Nursing AAS: Classes You Need (NCLEX Prep Now!)
(NCLEX Prep Now!) for 2025
I get it. You’re juggling work, family, maybe even a side hustle, and now you’re thinking about adding nursing school to the mix.Sound daunting? Absolutely. But trust me, it’s doable, and the rewards are incredible. I’ve seen so many people, just like you, successfully navigate this path.
According to a recent study by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, over 3.6 million students are enrolled in community colleges, many of whom are balancing work and family responsibilities. That’s a huge number of people striving for a better future while managing the demands of everyday life.
The Nursing Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is a fantastic option for busy individuals. It’s a strategic move that can open doors to a fulfilling career in healthcare without completely upending your life.
You’ll gain the skills and knowledge to make a real difference, plus the flexibility to pursue further education down the road. Let’s dive into what it takes to make this happen for you!
Section 1: Understanding the Nursing AAS Degree
So, what exactly is an AAS in Nursing? It’s a two-year degree program designed to prepare you for entry-level nursing positions and, most importantly, to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and become a Registered Nurse (RN).
It’s significant because it provides a faster route to a nursing career compared to a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This can be a game-changer if you’re looking to enter the workforce sooner.
The typical duration of an AAS program is two years for full-time students. However, many programs offer part-time options, which can extend the duration to three or even four years. This flexibility is perfect if you need to balance your studies with work or family obligations.
Now, let’s talk about the difference between an AAS and other nursing degrees. An AAS focuses on practical skills and direct patient care, preparing you for immediate entry into the workforce.
A BSN, on the other hand, offers a broader education, including leadership, research, and public health. While a BSN is often preferred by employers and opens doors to more advanced roles, an AAS is a solid starting point.
Many AAS graduates later pursue their BSN through RN-to-BSN programs, often with employer tuition assistance. It’s a great way to advance your career while working as an RN.
Career opportunities for AAS graduates are plentiful. You can work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, home healthcare, and various other healthcare settings. You’ll be providing direct patient care, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and educating patients and their families.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses was \$81,220 in May 2022. The job outlook is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
This growth is driven by an aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services, making nursing a stable and rewarding career choice.
Section 2: Core Classes Required for Nursing AAS
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty: the core classes you’ll need to conquer to earn your AAS in Nursing.
These classes are the foundation upon which you’ll build your nursing knowledge and skills. They’re not just about memorizing facts; they’re about understanding the human body, how diseases affect it, and how to provide safe and effective patient care.
Here’s a breakdown of the essential courses:
Anatomy and Physiology
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Overview: This course is all about the structure and function of the human body. You’ll learn about cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems, and how they all work together to keep us alive and kicking.
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Skills and Knowledge Gained: You’ll develop a strong understanding of anatomical terminology, physiological processes, and the interrelationships between different body systems.
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NCLEX Prep: This class lays the groundwork for understanding disease processes and how medications affect the body, which is crucial for the NCLEX.
For example, understanding how the heart works is essential for recognizing and treating cardiovascular conditions.
Microbiology
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Overview: Get ready to dive into the microscopic world of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. You’ll learn about their structure, growth, and how they cause infections.
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Skills and Knowledge Gained: You’ll develop an understanding of infection control principles, aseptic techniques, and how to prevent the spread of disease.
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NCLEX Prep: Microbiology is vital for understanding infectious diseases, their transmission, and appropriate treatment strategies, all of which are frequently tested on the NCLEX.
Knowing the difference between gram- positive and gram-negative bacteria, for instance, can help you understand which antibiotics are most effective.
Nursing Fundamentals
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Overview: This is where you’ll learn the basic skills and principles of nursing practice. You’ll cover topics like vital signs, hygiene, medication administration, wound care, and patient safety.
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Skills and Knowledge Gained: You’ll develop hands-on skills in performing basic nursing procedures, communicating with patients, and assessing their needs.
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NCLEX Prep: Nursing Fundamentals covers essential nursing skills and concepts that are frequently tested on the NCLEX, such as prioritization, delegation, and infection control.
