Question, what is the difference between AAS and AS in nursing?

jeepgirl, LPN, NP · Aug 21, 2005

Some schools have two degree programs.... an AAS and AS. AAS is an "Applied" associate of science. These degrees are usually associated with fields that lead to immediate employment... nursing, computer science, etc. I actually have BOTH an AAS and an AS (associate of science) in nursing. My AS was a degree that prepped me to transfer on into a BSN program - basically 60 hours of general ed plus the classes I needed for nursing like A&P, Micro, Zoo, Chem, etc. My AAS, however, was the degree that lead to my being eligible for the NCLEX and licensure. At some schools, an AS might be associated with a program that is accredited so that you can sit for the NCLEX after completion. Just check before you sign on up! As long as the degree leads to licensure, one isn't any better than the other.

RN34TX · Aug 21, 2005

ASN= Associate of Science in Nursing

AASN= Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

They are both equal degrees to any employer in the nursing community or state board for licensure.

Schools often only offer one of the two degrees and the reason why some RN's have ASN's and some have AASN's is just because that was the only degree option granted by the institution they attended. Both are referred to collectively as ADN's.

Some schools allow you to choose between the two like mine did. The ASN required more specific physical and social science electives while the AASN allowed more "free electives" where you could take just about anything (beyond the required RN cirriculum) as long as it still added up to 60 credits in the end.

Both degrees required the usual A&P, micro, etc. but the ASN required more psych and science courses like chemistry where the AASN allowed you to take literature, humanities, history, just about anything college level instead of those courses.

Kashlee · Aug 22, 2005

Thanks for the info!!

Kathy