Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)

Overview

What Is an Associate of Science in Nursing?

An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), also known as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), is a two-year undergraduate degree program that prepares students to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN). Offered primarily by community colleges and some four-year schools, ASN programs provide an affordable and efficient pathway to enter the nursing profession. Most ASN-prepared nurses find employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, or home health settings.

Associate of Science in Nursing programs include classroom instruction, hands-on lab work, and supervised clinical experience. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and begin working in direct patient care roles. While many nurses start with an ASN, some go on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through an RN to BSN bridge program. Others may choose to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) through an RN to MSN bridge program as the next step in their nursing education. Larger institutions may automatically accept ASN program graduates into their corresponding upper-level degree programs.

Admissions

ASN Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) programs are generally less competitive than those for BSN programs, especially at public community colleges. These programs are designed to be accessible to students from a wide range of academic, financial, and socio-economic backgrounds, including those pursuing a second career or entering the workforce directly after high school.

Common admission requirements for an ASN program include:

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of prerequisite courses (see below)
• Entrance exam scores such as the TEAS
• Personal essay or statement of purpose
• Background check and drug screening
• CPR certification
• Immunization records
• An application fee

Many Associate of Science in Nursing programs require students to complete specific prerequisite courses before they are officially admitted into the nursing program. Students are typically enrolled at the community college with a major listed as Pre-Nursing, Health Sciences, General Studies, or Undeclared until they meet the requirements to apply. These prerequisite courses often take one to two semesters to complete, depending on the student's pace and academic abilities.

Common ASN prerequisite courses include:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II
• Microbiology
• General Biology
• Basic Chemistry
• College Algebra or Statistics
• English Composition
• Psychology or Human Development
• Nutrition (in some programs)

To increase your chances of acceptance, consider taking prerequisite courses during high school. Maintain a strong GPA while completing general education courses to build a competitive academic record. In states with well-defined public college systems, such as California and Florida, students can more easily apply to an ASN program as a transfer student after finishing prerequisites. Volunteering in a healthcare setting or completing a CNA program can also strengthen your application and prepare you for clinical rotations.

Curriculum

What Is the ASN Curriculum?

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) curriculum includes general education, nursing theory, and direct patient care experience. In a traditional two-year program, students progress through coursework and clinicals over four semesters, starting with general education and advancing into nursing theory. Some programs may add a fifth or sixth semester or use a two-year trimester schedule to complete any additional state-required coursework. The example table below outlines a term-by-term sequence of courses and clinical placements found in accredited ASN programs. Specific credit hour requirements and coursework may vary by institution and state licensure requirements.

^* Source: ASN curriculum from accredited colleges and universities.

Clinicals

ASN Clinical Requirements

Clinical rotations in ASN programs typically begin in the first semester and are closely integrated with classroom instruction. These placements allow students to apply nursing theory in real-world settings under the supervision of clinical instructors and preceptors. Clinical rotations usually take place one to two days per week and may require full-day, night, or weekend shifts. The total number of clinical hours varies by program but generally ranges from 600 to 1,000 hours, meeting or exceeding state licensing requirements for Registered Nurses.

Clinical rotations are completed in local healthcare facilities and may include the following settings and focus areas:

• Foundational Skills. Covers core procedures such as vital signs, bed-making, hygiene, mobility assistance, and basic patient interaction.
• Dosage Calculation. Reinforces safe medication administration through supervised math practice and simulated scenarios.
• Patient Communication. Teaches therapeutic communication techniques, cultural sensitivity, and patient-centered interviewing skills.
• Simulation Lab. Provides a controlled environment to practice assessments, interventions, and clinical decision-making using lifelike manikins and case scenarios.
• Long-Term Care. Offers experience in skilled nursing facilities or assisted living settings, often focused on elderly patients with chronic conditions.
• Rehabilitation. Involves care for patients recovering from surgery, stroke, or injury, often in inpatient or transitional care units.
• Medical-Surgical. Introduces hospital-based care for adult patients with a range of medical and surgical needs.
• Mental Health. Takes place in behavioral health units or outpatient facilities, supporting patients with psychiatric diagnoses or substance use disorders.
• Pediatrics. Focuses on the care of infants, children, and adolescents in clinical or hospital settings.
• Maternity. Includes prenatal, labor and delivery, postpartum, and newborn care in obstetric units.
• Transition to Practice. A final-term intensive clinical experience designed to simulate a real RN work schedule under the guidance of a preceptor nurse.

While many ASN programs now offer lecture-based courses in online or hybrid formats, all clinical rotations must still be completed in person. These hands-on experiences are supervised by licensed nurses and are typically arranged at approved healthcare facilities near the student's home or through the school's clinical partners. This ensures that graduates meet the practical training requirements for RN licensure in their state.

Tuition Cost

How Much Does an Associate of Science in Nursing Cost?

The cost of earning an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) varies by state and whether you qualify for in-state tuition at a public community college. Most ASN programs are offered at two-year public colleges that receive state funding, significantly reducing costs for residents. While some private colleges offer ASN degrees (often with tuition rates similar to their BSN programs), these are less common. In addition to tuition, students should also budget for housing, clinical fees, books, supplies, a computer, a printer, medical equipment, commuting, and parking expenses.

The table below shows the most recent average annual tuition figures by state and residency status published by the U.S. Department of Education. These numbers represent in-state and out-of-state tuition rates at two-year colleges that primarily offer associate degrees. Use this data as a starting point to explore ASN programs offered by colleges and universities near you.

^* Source: U.S. Department of Education, Academic Year 2022-23.
^— Indicates that not enough schools participated in the survey.

How Can I Reduce the Cost of an ASN Program?

There are several ways to lower the total cost of earning an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). One common strategy is to complete your general education requirements during high school and then transfer those credits to a nearby community college. You can also reduce expenses by commuting from home or choosing a rural or suburban college campus where housing is more affordable.

Private colleges offering ASN degrees may charge $20,000 to $50,000 per year, similar to BSN program rates, depending on the institution. For students concerned about cost, public community colleges generally offer the most affordable path, especially for in-state residents.

Financial aid is available for associate degree studies and may include student loans, institutional scholarships, federal Pell Grants, and state nursing aid programs. Consider completing a shorter CNA, LPN, or LVN program to gain work experience, save for college, and qualify for employer-sponsored tuition assistance. If you live in a high-tuition state, relocating to a state with more substantial public education subsidies may also help lower overall costs.

Outcomes

What Jobs Can I Get With an ASN?

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-RN and become licensed as Registered Nurses. ASN-prepared nurses can work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health environments. While some employers prefer a bachelor's degree, many healthcare providers continue to hire associate-level nurses, especially in high-demand regions. With experience and continuing education, ASN graduates can also move into leadership roles or specialty practice areas.

Here are some of the jobs you can get with an ASN degree:

• Long-Term Care Nurse
• Medical-Surgical Nurse
• Home Health Nurse
• Rehabilitation Nurse
• Hospice Nurse
• Hyperbaric Nurse
• Pulmonary Care Nurse
• Wound Care Nurse
• Emergency Room Nurse
• Oncology Nurse
• Pediatric Nurse
• School Nurse
• Gynecology Nurse
• … and many more

Is an ASN in nursing worth it? Yes. For many students, the ASN is the fastest and most affordable path to becoming a Registered Nurse. It allows graduates to enter the workforce sooner and later decide whether to pursue a BSN or MSN degree. Learn more about Registered Nurse salary, duties, and skills.