Earn an associate in nursing and become possible
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission |
|---|---|
| Locations | Offered at multiple campus locations, including an online option for residents of select U.S. states |
| Format | Online general education classes + core on-campus courses for the on-campus program; online program includes in-person intensive experiences |
| Transfer credits | Up to 52-54 approved credits |
| QuickPaths | Faster ASN bridge pathways for LPNs, paramedics, CVTs, RTs, and military medics; degree pathways to continue your education in the future (BSN, MSN) |
Learn More Today!
Satisfaction rate
Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2023 Herzing Graduate Survey.
Overview: Associate Degree in Nursing Programs
The Associate of Science/Applied Science in Nursing degree is a 2-year (or less) undergraduate program which prepares you for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). The degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in the basics of nursing care, health assessment, evidence-based practice, and much more.
Career-focused curriculum
Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.
Flexible schedule
We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.
Virtual services
Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.
Lifelong support
We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.
Rolling admissions
No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.
Programs
Find your pathway to an ASN with Herzing University
On-campus
2 Year Pre-Licensure ASN Program
Enroll on-campus at one of our 5 eligible campus locations:
Online program
Earn an associate degree online
Students in select US states may be eligible to enroll in our Online ASN program.
The program features online didactic (lecture) courses, with hands-on training earned in clinicals and intensive experiences over the duration of the program.
For health professionals
Transition to nursing faster
We offer unique bridge to ASN options for additional healthcare professionals seeking to become a registered nurse:
Enrollment Requirements
Please contact admissions for enrollment procedures.
Waived Enrollment Fee
Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.
Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Didn't find the answer to your question? Send us an inquiry and we will be happy to answer all your questions!
- ASN: Associate of Science in Nursing
- ADN: Associate Degree in Nursing
- AASN: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
For the purposes of being eligible for the NCLEX exam and becoming a registered nurse, there isn’t much of a difference between these types of degrees.
In general, higher education institutions determine the terminology to use based on the nature of their program and what they emphasize as a priority.
As a career-focused organization, Herzing University stresses the importance of real, engaging coursework to prepare you for a job in the field—so we offer an Associates of Science in Nursing (ASN) at our Birmingham, Nashville, Orlando, and Tampa campuses, and our Akron campus offers an Associates of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN).
We also offer an online associate in nursing program for residents of select U.S. states.
Compare ADN vs. BSN and discover the difference between the two undergraduate degree paths for nurses.
With Herzing University you are never alone. It’s our goal to provide all students an affordable, career-driven education. Financial aid options include:
- Loan options – Federal & private
- Scholarships & grants
- VA / military benefits
- Other sources of financial aid
You can find an estimate for tuition and expenses by using the Herzing University tuition wizard.
The biggest difference between a diploma in nursing and an associate degree nursing program is that students in an associate degree program take college courses, and students in a diploma program do not. Earning a practical nursing diploma takes less time than an associate degree (our program can be completed in as few as 12 months). Associate degree programs can take around 2 years to complete and prepare students for licensure as a registered nurse.
The advantage of an associate degree program is you can qualify to become an RN and get a head start on further education—your college course credit can potentially transfer into an online RN to BSN or RN to MSN program should you choose to advance your education in the future.
The advantage of a diploma program is you can get starting working in nursing faster as an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and more quickly discover if nursing is the right career for you.
Yes. Demand remains extremely high for all registered nurses, and if you earn an associate degree, pass the NCLEX and meet the board of nursing requirements in your state, you’re one of them.
Nurses with bachelor’s degrees may have an advantage in earning a nursing position at a hospital (especially hospitals seeking Magnet status), but nurses are currently in such high demand many healthcare organizations are eager to hire ASN nurses.
It’s a question of:
- What your goals are
- How quickly you want to reach them
If your goal is to go from LPN to RN quickly, the best choice may be an associate’s degree program since you may be able to become an RN in less than 2 years.
If your goal is to become an RN and potentially advance further by working towards a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), your best option is a bachelor’s degree in nursing program.
Read about the most basic differences between ADN vs. BSN and discover what's best for you.
Because nurses with a BSN have earned that next degree level and generally have the edge on the job market, they will on average earn a slightly higher salary than nurses with an ASN. However, there are always exceptions; an ASN with several years of an experience may earn a higher salary than an RN with a BSN who is just starting their career.
We offer online associate, bachelor's, and master's degree pathways for those without nursing experience looking to become an RN. Eligibility varies by state of residence.
Learn more about our online nursing programs designed for non-nurses.
Herzing University wants to empower you to reach your educational goals. We can help you earn an associate’s degree which is the first step to becoming a registered nurse. Give us a call at 800-596-0724 or request for more information to begin your new career.
The Student Experience at Herzing
As a graduate, I have decided to become a hospice nurse.
Mariama Ann
Nursing Student | Madison CampusMy next goal is to become a great RN!
Eleanor McAbee
Nursing Student | Orlando CampusAs a grad, my next step will be working as a PCU nurse. I also plan on continuing my education in the future!
Emilda Desir
Nursing Student | Orlando CampusI can’t wait to see where this road takes me.
Fortune Otuonye
Nursing Student | Birmingham CampusYou have to step out of your comfort zone, roll up your sleeves, and get the job done.
Luke Gaskins
Nursing Student | Akron CampusAccreditation & Disclosures
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
| Program | Completion Rate | Pass Rate (NCSBN)* |
|---|---|---|
| Akron Campus: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | 43.52% | 72.97% |
| Birmingham Campus: Associate of Science in Nursing | 46.96% | 91.43% |
| Birmingham Campus: Practical Nursing | 23.91% | 100% |
| Orlando Campus: Associate of Science in Nursing | 28.24% | 78.51% |
Note (1): NCLEX Pass Rate is based on first time exam takers from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022.
*Official Data is still under review by NCSBN.
Note (2): Program Completion Rate calculation for students who complete the program of study on-time begins with calculating enrollment on the first day of the first nursing course and ends with completion of course required for conferral of the degree. Data presented is in the aggregate for students who started the program in 2020.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.
Recent Blog Posts
Waived Enrollment Fee
Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.