ADN, ASN, and AAS Nursing Degrees – What’s the Difference?

Nurse Types / Registered Nurse / ADN, ASN, and AAS Nursing Degrees

An associate degree is a great option to becoming a nurse. Associate degrees offer quick and affordable programs for those that want to begin their nursing careers.

Associate degrees are the minimum requirement to become a registered nurse.

General Overview of Each Associate Degree

There are 3 associate degree options for nursing: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN), and Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS).

• ADN focuses on comprehensive nursing courses and clinical practice.
• ASN focuses primarily on clinical practice while also providing nursing courses.
• AAS is a career-focused program that provides basic nursing education.

All 3 degrees will allow you to be eligible to take the NCLEX and obtain your RN license. 

In this article, we will break down the similarities and differences between each degree to help you decide which one is right for you.

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What is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)?

An ADN is a great option for those that want to obtain a nursing degree and have the option to continue their education. 

ADN programs typically focus on coursework and clinical practice. ADN programs incorporate general health education courses, nursing-specific courses, and clinical experience. These programs take 2 years to complete.

An ADN provides a comprehensive nursing education and provides plenty of career opportunities. Although, ADN nurses are not eligible for every job as BSN nurses, they are still able to work in healthcare facilities in many different roles.

ADN nurses can also continue their education through ADN to BSN (or RN to BSN) programs.

There are also typically prerequisite requirements to get into these programs.  These requirements may vary among schools. Be sure to inquire about your school’s prerequisite requirements when applying.

You can find more information about ADN nursing opportunities here.

What is an Associate of Science Degree (ASN) in Nursing?

An ASN is another great option for those pursuing a nursing degree. The ASN is typically a 2-year program that focuses on coursework and clinical practice, and is very similar to an ADN. 

The main difference between ADN and ASN degrees is ASN programs put a bigger focus on clinical practice. The courses for ASN programs are similar to ADN programs, but often have more clinical hour requirements.

You will have opportunities to practice hands-on skills in simulated environments as well as clinical practice in healthcare facilities. Most schools have partnerships with local healthcare facilities that allow students to practice in the facilities under supervision of clinical faculty.

ASN nurses can also continue their education through RN to BSN programs, but it can be harder to transfer this degree to a university.

What is an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS)?

AAS programs include similar courses to ADN and ASN programs, but focus on different nursing specialties. An AAS program allows students exposure to many different nursing specialties to help students learn where they may want to work after graduation.

Like ADN and ASN programs, AAS programs are typically 2-year programs. AAS programs are a great option for those that want to move directly into practice rather than continuing education.

Educational outlines

Each program offers similar curriculums, but this will ultimately vary depending on your school. Schools typically require a high school diploma or GED, a background check, and minimum 2.0 GPA to be admitted.

Courses found in ADN programs include:

• Adult nursing
• Anatomy and physiology
• Pharmacology
• Foundations of nursing
• Microbiology
• Nursing specialties: maternal care, pediatrics, psychology

ASN programs are similar to ADN programs, but include more clinical practice hours. 

Courses found in ASN programs include:

• Adult nursing
• Anatomy and physiology
• Pharmacology
• Foundations of nursing
• Nursing specialties: maternal care, pediatrics, psychology
• NCLEX review
• Nursing leadership

ASN curriculums often include a capstone clinical where students are able to practice comprehensive nursing skills in a clinical setting.

AAS programs focus on nursing specialties while also providing core nursing courses. 

Courses found in AAS programs include:

• Adult nursing
• Pharmacology
• Foundations of nursing
• Nursing process
• Nursing leadership
• Nursing specialities: maternal care, pediatrics, psychology

Ultimately, all 3 associate degrees are focused on teaching students basic nursing concepts and skills required for entry-level nursing jobs.

Time commitment for each program

All programs typically take 2 years to complete. Different schools may have different tracks that allow you to complete your program in less time.

All degrees will allow you to take the NCLEX after completion. It is important to factor in the time to prepare and apply for the NCLEX into your time commitment for each program.

Average Cost

The average cost of each program is dependent on each school. Cost can range $3,000-$10,000 per year depending on the school you attend. For example, on a broad scale, community colleges or vocational schools typically cost much less than 4-year universities. 

For further clarity on the expected costs, you can get an itemized estimation of tuition and to factor in the cost of textbooks, scrubs, stethoscopes, and any other extra supplies required for your program.

ADN, ASN, or AAS: How Do I Decide Which Program Is Best for Me?

ADN, ASN, and AAS programs have many similarities, which can make it hard to decide which one is right for you. 

Many employers look at all 3 associate degrees the same, so the main difference comes down to the ability and ease to continue your education.

Considering your career and educational goals

An ADN, ASN, or AAS are great options for individuals who:

• Are ready to fast-track into a nursing career
• Want flexible scheduling and less time commitment
• Are looking to make a career change
• Recent high school graduates who want to pursue a nursing career

How do these degrees transfer to universities?

ADN degrees typically transfer well to universities. Many universities that offer an ADN also offer a RN to BSN program. ADN programs are the most similar to BSN programs and are often the easiest degree to transfer to a university. 

ASN and AAS degrees are typically offered at community colleges, vocational schools, or a nursing program affiliated with a hospital. These degrees can be more difficult to transfer to universities.

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ADN, ASN, and AAS salary comparisons

ADN and ASN degrees have similar average annual salaries. The average salary in 2021 for ADN nurses was $73,000 while the average salary for ASN nurses was $72,000. 

AAS nurses typically make less than other nursing degrees. The average annual salary for AAS nurses was $59,000. 

Many facilities have similar starting salaries for all RNs, but often have a salary increase for those that have a BSN.

It is also important to remember that many employers are making a BSN degree a requirement for new hires. This could limit your job opportunities with an associate degree.

Overall benefits of an associate degree

An associate degree is a great option for those looking to quickly begin their nursing careers. Associate degrees are a cheaper and quicker option than a BSN degree.

Associate degrees allow nurses to gain knowledge and experience and give the opportunity to continue education.

A few career opportunities for nurses with an associate degree include:

• Hospital bedside nursing
• Outpatient clinics
• Doctor’s office
• Insurance company
• Nursing home or long term care
• Home health
• Travel nurse

There are so many different paths to pursuing a nursing career. It is important to take the time to research the different degrees, programs, and schools to find the best fit for you.