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Associate Degree

Online ASN Program
Associate of Science in Nursing

Format

Online

Program Length

24 Mo.

Credits

72

Clinicals & Intensives

Hands-on
calendar

NEXT START January 6th

Waived Enrollment Fee

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Take the first step towards a rewarding career in nursing – online!

Prior experienceDesigned for students without RN experience seeking an associate degree in nursing
EligibilityAvailable for enrollment in select states1
Bridge optionsOnline bridge options available for licensed practical nurses, paramedics, military medics, cardiovascular techs, and respiratory techs
FormatAll core didactic (lecture) courses are delivered online, including real-time and on-demand courses you can take when it’s best for you
Hands-on prepHands-on learning includes on-site clinicals and two intensives requiring attendance at a designated Herzing or partner site
QuickPathsDiscover the quickest path to advance your career with Herzing: future possibilities include RN to BSN or RN to MSN pathways

Learn More Today!

Classes start: January 6th

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Satisfaction rate

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2023 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Holder

Earn a 2-year associate in nursing degree online with Herzing University

The Associate of Science in Nursing degree is a 72-credit undergraduate pre-licensure program which prepares you for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). The online degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in family nursing, medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, and much more. You can begin to make a significant difference in your community as a registered nurse. Partner with a university dedicated to your lifelong learning and success in your work. You are possible with Herzing University.

Nursing Students

  • 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.

Curriculum

Courses & Curriculum Details

All of our nursing courses are designed to help you develop the body of knowledge and skills necessary to pass the NCLEX-RN and achieve immediate success as an entry-level RN.

All didactic (lecture) nursing courses in the program are delivered online through the Herzing University Canvas Learning Management System platform. Upon completing the program, you’ll be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN to earn licensure in your state.1

ProgramMonths iCredits
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)2472

Average number of months for students to complete program

Required Courses in Nursing

All courses, 42.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course focuses on the concept of health assessment as the foundational step of the nursing process. Knowledge and skills necessary for the performance of comprehensive and focused health assessments will be presented. Interviewing, observation, inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation skills will be examined. Normal findings, variations from normal, cultural differences and appropriate equipment use will be considered.

This course provides students with opportunities to learn and develop basic competencies necessary to facilitate the optimal well-being of the patient within the healthcare setting in a safe, legal, and ethical manner. Focus is placed on the nursing process, health promotion, disease prevention, professional communication and interdisciplinary collaboration within the context of meeting basic patient needs in a healthcare environment.  Throughout the course, students demonstrate competence of fundamental principles of nursing practice which are validated through clinical skill performance assessments. 

This course is designed to further develop and apply concepts related to the nursing process of acute and chronically ill patients. Teamwork and collaboration are introduced to enhance safe and quality nursing care in a variety of clinical settings.  Classroom and clinical experiences integrate the concepts of caring, collaboration, communication, cultural sensitivity, community and clinical judgment to facilitate the wellbeing of individuals and prepare the student as a provider of care. In the clinical setting, students will care for patients with select medical and/or surgical problems in various settings, state knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial dynamics, apply the nursing process, utilize information technology, interact with other health care professionals, and practice clinical decision making and critical inquiry while caring for culturally diverse, ill adults.

This course introduces the student to the role of pharmacotherapeutic agents in the treatment of illness and in the promotion of wellness in patients throughout the lifespan. These concepts provide the basis for the study of drug actions, indications, side effects, nursing implications, and patient education.

This course focuses on the role of the nurse in caring for patients with alterations in mental health. Focus is placed on the nursing process framework with emphasis on assessment, therapeutic communication, neurobiological and psychosocial theories, pharmacology, and current practices related to the care of the mentally ill. Interventions focus on aspects of care to include professional communication, patient and family teaching, review of community resources, and practical application in various clinical settings.

