The ASS or ASN prepare you to work in a clinical setting...where the real learning happens!!! Nothing can prepare you better than clinical practice. Med-surg or ICU prepare you for just about anything. In my BSN program, I did not obtain clinical skills. That was where I learned theory, education, research etc. My MSN program delved back into the hands on. So to answer your question.... ASS.....WORK....BSN, MSN> Good luck!