An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is a tertiary education nursing degree which typically takes 2–3 years to complete. In the United States, this type of degree is usually awarded by community colleges or similar nursing schools. Some four-year colleges also offer this degree. Students awarded an Associate of Science in Nursing are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Students enrolled in an Associate of Science in Nursing program would take a variety of nursing courses in medical and surgical nursing, labor and delivery, pediatrics, psychiatric nursing, emergency medicine, orthopedics, and many others. The curriculum will also require supervised clinical experience in multiple specialties. Some hospital-based nursing schools that once granted diplomas have altered their curriculum to offer associate degrees. Students that graduate an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program and receive licensure as a Registered nurse can practice in a variety of occupations. This may include hospitals, rehab facilities, home healthcare services, and nursing facilities. There are also many outpatient settings such as clinics, schools, and physicians' offices. Common program prerequisites Many Associate of Science in Nursing programs require a series of courses to be completed prior to enrollment in clinical classes. This may include science based classes such as chemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, or general biology. Mathematics courses such as statistics or math for health sciences are also common requirements. A variety of other courses including nutrition, English composition, or history may be necessary for some programs. Schools may also require students to have an active Certified nursing assistant license in order to apply and enroll in the nursing program. Similar degrees Diploma in Nursing (DN): an entry-level tertiary education nursing credential. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): a professional nursing degree earned in two to three years. Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) Associate of Arts in Nursing (AAN) Associate of Nursing (AN) Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) RN to BSN After graduating from an Associate of Science in Nursing program and receiving licensure as a Registered nurse have the opportunity to earn a Bachelor's in Science of Nursing through an RN to BSN program. This program is typically shorter than traditional BSN programs offered at four year universities, as students have already completed a variety of nursing courses. Many programs can be completed in an online setting in as short as twelve months. These programs