logo
logo
Sign in

Nursing Career Paths : Associate of Science in Nursing

avatar
Shailly
Nursing Career Paths : Associate of Science in Nursing

If you do not know where to start, you have come to the right place. Whether you are in your last year of high-school, just finished a bachelor’s degree, or realized you wanted to pursue nursing after working, we are here for you. Luckily, there are many paths to become a nurse, and there is no right way. Nursing schools offer the flexibility to pursue many different options based on your needs. You may need to work full time, take care of a full time family, or have finances to deal with. Take these considerations into account when you are reading about the different paths. 

From the figure, there are three ways to become a registered nurse. So how do you know which path is best for you? First, let’s read more about the three options. 

Also Read : Statistics and Probability Courses… a statistical nightmare?

Diploma in Nursing

Diploma in Nursing was the first program to offer training for students to become a registered nurse. The course usually lasted about one to two years and it involved a lot of hands-on training in the hospital. Students were also required to pass some basic classes in nursing and science. This path is the cheapest and quickest option to become a registered nurse. This is a great choice for students who want an entry-level position and want to pay an affordable price.  

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) 

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) requires more effort and skill than a Diploma in Nursing, but is a good option for those who still want an affordable and fast route. It is important to note that with an ASN and Diploma in Nursing, you will not be able to obtain an advanced practice nursing degree in the future. This includes degrees such as Certified Nurse Midwife, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, and Nurse Practitioner. Nurses with an Associate of Science in Nursing typically earn more than a nurse with a Diploma in Nursing but earn less than registered nurses that hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The amount is usually around $10,000 to $15,000 less. A nurse who is looking for a job solely in direct patient care would be best suited for this degree.  

Also Read : 5 Tips To Help You Ace Your Online Chemistry Course!

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 

A BSN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the gold standard for an RN. Sometimes certain hospitals such as teaching and magnet institutions, will only hire nurses who attain a BSN degree. BSN’s take longer to complete and are more expensive than receiving an Associate of Science in Nursing. They are also highly competitive to get into, and the schooling may be deemed as more rigorous. The main path to the BSN program involves a full time, four year commitment. The full time program is usually set up in a 2 + 2 method. The first two years of school involve prerequisite and general education classes. The following two years involve advanced USA nursing classes and hands-on clinical training. This would be best suited for individuals who do not have financial hardships and have recently graduated high school. Another way to receive your BSN or Bachelor of Science is after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in another area of study. For instance, a student went to school for a biology or chemistry degree and now wants to become a nurse. This scenario is called the Accelerated BSN Program. It is a unique program that offers students to become an RN in 11 to 18 months. Usually, these classes are held on the weekends so students can still work full or part time during the weekdays. These schools offer flexible hours and often offer online training. These students would still participate in in-person clinicals. Note, some companies offer to pay for the two years of schooling if you dedicate time to their company after graduation. After receiving your BSN, nurses can also pursue advanced degrees and specializations if interested. This degree is best for students who have no financial hardships and want to continue to advance in their career.  

collect
0
avatar
Shailly
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more