What is the difference between ADN, ASN, and AAS Degrees? There could be reasons to be left confused, especially if you see these words for the first time and don’t know what they mean.
Well, they are terminologies relating to the nursing field.
Anyone who ventures into the nursing field is expected to acquire a degree before being recognized as a professional and can work in any hospital he or she desires.
While you read to the end, you will be clarified on all that you need to know about the different terms and what makes them stand out.
To know what this post is about, kindly scroll through the table of contents.
Table of contents
All You Need To Know About Nursing
Before delving into knowing what these words truly mean, it is expedient that we start from the grassroots, which is to at least define what the profession of ‘nursing’ is all about.
Therefore, nursing involves taking care of individuals of all ages, families, groups, and communities, sick or well and in all environments.
Nursing includes promoting health, preventing illness, and caring for ill, helpless, and dying people.
Furthermore, nursing advocates for a safe environment, inclusion in developing health plans and management of the system.
The job outlook for certified nurses as estimated by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics is actually at 16% growth from the year 2014 to the year 2024.
What Is ADN?
The Acronym ADN means Associate Degree in Nursing. The program brews students with a career goal and shapes them towards becoming a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse.
It is also known as Associate of Nursing (AN) degrees.
It takes about two years to complete and is also the general term used for all associate degree programs in nursing.
The ADN, in its entirety, trains the students in the technological abilities which are needed for entry-level nursing jobs, and also teaches students about the health needs of the patient.
Students will be required to involve in clinical practices in addition to classwork.
The essence of this is to equip them with first-hand experience in patient care and the use of medical equipment under the supervision of an experienced nurse.
What Are The Courses To Expect In An ADN Program?
Associate Degree in Nursing programs deals with the fundamentals of nursing, nursing, pharmacology, anatomy, microbiology, physiology, and introductory psychology.
However, these are some of the courses that cannot do without having practical knowledge about them. Anatomy and physiology, nutrition, microbiology, psychology, and blood work administering medications.
These are in addition to meeting the basic everyday needs of the patient(s), which may include
- Keeping a thorough record of patients’ medical histories
- Teaching your patients how to manage their illnesses at home
- Performing diagnostic tests and analyzing the results
- Observing patients’ cum reporting on their well-being.
Read This NCLEX Scholarships Application, Eligibility and Worth 2023
Requirements
If you are applying for ADN, you will be required to hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. Having completed courses in areas like biology, chemistry, math, and the English language.
Some programs however, tend to accept applicants who pass their aptitude test, submit proof of immunization, maintain a certain grade point average(GPA) and accent to a background check.
While earning your ADN degree, you must complete all the clinical work as expected.
Then, proceed to pass the National Council Licensure Examination to enable you to start up your own practice.
What Is ASN?
The ASN is an abbreviated word that stands for an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. If not for some of the courses, there isn’t much difference with the ADN.
With the degree placing more importance on the execution of tasks by the students than on the theoretical work, it is awarded by vocational schools or local community colleges.
Completing the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing program takes about two years; upon graduation, students will be allowed to sit for the NCLEX exam.
Further Reading: 13 Private Nursing Schools in California
ASN Coursework and Requirements
The Associate of Science Degree in Nursing student curriculum includes; chemistry, psychology, microbiology, anatomy, social and behavioral sciences, microbiology, nutrition and physiology.
Also, students are required to complete supervised clinical work in the process.
What Is AAS?
The AAS abbreviated word stands for Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.
Just like the Associate Degree in Nursing and Associate of Science Degree in Nursing programs, the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree seeks to teach in students the basics of nursing.
Albeit, a 2-year program also.
This nursing degree program’s coursework provides training in areas like chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, and health assessment.
In addition, clinical work is also expected, which at completion, students will be ready to write the NCLEX examination.
The essence of the NCLEX exam is to enable you to become a licensed practicing nurse or registered nurse.
To consider the name of your associate degree, the accreditation of each school has a very vital role to play.
Therefore, you should check well before entering a nursing program to ascertain their achievements and how they fit into your career objective.
Conclusion
The Nursing profession is also a noble profession and has many practices that one can choose to specialize in.
Acquiring any of the above associate degrees is an excellent way to earn more.
