This article was medically reviewed by Arlene L. Johnson, PhD, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, RN, from AdventHealth University.
The health care field is growing, and the demand for qualified nurses continues to rise. Health care might be a perfect fit if you're passionate about caring for others and want a rewarding career. Keep reading to discover how an associate degree in nursing offers a fast-tracked pathway to several exciting careers in nursing.
Can You Become a Registered Nurse With an Associate Degree in Nursing?
An associate degree in nursing (ASN) is one of the most common pathways to becoming a registered nurse. After receiving your nursing associate degree, you'll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Passing this exam is essential to obtaining your RN license and starting your nursing career. While an ASN provides a solid foundation, you can always further your education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at AdventHealth University (AHU) to expand your career options and advance in the field.
Nursing Career Options With an ASN Degree
With a nursing associate degree, you can pursue numerous career paths. Each offers different salaries that depend on your location, experience level, specialization and the specific health care setting where you work. However, you can generally expect to earn $50,000 to $70,000 in your first year. With experience and further education, your earnings will increase. Let’s look at the different career paths you can take with an ASN and their accompanying salaries.
Registered Nurse
As a registered nurse (RN), you'll be essential to the health care team, providing direct patient care in various settings. This includes administering medications, monitoring vital signs, performing assessments and educating patients and their families on their conditions and treatment plans.
RNs work closely with physicians and other health care professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. They’re needed in hospitals, clinics, private practices and many other health care environments.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a registered nurse in the U.S. is about $86,000.*
Emergency Room Nurse
ER nurses are skilled at rapid assessment and intervention, providing lifesaving care to patients experiencing a wide range of medical emergencies, from traumatic injuries to heart attacks. ER nurses are a foundational part of every care team, whether in the ER, urgent care centers or trauma centers.
According to Indeed, the average annual salary for an emergency room nurse in the U.S. is about $114,000.*
Outpatient Care Nurse
Outpatient care nurses provide care to patients outside of the traditional hospital setting. They work in clinics, doctor's offices, ambulatory surgery centers and other outpatient facilities. Their role includes assisting with procedures, administering medications, providing patient education and managing wounds. An outpatient care nurse focuses on helping patients recover and maintain their health in a less acute care environment.
ZipRecruiter reports that their average annual salary is about $80,000.*
Long-Term Care Nurse
Long-term care nurses provide compassionate care to patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities that require ongoing assistance. They work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and rehabilitation centers. Their work includes helping residents with daily living activities, administering medications, monitoring their health and providing emotional support. Building strong relationships with patients and their families is an important and meaningful aspect of this job.
According to Salary.com, the average salary for a long-term care nurse in the U.S. is about $84,000 a year.*
Home Health Nurse
Home health nurses typically work independently and spend much of their time cultivating strong relationships with their patients in their homes. They provide personalized care to patients, helping them manage their health conditions, administer medications and monitor vital signs. It’s common for home health nurses to educate patients and their families on self-care and disease management to help them maintain independence.
ZipRecruiter reports that the average annual salary for a home health nurse is about $102,000.*
Travel Nurse
A career in travel nursing offers an exciting opportunity filled with adventure. Travel nurses work short-term assignments in hospitals and other health care facilities nationwide, filling staffing needs and experiencing different work environments. They can explore new places, expand their skills and make a difference in diverse communities.
According to Indeed, the average salary for a travel nurse in the U.S. in 2025 is about $115,000 a year.*
Choose AdventHealth University for Your ASN
At AdventHealth University, we're committed to providing a high-quality Associate of Science in Nursing program that prepares you for a successful and fulfilling nursing career. Our connection with the award-winning AdventHealth system means that most of our graduates find employment opportunities within the same network where they received their training. This provides a seamless transition from education to practice and the chance to join a leading health care organization.
Our program also offers:
- A faith-based environment that fosters whole-person care with a commitment to serving others
- Experienced faculty who are passionate about teaching and mentoring
- State-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical experiences at renowned health care facilities
We provide our students with the knowledge, skills and values they need to excel as compassionate and competent nurses.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Nursing Career
If you're ready for a rewarding career in nursing, we encourage you to learn more about the ASN programs in Tampa and Orlando. Apply today to take the first step toward a fulfilling career in nursing.
