Associate of Science in Nursing—Iowa and Maine
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Program at a Glance
- Take courses online and complete lab and simulation experiences in the Cedar Rapids area, Council Bluffs, or Des Moines, IA or Waterville, ME. Clinicals occur at a local health care facility.
- Learn how to make a difference by helping patients and communities.
- Gain the knowledge to prepare for the NCLEX-RN® exam.
- Earn bachelor's-level credits as part of the program to fast-track your BSN.
- Students in Iowa and Maine with active, unencumbered paramedic or EMT licenses may receive course waivers or transfer credit for their prior experience.*
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Course Effort
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
1.5 years
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
116
(77 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$315
Associate of Science in Nursing Overview
An aging population combined with an increased emphasis on preventive care is expected to create demand for skilled nurses. In fact, over 203,000 openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average from 2021 to 2031.† Purdue Global's Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is designed to help you develop the knowledge, clinical skills, and work habits to direct and manage patient care, communicate with patients and caregivers, and participate as a member of a health care team.
Program highlights include:
- Virtual classroom and online activities feature videos, tests and quizzes, simulations, and discussion boards.
- Laboratory requirements are completed in Waterville, Maine; Cedar Rapids area, Iowa; Des Moines, Iowa; or Council Bluffs, Iowa. Laboratory locations are equipped with medical tools typically used in the field and simulators for clinical scenarios.
- Real-world clinical practice experiences are incorporated throughout the program at various health care facilities in your local area.‡
- Faculty are experienced professionals who bring you their nursing expertise from around the United States.
Accelerate Your Career Growth With Our Two-Step BSN Pathway
Earn your ASN, launch your RN career, and get a head start on your bachelor's degree credits—in under 2 years.§ This pathway provides an easy transition into our online RN-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Fast-track your career and education by starting your BSN courses as you prepare for the nursing boards. Choose from two flexible ways to earn the in-demand BSN credential:
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
Please contact an Admissions Advisor for more information about the number of hours needed to complete the clinical requirement.
20% BSN Tuition Reduction
Our ASN graduates are eligible for 20% tuition savings on our standard online RN-to-BSN.#
Board of Nursing Approval
The Associate of Science in Nursing program is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing and the Maine State Board of Nursing.
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Admissions Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma and pass a criminal background check. You are also required to complete orientation before you start classes. Additional requirements apply. Refer to the program-specific policy page in the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Lab and Simulation Experiences
Your clinical must be completed in one of the following locations:
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Prior Work Experience
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
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Military Tuition Reduction
55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.
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Prior Military Experience
We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
What Courses Will I Take?
This prelicensure nursing education program offers a dynamic curriculum designed to organize and integrate content, skills, and procedures, increase your knowledge and competence, and provide the foundation for progressively higher levels of nursing practice. It includes a bachelor’s-level leadership and management course that can also be applied toward our BSN.
See All Nursing CoursesSample Courses
- Pharmacology for Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternal Infant Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
Program Requirements
- Core Credits50
- Major Credits66
- Total Credits116
Choosing a Nursing Degree
Deliver exceptional patient care for all. Discover tools and additional resources on the value of pursuing a degree in nursing.
Launch your nursing career, stack your degrees, and reach new heights. Take the first step towards the coveted RN credential.
Discover the diverse variety of nursing specialties. Find additional resources on which roles may be right for you.
What Can You Do With an Associate of Science in Nursing?
Nursing offers many exciting opportunities in a wide variety of roles, work settings, and specialties. To become a registered nurse, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN®).**
Graduates of our associate's degree in nursing program who pass the NCLEX-RN could pursue entry-level roles in fields such as geriatric nursing, maternal infant nursing, pediatric nursing, mental health nursing, and medical surgical nursing.
Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:
- Active Listening
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Speaking
- Coordination
Top Jobs With This Degree
Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. Additional certification or licensing may be required to work in certain fields.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Nursing Faculty Directory
98%
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
51%
Faculty members who hold a doctorate
395
Faculty publications in 2021–2022
More Than 38,000
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2021–2022
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.
Take 3 Weeks to Get to Know Us
Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Experience a Purdue Global undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week period.
There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply.
That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.
Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about our Associate of Science in Nursing and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS
*Credit for Prior Learning: Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.
†Job Growth for RNs: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm; and Most New Jobs, www.bls.gov/ooh/most-new-jobs.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.
‡Clinical Experience: Students are required to complete their clinical experience in Cedar Rapids area, Iowa; Council Bluffs, Iowa; Des Moines, Iowa; or Waterville, Maine. Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation, housing, and availability to attend clinical experiences. Clinical locations may change at any time.
§Completion Time: Completion time based on a full-time schedule (2 to 3 courses per term). Programs will take longer for part-time students to complete.
#Tuition Reduction: Additional terms and conditions apply. May not be combined with other Purdue Global tuition reductions or ExcelTrack® pricing. Must be a first-time enrollee in the Purdue Global Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Speak with an Advisor for additional information.
**Nursing Licensure: Upon successful completion of the program of study, students may be academically prepared to apply to take the national licensure examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN®). Refer to Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information. NCLEX is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.