Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia offers a four-year BSN program with guaranteed clinical placement, among the highest of any nursing program in Pennsylvania.
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
Saint Joseph’s University’s Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program offers the perfect entry point into the nursing field. Combining rigorous classroom learning with hands-on training in Pennsylvania’s most advanced simulation lab, this degree can be completed in as little as two years. From the day you’re accepted, you are guaranteed clinical placements at some of the area’s leading healthcare organizations.
The Associate of Nursing in Science is one of four nursing programs we offer, along with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and a Nursing RN to BSN.
90.32%
2023-2024 NCLEX Pass Rate for Saint Joseph's University.1
$86,070
Median annual salary of a registered nurse in 2023 is $86,070.2
What is an Associate of Science in Nursing?
An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is an undergraduate degree program that encompasses general education courses, nursing theory and clinical practice. Classes cover subjects such as anatomy, physiology and pharmacology. As a graduate of our ASN program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam, a prerequisite for obtaining licensure as a registered nurse (RN). The ASN program at Saint Joseph’s offers a faster, more affordable path into nursing compared to a BSN. Complete your degree in as little as two years, with a focus on clinical and hands-on skills, allowing you to enter the workforce quickly. Start with an ASN and complete your bachelor’s degree while gaining real-world experience.
What Sets Our ASN Program Apart
Option to Pursue a Five Semester Track or LPN to RN Assessment Bridge Module
Five Semester Track
This concept-based associate program gives you flexible options for class and clinical scheduling over five semesters and sets you on a course for a rewarding career as a competent and compassionate professional nurse. The curriculum is presented conceptually and allows students to develop their nursing knowledge, critical thinking skills and clinical judgment through a combination of classroom and clinical experiences. Whether you are just out of high school, a parent or working professional seeking a career change, you can begin your studies to become a professional RN without pausing your life.
LPN to RN Assessment Bridge Module
The LPN Assessment Module is designed to prepare the licensed practical nurse to make the transition to professional nursing. During the module, the LPN will be assisted in defining the difference between the roles of the licensed practical nurse and the roles of the professional nurse. Holistic assessment skills are practiced and applied to case studies addressing health and wellness across the lifespan.
This program will be offered as an eight-week evening/weekend module (evening lecture and clinical every other weekend) or a six-week daytime module. The evening/weekend module will be offered in the fall semester starting in October. The daytime module will be offered in the spring semester starting in March.
Note: View LPN admission requirements for this program under Admission Information.
Hands-On Learning in the First & Only Learning Space of its Kind in the Lancaster Area
You’ll feel like you’re on the job from day one at Lancaster’s newest and most advanced clinical simulation lab. You’ll observe a wide range of exams and invasive procedures and experience hands-on learning with simulation labs and clinical placements.
The Center for Excellence in Practice Simulation Center is a 20,000-square-foot facility made up of 24 rooms, including an intensive care unit and five conference rooms. This simulation center is the first and only learning space of its kind in the Lancaster area. With simulation-based education, you’ll work with students from other programs in realistic simulations that mirror real-life healthcare settings.
Guaranteed Clinical Placements Within Your First Year
You are guaranteed clinical placements at premier locations in Pennsylvania within your first year. You’ll have the opportunity to experience working in clinical settings with expert faculty, helping transfer knowledge and skills from the classroom to in-person patient experiences. You will learn critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving by engaging in realistic scenarios staged in real-world medical environments.
Taught by Experienced Nursing Faculty
You will learn from and work alongside faculty who have a breadth of nursing experience. Many faculty members hold current or former nursing positions in the field.
Save Money Now, Transition to a Bachelor’s Degree Later
Complete the Associate of Science in Nursing, land a job and use tuition reimbursement offered by many healthcare organizations to pursue a bachelor’s degree down the line.
Why Study Nursing in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is home to top-tier hospitals and clinics seeking nurses, including:
- Lancaster General Hospital
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
- Lehigh Valley Hospital
- UPMC
- Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian
- Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute
- Haven Behavioral Health
- Wellspan Health
Program Details
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Explore the required courses and curriculum information for this program, which can be found in Saint Joseph's academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.
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Students must complete and submit the scores of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Exam to be reviewed for admittance into the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program. The TEAS Exam is administered through ATI Nursing Education and is in place to evaluate academic preparedness for the ASN program. Applicants that hold a Bachelor's degree or higher are not required to submit TEAS scores.
To learn more, visit our undergraduate special requirements page.