Learning how to properly assess a patient’s respiratory status, for example, is a fundamental skill that you’ll use throughout your nursing career.
Pharmacology
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Overview: This course focuses on medications: their actions, uses, side effects, and interactions. You’ll learn about different drug classes, routes of administration, and dosage calculations.
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Skills and Knowledge Gained: You’ll develop the ability to safely administer medications, monitor patients for adverse effects, and educate them about their medications.
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NCLEX Prep: Pharmacology is a major component of the NCLEX. You’ll need to know about common medications, their indications, contraindications, and nursing considerations.
Understanding how different medications affect blood pressure, for instance, is crucial for managing patients with hypertension or hypotension.
Nursing Care Across the Lifespan
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Overview: This course explores the unique healthcare needs of individuals at different stages of life, from infancy to old age. You’ll learn about growth and development, common health problems, and age-specific nursing interventions.
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Skills and Knowledge Gained: You’ll develop the ability to provide age-appropriate care, communicate effectively with patients of all ages, and recognize developmental milestones and deviations.
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NCLEX Prep: This course helps you understand the specific needs of different patient populations, which is essential for answering NCLEX questions related to pediatric, geriatric, and maternity nursing.
Knowing the normal vital signs for a newborn, for example, is crucial for identifying potential problems.
Pathophysiology
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Overview: This course delves into the mechanisms of disease, exploring how various conditions affect the structure and function of the body. You’ll learn about the causes, signs, and symptoms of common diseases.
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Skills and Knowledge Gained: You’ll develop a deeper understanding of disease processes, which will help you anticipate potential complications and provide appropriate nursing care.
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NCLEX Prep: Pathophysiology provides the foundation for understanding the rationale behind nursing interventions and medication administration, which is crucial for answering NCLEX questions related to medical-surgical nursing.
Understanding the pathophysiology of heart failure, for example, can help you provide effective nursing care to patients with this condition.
Clinical Rotations
Don’t forget about clinical rotations! These hands-on experiences are an integral part of your AAS program. You’ll get to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world patient care settings, under the supervision of experienced nurses.
Clinical rotations can be challenging to fit into a busy schedule, but they’re essential for developing your nursing skills and building your confidence. Many programs offer flexible scheduling options, such as evening or weekend rotations.
Section 3: Specialized Classes and Electives
Now, let’s talk about electives! These courses allow you to tailor your education to your specific interests and career goals. They can also provide you with additional skills and knowledge that will be beneficial for the NCLEX and future employment.
Here are a few popular elective options:
Mental Health Nursing
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Overview: This course focuses on the principles of mental health nursing, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders. You’ll learn about different types of mental illnesses, therapeutic communication techniques, and psychopharmacology.
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Benefits: This elective can be particularly helpful if you’re interested in working in a psychiatric setting or with patients who have mental health issues. It can also improve your communication skills and your ability to provide compassionate care.
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NCLEX Prep: Mental health nursing is a significant component of the NCLEX. This elective will help you understand common mental disorders, their treatment, and appropriate nursing interventions.
Community Health Nursing
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Overview: This course explores the principles of community health nursing, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and care of vulnerable populations. You’ll learn about public health issues, community resources, and how to advocate for patients in the community.
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Benefits: This elective can be valuable if you’re interested in working in public health, home healthcare, or with underserved populations. It can also broaden your understanding of the social determinants of health and the role of nurses in promoting health equity.
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NCLEX Prep: Community health nursing concepts are tested on the NCLEX, particularly in relation to health promotion, disease prevention, and community resources.
Pediatric Nursing
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Overview: This course focuses on the unique healthcare needs of children, from infancy to adolescence. You’ll learn about growth and development, common childhood illnesses, and age- specific nursing interventions.
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Benefits: This elective is a must if you love working with kids! It can prepare you for a career in pediatric nursing, whether in a hospital, clinic, or school setting.
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NCLEX Prep: Pediatric nursing is a significant component of the NCLEX. This elective will help you understand the specific needs of children, common childhood illnesses, and appropriate nursing interventions.
