Job opportunities for registered nurses continue to grow at an elevated rate compared to other industries. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average of 175,900 openings for registered nurses are projected each year over the next decade! Show
Skip the waitlist and get started on your path to becoming a registered nurse today. Our experienced and dedicated faculty set our students up for success and provide the one-on-one attention you deserve in nursing school! Bay State College nursing students go on to work at top local hospitals, such as:
Take the Next Step in your Career Some of the top hospitals prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree which is why we offer our 2+1 associates to bachelor's nursing path. Complete your associate nursing degree at Bay State College in 2 years and pass your NCLEX exam to automatically be accepted into our one-year bachelor's program! Empower Your Brain at Bay State College The core curriculum at Bay State College is designed not to fill your brain, but to empower it. The new purpose of a college education is to prepare you to continuously adapt - to what the world needs now and next, to keep thinking again and again and again. More Access, More Value We continually strive to make your college education more affordable. Through our new Digital Equity Initiative, faculty and staff work to make available outstanding online course materials that you can access at little to no cost. There are many different paths you can take to becoming a nurse, including three Associate Degrees. But how do you know which is right for you -- the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN), or the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS)? The most common and widely known of the three is the ADN; however, the other two are viable options for individuals interested in becoming nurses. In this article, we’ll explain what the three degrees are, and what the differences are between them. ADN vs ASN vs AAS Nursing Degrees: What Are the Differences?For purposes of being eligible for the NCLEX examination to earn your RN, there isn’t much difference between these types of degrees. Generally speaking, the difference in the associate’s degree is based on the nature of a specific program and what they choose to emphasize as a priority. Coursework DifferencesMost of the differences are noted in the coursework. Individuals that are interested in earning their BSN and advancing their nursing degree, will fare better earning an ADN. BSN programs align better with ADN programs and there will be less additional coursework required. If a student has an ASN or AAS, they will need to complete additional coursework for a BSN degree. Also, not all coursework in an ASN or AAS program is transferable to other programs. Institution DifferencesASN and AAS programs generally are offered by vocational schools and hospital-based programs. This is NOT always the case, and there are also schools offering these degrees. With these programs, board approval is a major concern. Without BON approval, you will NOT be able to sit for the NCLEX examination which is required to practice as a Registered Nurse. Show Me Nursing Programs What is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)?An Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN program, is focused solely on nursing core classes and clinicals. Classes focus on the clinical aspect of nursing instead of the leadership, research and management focus seen in other nursing programs. Students are not required to take courses that are outside of their curriculum and the program can typically be completed in two years. Associate’s degrees in nursing are offered by many community colleges and some four-year institutions. An ADN program will blend hands-on training with classwork. ADN programs are designed to train students in the technical skills needed to become a nurse in an entry-level position and about a patient’s basic health needs. >>Related: Pros & Cons Of Nursing Degrees: LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN Prerequisites Needed for an ADN Program
Courses You’ll Take in an ADN ProgramSome of the courses you’ll take in an ADN program include:
Popular ADN Programs
What is an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN)?An Associate of Science Degree in Nursing, or ASN, is also a two-year program that prepares individuals to take the NCLEX examination through a blend of hands-on training and didactic coursework. Vocational schools and hospital-based nursing programs traditionally offer ASN degrees. The focus of the program is more on clinical skills than academic work. For this reason, students will spend more time in a skills lab and clinicals than in the classroom. Coursework is roughly 72 credits with a minimum of 41 semester credit hours devoted to nursing courses. Courses You’ll Take in an ASN Program
Popular ASN Programs
Show Me Nursing Programs What is an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS)?An Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, or AAS, is a two-year program that instructs students in a variety of nursing specialization areas and provides training in related healthcare subjects, like pharmacology. This degree trains nursing students to learn the basics of nursing. AAS programs are generally offered in vocational schools and hospital-based programs. Courses You’ll Take in an AAS Program
Popular AAS Programs
Which is Right for You -- ADN, AAS or ASN?While there are distinctions between the three types of degrees, you can become a registered nurse by completing any of the degrees mentioned in this article. As long as you are attending an accredited program, which ensures there's standardization in the learning outcomes of the programs, you should be able to achieve your nursing educational goals with an ADN, AAS or ASN degree. Is an ASN the same as an RN?ASN vs. RN: What's the difference? An ASN is a type of degree that – along with a BSN – can lead to a career as an RN. To become an RN, you need to complete a certified nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Which is better ADN or ASN?Compared to ASN and AAS, an ADN degree is the best option for transiting to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Remember that every school is different regarding prerequisites and actual course material.
How long does ASN take?What Is An Associate Degree in Nursing? The Associate Degree in Nursing or ASN is a two-year program for individuals wishing to enter the medical field as registered nurses or RNs. This degree prepares you to take the NCLEX exam through hands-on training and coursework.
What is the easiest ADN program to get into?With an acceptance rate of 95%, Arkansas Tech University offers one of the easiest ADN programs to get into. The program is open to Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses who wish to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing (AAS-RN).
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