associate of science in nursing | Distance Learning Systems (DLSI)

ASN vs. BSN

In our modest viewpoint, no education is bad, whatever the degree of study. Then, why is there much discussion over whether one should go for an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)? It is being suggested that companies these days want to seek the services of those with a 4-year degree more than those with the 2-year associate’s degree. But not everyone has enough time or resources to go for a longer, more costly 4-year degree. Let us guarantee you that those with an ASN degree are not at any drawback at all. Many effective RNs have made it big in their professions starting off with just an associate’s degree. Regardless of your certification, what exactly is essential is that you work with commitment, always try to understand from more experienced co-workers and do the best you can at your job.

A BSN generally includes over 4 years and includes more programs in nursing theory, such as nursing research and nursing and technology. An ASN, however, is smaller over 2 years and is more targeted on primary nursing education and training. With a 4-year BSN degree, extra programs in management, leadership, communication and community nursing are trained and learners also get a possibility of more clinical experience than in an ASN program.

Advantages of the ASN Degree

Just because it’s shorter does not make it any less lovely. For many, the ASN is a much better choice than the BSN because:

It’s more affordable
It requires only 2 years
It prepares you as well as the BSN to take the NCLEX-RN certification exam

Advantages of the BSN Degree

There are advantages of going for the BSN too, such as:

Greater possibilities for profession improvement into greater roles such as a Nurse Manager
Direct entrance into a Postgrad Nursing Program such as a Master of Science (MSN) in Nursing

Regardless of which degree you go for, what exactly is essential is that your degree is from an approved organization, be it a worldwide identified university in your state, or an approved on the internet nursing school. Whether you take the ASN degree at, say, a community college, or opt for a BSN from an approved university, you can take the NCLEX-RN exam after finishing either of the degrees, as per the need for licensure in most states.

ASN Bridge to BSN

Of all the nurses working in the US these days, not all of them made the decision to get into the area as soon as they completed college, and not all of them made the decision beginning on to generate master’s degree in the field. There are many individuals who start out in another profession and change to nursing, and many who start out with an ASN degree become LPNs, and continue their education later. The way that they are able to do this is through a nursing bridge system that is provided by many on the internet and campus-based degree programs.

The most typical nursing bridge programs are stop in either a Bachelor of Science degree (BSN), or a Master of Science degree (MSN):

RN/LPN to BSN
RN/LPN to MSN

The significant benefits of a nursing bridge programs is that you can have an ASN or BSN degree and get your next degree in the area without going through a complete three or four year college program. They are particularly developed for nurses who are RNs and keep an ASN or BSN degree in another area but wish to get their graduate student degree in nursing. Or, they are perfect for those who are already LPNs with an ASN degree and want to get their BSN or even MSN degree.

An excellent nursing bridge program will allow you to obtain both the abilities and information that you need to get your master’s degree, and to become a health professional in a greater paying specialty, such as a certified nurse practitioner. One of the most typical bridge programs is an RN to MSN level. This allows you to go from your ASN or BSN degree to a master’s degree in nursing. This kind of program is not for every health professional out there. You need to have gotten your past nursing degree from a completely qualified program, and you also will need to finish some extra prerequisites, depending on the program.

Online ASN Programs

Online ASN programs are an extremely common option among those looking for training in the nursing area. It allows for some versatility in organizing and makes part-time knowledge more practical. Due to the characteristics of the occupation and the specifications of certification, no nursing program can ever be finished entirely online as nursing applications require a level of hands-on clinical experience. As with all ASN programs, the objective is to practice learners to complete the National Council of Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), so that they can become RNs.

Typical On the internet Programs in an Associate of Science in Nursing

While the kind of scientific work a pupil does to satisfy his or her specifications can change with regards to the past or present student’s profession objectives and the program he or she is registered in, the syllabus itself is usually the same for all potential nurses. Except coursework is finished online and sessions are joined through live streaming video or are registered so that learners can watch them at their comfort. Primary training in healthcare language and scientific techniques is offered, as well as courses in cultural interaction and computer knowledge.

Here are some of the courses required in an online ASN degree program:

Introduction to Psychology
Basic Human Anatomy
Human Physiology
Medical Terminology
Life Span Wellness Care
Microbiology
Adult Wellness Care
Health Wellness care Management
Nutrition
Developmental Psychology

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, RNs represent the largest occupation in the healthcare industry and is one of the fastest growing occupations in the country. RNs fulfill a variety of projects within the medical wellness care system, from providing basic patient wellness care and doing administrative duties to doing assisted living and home wellness care projects.

Choosing an Online ASN Program

Generating a diploma on the internet is becoming a lot more popular. The versatility of web based classes offer great benefits for a student. Individuals searching to obtain an ASN degree online can make use of the benefits and versatility a web-based training program needs to offer. When getting your ASN online degree, you complete the non-clinical courses online. Clinical classes should be completed in a hospital. You will find no online ASN programs which let you fully complete your degree online.

