Associate Degree in Nursing

Because of advances in the delivery of patient care particularly technological improvements, the increasing emphasis on health promotion and preventive care, and the graying population, there is a need for more workforce to fill in positions that would address these.  Despite registered nurses holding more than 2.6 million jobs in the US according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics making it the largest sector in the healthcare industry, the need is still present.  In fact, the labor bureau also pointed that there is an expected growth of 22% between 2008 to 2018 for RN opportunities.  With this, the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)/ Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN)/ Associate Degree in Nursing (AND) gained popularity.  The ASN/ AND/ AASN, depending on the school where its offered, is a two-year associate degree program that prepares for entry level nurses in healthcare facilities.  ASN programs contain general education as well as both classroom and clinical nursing instruction leading to the development of graduates with nurse generalist role.  This degree is typically offered by community colleges and junior colleges although some universities may also offer it.  It includes courses in:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Fundamentals in Nursing
• Health Assessment and Physical Examination
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Maternal-Newborn Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing
• Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing
• Basic Nutrition
• Pharmacology
• Contemporary Issues in Nursing

Students who earn the associate degree and after completion of other requirements are eligible for licensure as Registered Nurses.  The examination is administered by the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).  ASN graduates work in the same capacity as Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates.  They may perform the following, although State laws may provide for a more specific scope of practice:

• Perform through assessment of the clients
• Identifying health problems
• Formulating a care plan
• Implements nursing interventions
• Performs interventions related to meeting basic human needs (Comfort, Hygiene, Nutrition, Mobility, Sleep)
• Evaluate care rendered
• Works in collaboration with other members of the health team
• Administers medications and other therapeutics and monitors client response

Registered nurses who are Associate of Science in Nursing degree holder earn an hourly rate of $20.00 – $30.55 or a median annual salary of $47,917 according to figures by PayScale.  As part of professional advancement, RNs may pursue Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree which is offered as either bridging or fast-track programs in many colleges and universities.  Educational advancement does not only increase the nurse’s knowledge but also commensurate to a higher income and opportunities that require a bachelor’s degree.

Related Nursing Articles

1. Online Nursing Masters DegreeThe proliferation of Internet has given people a new dimension when it comes to learning and education. Today, advance nursing programs can be completed online with the use of a computer and the Internet. Starting...
2. Online Master of Nursing Degree San AntonioOnline courses are becoming increasingly popular nowadays because more and more people are knowledgeable about internet. Wayland Baptist University in San Antonio Texas will be launching its online master of nursing degree starting August 15,...
3. Metro Manila Schools Offering Masters Degree in NursingThe unemployment rate of nurses in the Philippines continue to surge and many registered nurses and even graduate nurses are displaced. While many nurses still push for employment opportunities whether outside nursing practice, a considerable number of...
4. Gearing Up for a Second Degree in Health & Wellness for Unemployed Nurses“NURSES, NO JOBS YET?  Then get a second degree in Health & Wellness in two years and join the booming hospitality tourism industry.”  This is the heading of an advertisement by the country’s leading Tourism...
5. The New PRC Case Form for Nursing Students Now Available for DownloadDownload now to get a copy of the latest  PRC Case form used by Student Nurses for their OR/DR Cases as per PRC Requirement for NLE. Click the icon to download....