One of the common entry-level nursing programs for students to enroll in is the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). One of the benefits of earning an associate’s degree is that it only takes two years to complete and because it is shorter than a bachelor’s degree, it is considerably cheaper. An ASN can be obtained from community colleges nationwide, as well as nursing schools and even some four-year tertiary institutions. Students who graduate with an ASN often go on to study a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

What does an associate’s degree in nursing involve? Students study professional behaviors (moral, ethical, legal, and regulatory), the nursing process, communication techniques with patients and other health care professionals, clinical decision making and how to provide an individual centered assessment, care interventions, collaboration, and managing care.

The curriculum is generally taught in a mixture of environments, from classroom based learning, to skills laboratory, and ultimately in a clinical setting for practical tasks. Off-campus learning in a clinical environment can mean hospitals, clinics, community-based agencies, and nursing homes.

Students who graduate with an ASN are able to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to become a registered nurse (RN).

Job opportunities are strong for graduates, as there is a high demand for health care professionals to help cope with the medical and health care needs of the aging baby boomer population. Employment is predicated to grow faster than the average occupation and the best job prospects will be found in nursing care facilities and home health care services, as there is less competition here than in hospitals.