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Discussion

Nursing Programs: ADN vs AAS

Hi,

My name is Carmen, I live in upstate NY and I have a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science from an International University. I'm considering going back to school here in the States to get a degree in Nursing. I found several community colleges offering nursing programs where, for instance,

"Graduates of this program are granted an Associate in Applied Science degree by the college and are eligible to take the National Comprehensive Licensing Examination in Nursing for Registered Nurses (R.N.)" or another where "Graduates earn a two-year associate's in science degree and are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Exam required for licensure as a RN."

My question is: how do you compare this degree (AAS) to ADN? Can a non-permanent resident (like myself) get a job in the US with such a degree (AAS in Nursing) and eventually get the green-card?

Many thanks in advance,

Carmen

Featured Replies

  • Experts

If you are wishing to go for a green card, and you attend school in the US, then in a word, a two year degree would be okay.

An AAS is equivalent to a ADN. They both will give you an Associcate's degree. Similar to one hospital granting a BA and another granting a BSN. As long as you can write the NCLEX exam, I wouldn't worry about it.

What type of visa are you currently on?

  • Author

Thanks Suzanne4,

Your reply is very helpful.

I'm currently on H1B visa waiting to be laid-off anytime ... I've always been passionate about health and what's going on inside my body and I'm a very caring person so I'm hoping that I'll find nursing to be just right for me. I'm just trying to decide if I should try to get into an accelerated BSN program (I'll have to take some prereq's first) or just try to get the ADN and pass the NCELX and then maybe later go for the BSN. Any advise? I'd like to be able to start working as soon as possible (and God knows I need the money) but I'm concerned I will not find employment with an ADN degree .

Do you (or anyone else) have any idea if it's more difficult to find employment (and sponsorship for the green-card) with an ADN degree as opposed to BSN degree?

Thanks again,

Carmen

  • Experts

If you are training in the US, you will have no problem with the two year degree. How many pre-reqs do you need to get into the accelerated BSN program? Many of the two year programs have waiting lists, so you may find it easier to get into the BSN program.

See what is currently available in your area. But do it soon, as you will need to be enrolled in a school to get your visa changed over to an F-1.

Good luck................. :balloons:

A person with an AAS or an AS in nursing has an ADN-

An Associate's Degree in Nursing.

Sometimes thse nurses are referred to as ADNs- Associate Degree Nurses.

  • Author

You're right Suzanne,

Pretty much all the community colleges in my area have a 1-2 years waiting list. I found, however, a nursing diploma program accepting applications for the spring semester ... you know, that "X Hospital School of Nursing" type of school.

I was wondering if it makes a difference (from both the prospective employer's and the INS's point of view) whether you've obtained your Associates Degree from a Community College or a School of Nursing. Should I worry about things like accrediation and diploma recognition? Any advice would much appreciated.

I'm also considering the accelerated BSN option, but I'm afraid my GPA is a just little over 3.0 ... and most colleges are so competitive and expensive...

Many thanks,

Carmen

If you are training in the US, you will have no problem with the two year degree. How many pre-reqs do you need to get into the accelerated BSN program? Many of the two year programs have waiting lists, so you may find it easier to get into the BSN program.

See what is currently available in your area. But do it soon, as you will need to be enrolled in a school to get your visa changed over to an F-1.

Good luck................. :balloons:

:)
  • Experts

X Hospital School of Nursing may not be an Associate Degree program but a Diploma program. Your concern with immigration is that they are a fully licensed program and can sponsor you for an F-1 visa. You would be fully qualified with that degree for working in the US, but if you want to go onto a BSN program, that is where your troubles will be.

If you are going to get laid off from your H1-B visa, don't you need to be in a school soon? Not next year? Do you need any pre-reqs for that program?

Right now, your biggest ptoblem is goin to be getting yourself into some approved type of school as soon as possible.

Good luck and please keep me posted. :)

I would love to know the name of the school, you can PM me if you do not want to post it......thanks..SSS

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