What Can You Do With an Associate Science in Nursing Degree in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What is an association science in nursing?

An associate science in nursing degree is a two-year college program that prepares you for entry-level nursing practice and makes you eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed Registered Nurse. This degree is a direct and efficient path to becoming a licensed RN, a fact supported by 44.7% of new graduates entering the workforce with an associate degree. It directly addresses concerns about credential insecurity by providing a clear route to professional licensure.

The Smart Path to the Same License

It is important to understand the core strategic logic: the associate science in nursing degree is for licensure, while a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is for advancement. The ASN prepares graduates for the exact same license as a BSN. Both degrees qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-RN and become a Registered Nurse. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for "seamless academic progression," which validates the ASN-to-BSN bridge model, ensuring your initial degree is a strong foundation for future growth.

What jobs can I get with an association science in nursing?

The core of the RN role is care management and clinical reasoning, not just task execution. You will be a clinical leader and problem-solver, making critical decisions and coordinating patient care. This addresses any uncertainty about the scope of your new responsibilities.

Graduates of an associate degree in nursing have a wide array of options. Nursing careers with an associate degree include roles such as staff nurse in hospitals, outpatient care coordinator, long-term care nurse, and public health nurse. These positions allow graduates to gain hands-on experience while providing essential care across diverse healthcare settings, often serving as a stepping stone for further specialization or advanced degrees.

To show how prepared graduates are for these roles, the following graphic illustrates the high NCLEX-RN pass rate for associate degree holders. Graduates have a high success rate, with 88.2% passing the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, reinforcing that they are highly qualified for these roles.

How much can you earn with an association science in nursing? 

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses is $93,600. This is a national median, and actual salaries can vary based on factors like your location, the type of facility you work in, and your specialty. For the same staff nurse role, pay is generally not differentiated by degree type. This directly addresses any anxiety about your return on investment.

How Location Can Impact Your Earning Potential

Geographic mobility is a key strategy for maximizing your income. High demand in certain states, coupled with the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allows you to significantly increase your earning potential. For example, the top 5 states with the highest wages for RNs offer substantial increases over the national median. A new graduate can strategically target these high-paying states to boost their starting salary.

What is the job outlook for graduates of  ASN programs?

The job outlook is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 194,500 openings for registered nurses each year, on average, over the next decade, with a growth rate of 6%, which is faster than average for all occupations.

While the market is strong, competitive roles still require effort, and the high demand can sometimes lead to burnout. The demand is particularly acute in some sectors, as the following graphic on hiring challenges in nursing homes shows. For instance, 98% of nursing homes report hiring difficulties.

The 'Perfect Storm' of Demand

This robust outlook is driven by two powerful macro-trends. First, a massive wave of retiring Registered Nurses is creating vacancies that need to be filled.

Second, the growing healthcare needs of an aging population mean more demand for nursing services across all settings.

This combination creates a "perfect storm" of demand, ensuring long-term job security for those with an associate science in nursing degree. Similarly, for allied health fields, individuals may wonder what can you do with an associate's degree in dental assisting. Like ASN graduates, dental assistants are in demand in private dental offices, specialty practices, and community health centers, offering a clear path to stable, patient-focused employment. Your career choice is backed by powerful, long-term demographic trends.

Where can I work with an association science in nursing?

While the majority of RNs work in state, local, and private hospitals, your skills are in demand across the entire healthcare landscape. This includes:

• ambulatory healthcare services
• nursing facilities
• residential care facilities
• government institutions.

This broadens your options beyond the traditional hospital setting. The need in the residential care sector, for example, is set to grow for decades, as the following projection illustrates: 30.3M older Americans will need nursing home care by 2050.

For those considering advanced practice, pursuing a DNP opens a whole new set of opportunities. DNP women’s health NP jobs allow nurses to specialize in women’s reproductive and primary care, working in clinics, private practices, hospitals, and community health centers. These roles not only provide higher earning potential but also offer the chance to lead clinical programs, influence patient outcomes, and take on leadership responsibilities in women’s health services.

Exploring High-Paying Sectors for RNs

Consider the "hidden gems" of the profession. Sectors like government offer significant pay advantages, with RNs earning a median of $106,480 annually. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) further enables geographic mobility, opening up opportunities in federal government jobs, such as VA and military hospitals, and lucrative travel nursing assignments. This gives you an edge in your career planning.

What skills do you need for ASN jobs?

Successful RNs need a balanced blend of hard clinical skills (like administering medication and wound care) and crucial soft skills (like communication, compassion, and attention to detail). Nursing is not just about performing tasks; it requires a comprehensive understanding of patient needs and the ability to respond effectively.

The Core of Nursing: Clinical Reasoning

The most important skill is mastery of the nursing process: Assess, Diagnose, Plan, Implement, and Evaluate (ADPIE). This is the engine of critical thinking that defines the Registered Nurse as a clinical leader and problem-solver. These foundational skills are applied even in advanced fields; some nurses even pursue a fast track MSN forensic nursing online to specialize in areas like forensic nursing, demonstrating the versatility of this core competency.

