What is the difference between BSN and ASN?
An Associate of Science in Nursing is a 2 year degree in nursing and is usually offered in community colleges. It focuses on preparing bedside nurses and qualifies you to take the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain a Registered Nurse license in your state. A Bachelors degree in nursing is a 4yr degree offered in colleges and universities. The first 2 years consists of general education and science classes to prepare you for the nursing courses in the last 2 years. A BSN offers additional focus in leadership, management and community nursing. It also qualifies you to take the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain a Registered Nurse license in your state. (same license) So why do 4 years instead of 2? It depends on what you want to do. If you really like the academic setting and broad educational experience and/or would like to go into management, then go straight for the BSN. If you really want to focus on bedside nursing, or $$$ is a significant concern, consider the ASN or diploma (available in some states).