To locate schools that provide an ASN degree online, you will have to perform a little research on the web. Among the reliable search engines like Google, enter in the key phrases that may help you find schools you are looking for. At the minimum, you need to enter in the words “Associate of Science in Nursing Online.” You may even wish to enter in the name of the state or states that you’d like your program to stay in.

The internet search engine will provide you with links to a lot of online schools. Spend some time visiting the links to ascertain if they provide what you’re searching for. You will find a number of things you should think about when determining which school fits your needs. Discover if this program is really a work on your personal pace program or a treadmill that actually works by semesters. A work on your personal pace program will help you to just do that – finish the work on a pace that best suits you. Many programs, however, are structured and also have semesters just like a traditional college. Find out when you are able start. Some online programs have moving enrollment, meaning you can begin at any time. Others possess a designated start date.

Pros and Cons of an Online ASN Degree

An ASN degree is nearly as good as those of an LPN or perhaps an LVN. An ASN degree is really a two-year program structured to pay attention to direct abilities and proper care of healthcare management. The positive thing a good ASN degree can give is that it caters mainly to individuals who’ve financial restrictions. It is a quick course and considerably reduces any more costs making it less expensive when it comes to becoming a nursing professional. This course directly prepares graduates to supply care to patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or perhaps in doctor’s offices. Focusing more about technical abilities, an ASN degree is regarded as the stepping stone for nursing candidates considering finishing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Cons – Being Internet Savvy – Online education doesn’t really require someone to be technically savvy, however, fundamental internet abilities for example chatting, surfing the internet, and so forth are essential to get around together with your classes on the web.

Online Discussion versus Class Lecture – You will find some students who find out more with an active class lecture as opposed to just a web-based discussion from the lesson. Within this situation, if your face-to-face interaction with a teacher is required, a web-based program might not meet your needs.

Web Connection – Since much of your ASN courses are carried out online, you will have to possess a steady web connection. These are some of what you have to bear in mind when enrolling in an ASN degree online.

Pros – Online Degree – Using the ease of generating your ASN degree online, you will not have to sacrifice time for you to travel to school. It can save you time for work, family, and focus just by needing to log online to gain access to your classes. Another convenience for generating your nursing degree online is that you could complete your classes at your own pace and time.

Faster Programs – With faster programs you could have your previous courses credited to be able to inch up you nursing degree. If you are already working, you could have your clinical hours integrated in the program’s curriculum.

Online Options – With numerous accredited college options online, you will not have a difficult time finding one which suits your program needs.

Goal of ASN

The ASN program is designed to provide a well-rounded and balanced knowledge and its fundamental programs will present learners to a wide range of topics, such as interaction, social sciences, and natural sciences. This method has a challenging program, covering nursing devices, nursing management, nursing informatics, nursing basic principles, individual analysis, and medical practice. This program allows applicants signed up in the program, not only to have varied valuable skills but also to seek further knowledge within the medical care field.

The nurse is a respected member of the healthcare care team. Nursing is a science and art whose priority involves the life processes that efficiently affect the wellness position and reliability of persons, families and areas. Medical professionals not only treat people and work to advertise wellness and prevent sickness, but also educate people and the public about various problems. Medical professionals record patients’ healthcare backgrounds and symptoms, help perform assessments and evaluate results, operate healthcare systems, provide treatment and medications, and help with individual follow-up and recovery.

The objective of most ASN programs is to ensure that learners provide safe, qualified and thoughtful treatment to individuals in several treatment configurations. The ASN program also provides an educational alternative to those learners who are interested in this field and wish to engage in a higher degree upon commencement. The graduate of the program will be prepared to sit for the National Council for Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses Exam or NCLEX Exam.

Individual Nursing Programs

At this factor, you might have decided about becoming a member of the healthcare industry but are not yet sure which nursing program would be the best one for you to select, much less which university would be among the best for you to select from. You can make the procedure a lot simpler by mapping the nursing programs through determining what your needs may be. Are you considering a routine which can support your household routine or are you looking at job relevant results such as operating in a healthcare center or the workplace of a doctor? Finding out these objectives would be a strong first phase towards choosing the right nursing program for you.

You can choose from a variety of nursing program options that include getting qualified as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), earning a doctoral of nursing degree or pursing a registered nurse certificate (RN). You can also pursue an associate degree like an associate of science in nursing (ASN). Licensed practical nurse levels last for a year and you can practice either at a medical center or at a nursing school. Learners who earn their LPN certificate take programs that show them how to read an individual’s important symptoms and assist the individual in any way which is required either by their manager or the individual.

All those who have gained a certificate for LPN and have accomplished the programs will discover the program is designed to show them to take important symptoms and provide assistance per the physician or individual’s directives. Group institutions and specialized educational institutions produce a 2-year affiliate of technology level in nursing (ASN). The profession this provides allows you to pay attention to the specialized areas of nursing and it is not one based just theoretically.