What are the education requirements to enroll in an association science in nursing program?

To enroll in an associate science in nursing degree program, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA, and completion of prerequisite courses like anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. It's important to understand that these programs are highly competitive. As the following chart shows, the associate degree is a major pathway for individuals seeking their first nursing license.

The Single Most Important Factor: Accreditation

This is the one thing you cannot overlook: your chosen program must be accredited. Choosing a program accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is non-negotiable. Only graduates from accredited programs are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and become licensed. This step is crucial to protect your investment from unaccredited programs that will not lead to a professional nursing career.

What alternative paths are available for an associate science in nursing? 

For individuals with prior healthcare experience, the most common alternative path is a "bridge" program. These programs provide an accelerated route to an ASN for professionals such as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs/LPNs), paramedics, and military medics. These are not shortcuts; they are respected, efficient routes that honor your existing knowledge.

Honoring Experience, Accelerating Success

Bridge programs are a smart and efficient model that recognizes and builds upon your clinical experience. They embody the "career ladder" concept prominent in healthcare, offering a faster, more cost-effective route to a higher earning potential. Many options exist that cater to different backgrounds, including some of the shortest EMT to RN online programs, which broaden the scope of validation for experienced professionals.

What career paths are available to graduates of an association science in nursing?

The most common career path begins as a staff nurse in a hospital or clinic, followed by specialization in a clinical area of interest like pediatrics, critical care, or oncology. Many RNs also advance on a clinical ladder or take on informal leadership roles like charge nurse or preceptor. This shows that career growth with an associate science in nursing degree is about developing expertise, not just changing hospital floors.

Your clinical experience opens doors to roles that are not focused on direct patient care. Consider career paths in case management, clinical documentation, or the high-growth field of health informatics. These positions value your medical knowledge and critical thinking skills. This path can lead to further education, such as an accelerated graduate certificate in nursing informatics online, showcasing the long-term potential of your nursing career.

How do you get started on your ASN? 

The first steps to starting your journey are to research accredited local programs, connect with an academic advisor to create an educational plan, and focus on earning high grades in your prerequisite courses. This proactive planning is the key to a successful application.

To strengthen your application, consider gaining foundational healthcare experience. Many successful applicants begin their journey in accelerated certified nursing assistant programs online to build a solid base. Also, be proactive with your financial planning by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early to access potential grants and loans.

What advancement opportunities are available after an association science in nursing? 

The primary advancement opportunity available after earning your associate science in nursing degree is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This is most commonly done through a flexible RN-to-BSN bridge program designed for working professionals. You are not starting over; in fact, 40% of nurses pursue higher education, and 46% of those complete at least part of their program online.

Once you complete a BSN, many nurses choose to pursue graduate-level education, such as an MSN or a DNP. These advanced degrees open doors to jobs for DNP FNP, for example, which allow nurses to practice as family nurse practitioners with expanded clinical authority. Roles in this category include working in primary care clinics, specialty practices, hospitals, and community health centers. Beyond patient care, DNP-prepared FNPs can also take leadership positions, influence clinical protocols, and participate in healthcare policy development.

The most financially sound way to advance is by leveraging employer tuition reimbursement programs. This allows you to gain valuable experience and earn a salary while your employer invests in your education. This path can lead even further, with options like the shortest RN BSN to MSN online programs available once you complete your BSN.

 Is an association science in nursing worth it?

Yes, an associate science in nursing degree is absolutely worth it. For a two-year educational investment, it provides an unparalleled return, launching you into a secure, meaningful, and well-compensated career as a Registered Nurse. To put the value of this career in perspective, the following chart compares the highest level of education attained by RNs, showing how this degree serves as a powerful foundation for a successful career.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say about Their ASN Program

Other Things You Should Know About ASN Programs

What is the NCLEX-RN exam?

The NCLEX-RN is the standardized exam all nursing graduates must pass to become a Registered Nurse. It tests your critical thinking and clinical judgment, not just memorization of facts. Your accredited associate of science in nursing degree program is specifically designed to prepare you for this exam. You will need to apply for licensure with your state board of nursing to be eligible to take the test.

Do I need more education after getting my license?

Yes, all Registered Nurses must complete continuing education (CE) to maintain their license. Each state's board of nursing has specific requirements for the number of CE hours you need to complete, typically every two years. These courses ensure you stay current with the latest medical practices, technologies, and patient safety standards.

How many clinical hours are required for an ASN?

Associate of Science in Nursing programs include a significant number of supervised clinical hours. While the exact number varies by program and state, students can expect to complete several hundred hours in real healthcare settings like hospitals and clinics. This hands-on experience is a core part of your training and ensures you are ready for practice upon graduation.

Can I get a specialty certification with an ASN?

Yes, as a licensed RN with an associate degree, you can earn professional certifications in many nursing specialties. After gaining the required clinical experience in a specific area, such as medical-surgical, geriatric, or pediatric nursing, you can sit for a certification exam. These credentials validate your expertise and can lead to more advanced roles and higher pay.