on time in healthcare, gaining nursing experience. This program aims at students looking to become an RN quickly to begin their nursing career.
Prerequisites and Requirements
Prerequisites and requirements for acceptance into an ASN program will vary but often include the following:
- Must be 18 years or older
- High school diploma or GED
- Criminal background check
- Drug screen
- Health exams and vaccinations
- CPR certification
ASN Coursework
Coursework in the ASN program is similar to the ADN program and requires classroom lectures and clinical training. The curriculum will vary depending on the institution. Students can complete general education classes before entering the program or in conjunction with nursing courses.
General Education
- English or College Composition
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- Algebra
Nursing Courses
- Foundations of Nursing
- Specific nursing care courses such as Pediatric Nursing, Maternal-Newborn Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Emergency Nursing, and Med-Surg Nursing
- Community Nursing
- Clinical hours
Institution
Community colleges and technical or vocational schools offer ASN degrees. Few traditional colleges and universities provide the ASN degree program, but they offer RN to BSN programs to advance education after completing an associate's degree in nursing.
AAS Explained
The AAS degree is a technical program in which most of the focus is on gaining direct clinical experience to prepare students for entry into nursing. This nursing degree is also available to advance to an RN to BSN bridge program if desired.
Prerequisites and Requirements
Prerequisites and requirements to enroll in an AAS program will vary but often include the following:
- Must be 18 years or older
- High school diploma or GED
- Criminal background check
- Drug screen
- Health exams and vaccinations
- CPR certification
AAS Coursework
Coursework in the AAS program differs, as there is a smaller amount of time spent in the classroom and more at the bedside. The variety of clinical settings and experiences help students determine what nursing area they want to work in after becoming an RN.
General Education
- English or College Composition
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Sociology/Psychology
Nursing Courses
- Introduction to Nursing
- Foundations of Nursing
- Nursing Throughout the Lifespan, including Maternal-Newborn Nursing, Med-Surg Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and Pediatric Nursing
- Clinical Nursing Practicum/Clinical hours
Institution
Vocational schools or training facilities within hospital systems offer AAS degree programs. As with the other degree options, pursuing an advanced degree in nursing at a traditional college or university is available after completing the associate's degree.
Which Nursing Program Is Right for You?
There are many different factors to consider when deciding which nursing program is right for you. Some of them may include:
- Costs
- Location of the school and clinical sites
- Time commitment
- Future career goals
The availability of evening or weekend classes is also important to consider if you plan on working while pursuing your degree, and student-to-faculty ratios and the availability of online courses are additional aspects to factor into your education planning.
If you plan to advance your nursing career, you must ensure the associate degree program you choose is accredited. Graduating from an accredited ADN, ASN, or AAS program is a requirement for RN to BSN or RN to MSN programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is best, an ADN, ASN, or AAS?
A: The choice between the three different degree options depends on various personal factors, including cost, geographic location, length of the program, and desire to further your nursing career. If further degree advancement is in your future, an ADN degree would require the least additional courses compared to the AAS degree. If you are not considering an advanced nursing degree, either the ADN, ASN, or AAS will allow you to complete the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain an entry-level position in nursing.
Q: How many years does it take to get an ADN, ASN, or AAS?
A: Typically, the ADN, ASN, or AAS degrees take two years to complete. Part-time options are available if you plan to work while completing your degree. You can complete the associate's degree option for nursing education in half the time it takes to obtain a BSN. Becoming a nurse in less time offers lower education costs and more time spent working at the bedside.
Q: Is an ADN, ASN, or AAS worth it?
A: The ADN, ASN, or AAS nursing degrees are worth it. These are the fastest degree options if you want to fill an active role in patient care as an RN. You can be working as an RN in as little as two years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the RN median pay was $77,600. Salaries also vary by geographic location, employer, experience, and certifications.