Help? What is the difference between a "A.S." and a "A.A.S" in nursing?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 18, 2012

A.S. and A.A.S. are pretty much equivalent--they're both associates' degrees like the ADN is. A.A.S. stands of "Associates of Applied Science"

As far as whether you can work as a RN with an AS/AAS/ADN, that depends on the requirements for licensure in your state or country, as they can vary widely.

In the U.S., you CAN apply for the NCLEX-RN if you've graduated with an associates' degree from a nursing program that is approved by the BON. Once you pass the exam, you're issued the exact same RN license that a BSN, diploma, or entry-level MSN graduate would be issued.

How easy it will be to get hired with just an associates' degree is a debate for another thread, but there are employed associates' nurses out there so take heart--it's not impossible :)

If you are not sure if your nursing school's A.S. program is approved, the best source for your answer is your state BON. If your program is approved by the BON, then the answer to your question is Yes: ultimately you can work as a RN after graduating from your two year program (pending passing the NCLEX, that is).

Hope this helps!

xxMichelleJxx · Oct 18, 2012

A.S. and A.A.S. are pretty much equivalent--they're both associates' degrees like the ADN is. A.A.S. stands of "Associates of Applied Science"
As far as whether you can work as a RN with an AS/AAS/ADN, that depends on the requirements for licensure in your state or country, as they can vary widely.
In the U.S., you CAN apply for the NCLEX-RN if you've graduated with an associates' degree from a nursing program that is approved by the BON. Once you pass the exam, you're issued the exact same RN license that a BSN, diploma, or entry-level MSN graduate would be issued.
How easy it will be to get hired with just an associates' degree is a debate for another thread, but there are employed associates' nurses out there so take heart--it's not impossible :)
If you are not sure if your nursing school's A.S. program is approved, the best source for your answer is your state BON. If your program is approved by the BON, then the answer to your question is Yes: ultimately you can work as a RN after graduating from your two year program (pending passing the NCLEX, that is).
Hope this helps!

the state I live in is New York.

Im not sure if my nursing program is BON approved... how would I find that out?

I do know that the program is not NLN accredited ... but is in candidacy status till september 2013..

zoe92 · Oct 18, 2012

A.S. and A.A.S just depends on the school and what they decided to call it. Go to the BON website for your state and they will have a list of approved schools. It is always a risk going to a school that is not yet accredited but says they are "candidates" to be so.

LiLev · Oct 19, 2012

In California AAS usually means that it is a "for profit" school and classes may not transfer to a state 4 year university so check it out first. For example, if you get your RN degree from Kaplan, you cannot go to a California State University to get your RN to BSN degree because California does not recognize the Kaplan degree. I have heard that you can go to Univ of Phoenix, but that is quite a bit more $$ than a state school.

Streamline2010 · Oct 22, 2012

What is the difference between an Associate of Science degree AS and an Associates of Applied Science AAS degree

What is the difference between an Associates in Applied Science and an Associates of Science degree

^ That explains that AS is generally college-based and intended to to be college transfer credit. Most or all of an AS RN degree from a community or other public or private college or university should transfer. But trade school RN degrees generally do not.