Nursing is a noble profession that allows people the ability to provide others with the care and support they need during various health issues. Choosing this career path can provide anyone a field that is lucrative and rewarding. The only difficulty a person may find when choosing to become a nurse is which program is best for them. Of course, a nursing degree is necessary and so is the National Council Licensure Examination. The perplexing question is which nursing degree will provide the best training to ensure a successful career. Prospective students can choose an ASN, an AAS, or an ADN in nursing. Each provides a path to pass the NCLEX. However, there are slight differences that could provide a better option for some students.
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing-AAS
The AAS or Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree is a program that will provide nursing students the skills they need to become an RN. It is a two-year program and offers students the basics of nursing. Coursework for this program offers students training in topics, such as pharmacology, anatomy, and health assessment. Clinical work is also required for this program. Upon completion of the program, students are able to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination. Not all AAS nursing programs are the same. Before choosing any nursing program, students should explore their school’s accreditation to ensure they can provide the training needed to fit their personal career goals.
Associate of Science Degree in Nursing-ASN
The ASN or Associate of Science Degree in Nursing is a program that is often more task-focused than academics. This program is awarded by local community colleges, vocational schools, or hospital sponsored programs. Students receive curriculum in various focused subjects, such as chemistry, psychology, and microbiology. These programs also require supervised clinical work that is usually provided within the school term. These programs usually are completed within two years. Once completed, students will have all the clinical hours and training they need to complete the National Council Licensure Examination and pursue a career at various medical facilities in their area.
Associate Degree in Nursing-ADN
The ADN or Associate Degree in Nursing is a career-focused program that students can choose as a focus as a Licensed Practical Nurse or as a Registered Nurse. It is usually a 2-year program. It provides students the technical skills needed for entry-level nursing jobs. The ADN is often the name given to any nursing degree program. This makes it important for students to explore their school’s program in-depth to ensure they get the training they need. Although this program tends to provide a combination of classwork and hands-on experience, it is important that potential students find out exactly how much clinical work is offered during the program. There are set requirements of clinical work that must be completed before taking the National Council Licensure Examination to become an RN.
Exploring accreditation and clinical hours available in each program, potential candidates are sure to find a program that will work for their career goals. Any of these degrees can lay the groundwork needed for students to either work in an entry-level nursing position or to continue their education. Each of these programs can offer the first step in pursuing a bachelor, master, or even a doctorate degree in nursing. Students can even pursue training to focus their nursing career in specific areas of medicine. Either way, the field is wide open.