This course introduces the student to family-centered care and the health needs of the childbearing family. Students review concepts, skills, and techniques needed to care for culturally diverse maternal, infant, and pediatric patients and their families. The nursing process is utilized to emphasize the concepts of family-centered care, collaboration, communication, cultural competence, and community.  The clinical experiences focus on concepts and skills required to provide safe and evidence-based care in a variety of clinical settings.

This course expands on previous nursing knowledge and skills to provide care to patients that have complex health alterations in a variety of clinical settings.  Students will explore the concepts of professionalism, collaboration, communication, and cultural competency within the context of illness and their role as provider of care, educator, and patient advocate. In the clinical setting, students will care for selected patients in various settings, applying knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial dynamics for patients with medical and/or surgical problems.

This comprehensive course expands on previously acquired knowledge and skills necessary to manage and plan care for complex patients.  Focused on nursing care of complex patients, families, and groups in unstable situations with unpredictable outcomes. The course focuses on nursing practice that facilitates the wellbeing of individuals within the context of critical or complex illness and continues in preparing the student as a provider of care.  In the clinical setting, students care for selected patients in various settings, integrating knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial dynamics for patients with acute or complex medical and/or surgical problems.

This course expands on previous nursing knowledge and skills to provide care to diverse patients/clients in various clinical settings. The student will demonstrate synthesis of the program objectives in the clinical setting as well as readiness for beginning work as a nurse generalist. The clinical component is situated in either a precepted or advanced practicum setting.

This course expands on previous nursing knowledge providing an opportunity for synthesis of essential nursing concepts as well as preparation for NCLEX-RN success. The student will demonstrate a synthesis of the program objectives and prior learning with faculty-assisted guided review, practice, and remediation.

Required Courses in General Education

Students enrolled in the ASN/AASN program must complete a minimum of 26.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. The Herzing University General Education offerings are listed below. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for additional information on general education requirement. 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications EN 104 English Composition I  EN 111 Information Literacy  11.00 Semester Credit Hours in in Science   SC 154 Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses  SC 254 Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses  SC 166 Microbiology  3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities HU 140 Cultural Diversity  3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics MA 109 College Algebra 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social or Behavioral Science PS 105 Developmental Psychology  *    Transfer students may transfer courses that are within 1.00 semester credit hour of the courses listed above to meet these discipline requirements. Any resulting deficiency in the total of 26.00 semester credit hours required in general education may be made up with general education electives from any of the listed disciplines. Science courses being transferred in from other institutions must meet the nursing program science requirements.

Special General Education Grading Requirements

The following general education courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (70%) or better for a student to continue in the nursing program. SC 166 Microbiology Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 PS 105 Developmental Psychology Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 MA 109 College Algebra Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 The following science courses must be completed with a grade of "B" (80%) or better. Only two attempts are permitted for each course and a student who fails to successfully complete in the maximum attempts is subject to dismissal from the nursing program. SC 154 Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 SC 254 Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 A student who is dropped from the nursing program for failing to achieve the minimum grade specified in the courses listed above, but who otherwise meets the academic standards of the University may transfer to another Herzing degree program and/or may appeal to reapply to the ASN/AASN nursing program in a future semester

Personal and Professional Development Courses

All courses, 2.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course is designed to introduce students to methodologies that will prepare them for academic and professional success.  Topics include but are not limited to Canvas support, student support services, e-books, university policies, resumes, self-reflection, time management, goal setting, and strategies for anxiety reduction.

This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career and own financial literacy. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, refining interview and communication skills, and creating a personal budget.

Online & In person

What's Online, and What's In-person?

Online

All didactic (lecture) courses are asynchronous, meaning you can complete them online on your own schedule.

You have flexibility throughout the program to complete general education at your own pace.

Practicum instructor and peer collaboration requirements will be done via distance learning and offer flexible scheduling for the synchronous, or real-time, course elements.

In-person

Practical, hands-on training remains crucial and required preparation for earning an ASN and becoming a registered nurse. Our curriculum includes:

  • Clinicals. There are eight clinical courses, seven of which include precepted clinical hours. You’ll complete the precepted hours in or near your geographic area. We have a dedicated team to help you find clinical placement.
  • Intensives. You’ll be required to attend two 2-4 day intensives in Nashville, Tennessee.

Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Requirements for enrollment in the Herzing University online Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program include:

  • A high school or previous college grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher.
  • Achieve at least a composite score of 66 on the most current version of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS); TEAS score must be from within three years of anticipated date of matriculation.
  • Students who have failed one or more nursing courses in another nursing program are not eligible to enroll in the online ASN.

Eligible states for enrollment:

I don’t meet the enrollment requirements. Do I have any other options?

Yes! You still have multiple educational pathways to a nursing career even if you don’t qualify for the Online ASN program today:

Online Pre-nursing

You may qualify for our online Associate in General Studies – Pre-Nursing program.

You can begin taking college-level nursing courses now, raise your GPA, and potentially enter into our online BSN program in the future.

Practical nursing

Residents of Alabama, Florida, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin may qualify to enroll in our on-campus practical nursing program. You can potentially qualify with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Campus availability: Akron, Birmingham, Brookfield, Kenosha, Madison, Nashville, Orlando, and Tampa.

On-campus ASN

If you are a resident of Alabama, Florida, Ohio, or Tennessee, you may be eligible for our on-campus ASN program.

Campus availability: Akron, Birmingham, Nashville, Orlando, and Tampa.

Pathways

Alternative online ASN pathways with Herzing University

Our pre-licensure online ASN program is designed for students without any experience in nursing. However, we offer additional online options for those who currently work in additional select healthcare professions.

Nursing School Students in Scrubs Celebrating

Go from LPN to ASN

Advance your nursing career to the next level. Utilize your current experience as a Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) and you can earn an ASN online in less than 2 years.

LPN to ASN Online  
Group of Nursing Students in Scrubs Smiling

Bridge to an ASN

Paramedics, respiratory therapists, cardiovascular technologists, and military medics can also potentially earn an ASN faster in our online ASN Bridge option.

Paramedic to ASN  
Military Medic to ASN
CVT to ASN
RT to ASN

Tution & Cost 

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the online ASN program is $925 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

Find My Estimate 

  • Scholarships & Financial Aid

    You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants.

    Find scholarships and grants  

  • Military/Veteran Discounts

    Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

    VA/Military benefits  

Find My Estimate 

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!

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With Herzing University you are never alone. It’s our goal to provide all students an affordable, career-driven education. Financial aid options include:

You can find an estimate for tuition and expenses by using the Herzing University tuition wizard.

It’s a question of:

  1. What your goals are
  2. 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.

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.

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.

Apply now!

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.

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.

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.

 

 

  • 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.

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The Student Experience at Herzing

My next goal is to become a great RN! 

Eleanor McAbee
Nursing Student | Orlando Campus

When I got to Herzing it was like having a real-life family. They truly care about their students. If you’re willing to put in the work, study and really go the extra mile for your education, then nursing is the field for you.

Holly Bell
Nursing Student | Birmingham Campus

If you can handle the fast-paced courses, then pursuing an associate's degree is the best path. 

Ben Courson
Nursing Student | Akron Campus

I saw how my job helped others and I decided it was time to challenge myself and take on more responsibilities. It was a challenge I was ready for.

Lori Mathes
Nursing Student

I can’t wait to see where this road takes me.

Fortune Otuonye
Nursing Student | Birmingham Campus

I was so much more confident in my interviewing abilities because of the amazing people, the professors, the other students, and the entire career center.

Fabio and Felicia Giraldo
Nursing Student | Orlando Campus
Disclosures

Accreditation & Disclosures

1. Eligible states for enrollment: Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Effective January 24, 2023, the associate nursing program at Herzing University at the Madison Campus located in Madison, WI is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires in January 24, 2025.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
http://www.acenursing.com/candidates/candidacy.asp 

Note: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissioners granting initial accreditation.

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

* 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.

View Accreditation and Approvals

Classes Start: January 6th

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

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