Earning an ASN Degree

Getting an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree is a route in to the healthcare industry. Today, nursing remains among the biggest and quickest growing job areas within the U.S. Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing should see 22 percent growth between 2008 and 2018. In 2009, RNs gained median salaries well over $63,000.

You will find various steps you have to complete to be able to become an ASN. As the actual process can vary with respect to the school and program of preference, you will find six common steps to generating an ASN. The first step is to earn a high school diploma or GED. The fundamental educational requirement of admittance to an associate’s degree in nursing is really a high school diploma or GED. Frequently, many nursing programs need a bare minimum GPA which is between 2.5 and 2.75 (on the scale of four.) to be able to be accepted but the openings are limited and the lower the GPA reduces your chances of gaining entrance in a standard college nursing program. The 2nd step would be to complete either the SAT or ACT. Common scores for program admission include the absolute minimum combined score of 990 on SATs and the absolute minimum score of 21 on the ACT.

For college students moving from another college program, a number of prerequisite courses might be needed before admittance. ASN nursing programs frequently evaluate completed credits for transfer and usually only accept credit for courses in which a grade of “C” or greater is gained. Some ASN programs offer pre-nursing programs that permit students to accomplish their requirements before entering the associate’s degree in nursing program. Some schools require candidates to pass the NLN Pre-Admission Examination (PAX) for Registered Nursing (RN)–the PAX-RN or even the PAX-VN/LPN for Practical/Vocational Nursing. Other schools may need students to pass through the Test of Essential Academics Skills (TEAS).

Once students meet all of the pre-admission needs, application for an ASN program happens. Throughout this method, students must gather all needed materials for example transcripts and recommendations. Organization is essential and striving to accomplish and submit the applying one or two weeks prior to it being due can prevent last-minute scrambles. Once accepted, it’s time to start studying. Programs typically take 2 years to accomplish the required classes and clinical training needed being an ASN. There are also some accelerating programs offered by educational publishing companies that can provide study guides and even online tutoring to help you pass college proficiency exams to get the college credit needed.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is definitely a 4 year academic degree within the science and concepts of nursing, granted with a tertiary education, college or similarly accredited school. Though one is qualified to sit for a licensure examination to become an RN after graduation, whether by a 2 year program by having an Associate of Science in Nursing Degree (ASN) or from the four-year program by having a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN), the BSN prepares nurses for any professional role from the bedside with training in nursing science, research, leadership, and nursing informatics.

Nurses enjoy exceptional job growth and versatile career possibilities despite present day tough employment market. The continuing nursing shortage, coupled with a maturing baby boomer population, has considerably elevated the interest in nurses across the nation, making it now a lot of fun to earn your bachelors degree in nursing. Selecting the best BSN degree can be a factor in your career in the nursing path. Not simply will your nursing degree impact your generating potential; however your job possibilities, chances for promotion, and general degree of job responsibility like a practicing nurse may also be affected.

If you’re thinking about a career in nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree will equip you abundant in-demand abilities and qualifications that companies want. Plus, a degree in nursing supplies a strong platform for a better job and higher level degrees, like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or perhaps a Doctorate Degree in Nursing. Nurses having a BSN degree frequently hold supervisory roles in hospitals along with other healthcare facilities and keep a greater degree of independence in decision-making and nursing practice. Throughout the very first 2 years, students typically take general education courses to satisfy college needs. The final 2 years are often spent solely around the science of nursing and concepts of nursing practice to satisfy the bachelors degree in nursing.

Associate of Science in Nursing Benefits

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is really a tertiary education nursing degree. Within the United States, this kind of degree is generally granted by community schools or similar nursing schools. Some 4 year schools offer this degree. Students granted an Associate of Science in Nursing are capable of taking the NCLEX-RN and make an application for licensure like a RN. Some hospital-based nursing schools that granted degrees and diplomas changed their curriculum to provide associate levels. Many nursing schools offering a bachelor’s degree have “fast-track” programs make it possible for practicing nurses by having an associate’s degree to earn a bachelor’s degree in roughly 2 yrs. In certain institutions this more commonly known as “Bridging.”

An Associate of Science in Nursing degree provides you with fundamental technical nursing abilities. You’ll be ready for entry-level positions in giving bedside care, more frequently in hospital settings, extended and acute care facilities. You’ll be ready to work directly with patients struggling with common health issues and help others achieve an optimal degree of wellness. An ASN education prepares nurses to make use of critical thinking in the use of the nursing process as the problem solving method of nursing care. Additionally, you will be ready to continue your education and work toward a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

The Associate of Science in Nursing program enables students to become a RN and make money more rapidly than the usual 4-year BSN program, therefore it works more effectively for a lot of students. The Associate of Science in Nursing program may be the access point for technical nursing practice. This nursing degree is among the quickest ways to become nurse. Finishing an Associate of Science in Nursing can prepare graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become RNs. An associate degree program typically shows students how they can perform patient checks and fundamental health care responsibilities.