Associate of Science....? ...RN????

Question

Ok, so i am a senior in highschool right now, and i want to be an R.N, but i don't quite understand.. i want to attend Ivy Tech (a community college ).. and they offer a Associate of Science, ..
but i heard some poeple talking that an Associate's doesn't really ammount to anything, i need to get my Bachelors, or my masters... if i go and get the Associate of Science, will i be able to find a good paying job?.. or will i have to continue my schooling further...?

and does anyone know what's the difference between associates, bachelors and masters...?

Thanks!

Answer 1

In any other area than nursing an associates degree is pretty worthless, but when you graduate from an associates degree nursing program, you are eligible to become an RN.

While some larger hospitals are moving towards preferring RNs to have a BSN degree, with the current nursing shortages, most will not be able to be picky and can't afford to hold out for BSN grads only.

You will not have any trouble finding a job as an associates degree RN, in fact, in my graduating class a few years ago, the vast majority of our class had multiple job offers even before we graduated and passed our license exam!

As far as pay difference, it's virtually non-existent. At my hospital, BSN grads only make $1 per hour more than AS degree nurses. A BSN is only truly required if you would like to advance your career into management or administrative positions. In some cases, like at smaller clinics or nursing homes, AS RNs can move into some of those management positions, but it's not easy to do in larger hospital systems.

A masters is only necessary if you know for sure you want to specialize as a nurse practitioner, or get a degree in Nursing Leadership and Management, or Nursing Education (to teach nursing school or work as a nurse educator at a hospital or other health facility training their employees, etc.)

Take it one step at a time. Get your two year RN so you can get to work as a nurse more quickly. Completing your BSN is a walk in the park once you've been working as a RN. Then you should be able to decide if going for your masters is necessary or not.

Answer 2

A Nursing degree is basically an Associate degree. What makes you an RN is if you pass your state's exam. Then most move on to a Bachelors if they want Administrative or Consulting work. A Masters in Nursing usually implies teaching or can help you enter into cross-fields like Psychiatry, Hospital Administrator, etc..

Answer 3

I was a student RN and by the time you enter the program you will have an A.A. and A.S. You could either go with the ADN/RN or BSN/RN. With a BSN you could go into management for instance charge nurse or case manager if you happen to get tired of bedside care. A lot of people do get tired of being a floor nurse so the higher degree you have, obviously the more options there are. Good Luck!

Answer 4

An A.S. (Assoc. in Science) in nursing can lead to an RN IF you pass the state boards. I got my A.S. in nursing and passed my state boards the same year with flying colors. Years later I completed my B.S. (Bachelor of Science) but in Management, not nursing.

Remember this, ALL nursing grades who sit for state board exams (i.e., A.S. or B.S.N. grads) take the exact same test. If an A.S. grad and a B.S.N. grad pass they both become RN's. There is NO distinction between the test and the program you completed to sit for the state boards.

MY A.S. in Nursing never kept me from any position whatsoever. However, if you earn a B.S. and even go on to a Masters in Nursing you will earn more money so you might consider that approach as well. Your nursing skills may not match a grad from a 4 yr program but you will gain that is you begin you career in nursing. It is a much needed field to be in and the pay, to start, is 4 times what I got when I first began. Good luck. Lynn

Answer 5

good for you for wanting to become R.N. Go to allnurses.com for best advice & consider school that offers
4 yr RN degree. An 2 Assoc of science wouldn't hurt but it's
not usually the way to go.