Geriatric Nursing
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Overview: This course focuses on the healthcare needs of older adults, including age-related changes, common health problems, and geriatric-specific nursing interventions. You’ll learn about dementia, falls prevention, and end-of-life care.
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Benefits: With the aging population, geriatric nursing is a growing field. This elective can prepare you for a career in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or home healthcare, working with older adults.
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NCLEX Prep: Geriatric nursing concepts are tested on the NCLEX, particularly in relation to age-related changes, common health problems, and geriatric-specific nursing interventions.
Section 4: NCLEX Preparation
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the NCLEX-RN exam. This is the big one, the gatekeeper to your nursing career. It’s a standardized exam that all nursing graduates must pass to become licensed RNs.
The NCLEX is designed to test your ability to apply nursing knowledge and critical thinking skills to real-world patient care scenarios. It’s not just about memorizing facts; it’s about understanding how to use your knowledge to make safe and effective decisions.
So, how do you prepare for this beast while juggling your busy life? Here are some strategies that can help:
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Study Schedules and Time Management: This is crucial. Create a realistic study schedule that you can stick to. Break down your study sessions into smaller, manageable chunks. Even 30 minutes a day can make a difference. Use a planner or calendar to schedule your study time and stick to it as much as possible.
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Resources Available: There are tons of resources available to help you prepare for the NCLEX. These include review books, online courses, practice exams, and study groups. Some popular NCLEX review resources include:
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Insights from Successful Graduates: Talk to recent nursing graduates who have successfully passed the NCLEX. Ask them for their tips and strategies. Find out what worked for them and what they would do differently.
One graduate I spoke with shared, “I used UWorld religiously. I did questions every day and read the rationales carefully, even for the questions I got right. It really helped me understand the underlying concepts.”
Another graduate recommended, “Don’t wait until the last minute to start studying. Start early and study consistently. Even if it’s just for a little bit each day.”
According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the overall NCLEX-RN pass rate for US- educated first-time candidates in 2022 was 82.48%. This highlights the importance of adequate preparation and resources for success.
Section 5: Tips for Balancing Life, Work, and School
Okay, let’s get real. Balancing life, work, and nursing school is no walk in the park. It requires careful planning, discipline, and a whole lot of self-care. But it’s definitely achievable.
Here are some tips to help you navigate this challenging but rewarding journey:
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Time Management: This is your lifeline. Use a planner, calendar, or app to schedule everything, from classes and study sessions to work shifts and family commitments. Prioritize tasks and learn to say no to things that aren’t essential.
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Support Systems: Don’t try to do it all alone. Lean on your family, friends, and classmates for support. Join a study group or find a mentor who can offer guidance and encouragement.
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Self-Care: This is non-negotiable. Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, whether it’s exercising, reading, spending time in nature, or simply taking a hot bath. Prioritize sleep and healthy eating.
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Testimonials from Students: I’ve had the privilege of witnessing many students successfully navigate their AAS programs while managing busy lives.
One student, a single mother of two, shared, “It was tough, but I made it work by being super organized. I used every spare minute to study, even if it was just for 15 minutes at a time. And I wasn’t afraid to ask for help when I needed it.”
Another student, who worked full-time while attending nursing school, said, “I learned to prioritize my time and cut out unnecessary activities. I also made sure to schedule regular breaks and do things that I enjoyed, like going for a run or listening to music.”
These stories are a testament to the resilience and determination of nursing students. They demonstrate that with the right strategies and support, anything is possible.
By choosing the right classes, preparing diligently for the NCLEX, and implementing effective time management and self-care strategies, you can achieve your nursing goals, even amidst the demands of a busy life.
Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. There are countless resources and people who are ready to support you. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.
The nursing profession needs dedicated and compassionate individuals like you. By pursuing your AAS degree, you’re not only investing in your own future but also making a valuable contribution to the healthcare system.
So, take the next step. Research local AAS nursing programs, seek out resources for NCLEX preparation, and consider networking with current nursing students or professionals.
You’ve got this!
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