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The Associate in Science in Nursing program at Saint Joseph's University is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate in Science in Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
Saint Joseph's University's Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) NCLEX Pass Rate for 2023 - 2024 is 90.32%. The program completion rate for 2022 - 2023 is 70.3% (Ultimate Program Completion Rate).
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Saint Joseph's University – Lancaster’s tuition structure includes both per-credit tuition and program-specific fees.
PER-CREDIT TUITION:
The cost of the Associate of Science in Nursing program is $697 per credit for the 2025-2026 academic year.
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC FEES:
In addition to the per-credit rate, there are also program-specific fees for applicable courses in the five-semester, two-year and three-year programs. For a detailed breakdown and additional information, visit our Tuition & Fees page.
On Average, How Much Do Nurses Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of a registered nurse in 2023 is $86,070.
Admission Information
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1. To be considered for admission, you must have graduated from an approved secondary school (or be on track to graduate), received a diploma from an accredited home school association or earned a GED.
2. High school or post-secondary college-level courses must include the following:
- At least four units of English
- At least three units of Social Sciences
- At least three units of Mathematics (Two (2) of which are at least the level of Algebra)
- Two (2) units of Science with a related laboratory or an equivalent (One (1) of which must be biology).
3. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or greater on a 4.0-point scale in secondary or post-secondary education (whichever is more recent). However, the GPA requirement can be different depending on specific program requirements. Please see our undergraduate requirements or reach out to the Office of Admission for additional information.
4. A high school transcript with an official school stamp or an official GED transcript is also required. High school transcripts must include courses completed through your junior year as well as courses in progress during your senior year. If you’ve attended any post-secondary institutions, official transcripts for those institutions are required as well.
5. Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Exam
Students must complete and submit the scores of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Exam to be reviewed for admittance into the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program. The TEAS Exam is administered through ATI Nursing Education and is in place to evaluate academic preparedness for the ASN program. Applicants that hold a Bachelor's degree or higher are not required to submit TEAS scores.To learn more, visit our undergraduate special requirements page.
Additional Admission Factors for Consideration:
In addition to the required items above, the admission team will consider the following factors when making an admission decision:
- Class rank
- Academic performance in post-secondary science and math courses
- Community service
- Healthcare-related service
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- 2.5 minimum GPA
- Must have worked a minimum of 1,000 hours as an LPN in the two years prior to beginning the 010 LPN Assessment Module.
- Complete all Clinical Clearance requirements as outlined in the Pre-licensure Undergraduate Clinical Clearance Requirements policy NUR #5.25
- May not repeat the NUR 010 Assessment Module.
- Students need to successfully complete the following prerequisite courses. (not transferable from a Technical School):
- Anatomy & Physiology I
- Anatomy & Physiology II
- Craft of Language
- Philosophy (typically taken at SJU Lancaster)
- Clinical Math (typically taken at SJU Lancaster)
Note: Students can be accepted into the ASN program without the prerequisite courses completed, but cannot start the LPN bridge module without them successfully completed.
*If successful in the Bridge Module:- Students are exempt from taking NUR 115 and NUR 265
- Students will move into semester three of the ASN program, which has daytime and evening/weekend options.
- Students will start semester three in a Fall (August) semester or Spring (January) semester, depending on which bridge you take.
- Students may not have more than one semester of non-clinical time prior to enrolling in NUR 135. Failure to begin coursework within this time frame will require the student to begin the program with NUR 115.
- Students may repeat a maximum of two courses if starting with NUR 135 after successfully completing the NUR 010 LPN Assessment Module. Students exceeding this criterion will be dismissed from the program.
*If a student is unsuccessful in the LPN bridge module, they will be given the option to start the ASN program from the beginning and take NUR 115, 115C, and 265.
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To apply for this program, complete an application online. SAT and/or ACT scores are optional but you can submit them if you think they’ll strengthen your application.
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First-Year Students
Applications for high school students are available beginning August 1 of your senior year. For a full timeline of deadlines and addition information, visit our admission page.Transfer Students
Applications to transfer to Saint Joseph’s are accepted on a rolling basis for fall and spring start terms. -
If you are not a United States citizen, you must show proof of permanent resident visa status. Students educated in another country may be admitted if they:
- Satisfy general admission requirements
- Earn a minimum of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based) on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey
Students from English-speaking countries may choose to take the SAT or ACT instead of the TOEFL exam. An evaluation of foreign transcripts by the World Education Service or other approved agency is required.
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Transfer credit may be awarded for previous coursework. A course must meet the following requirements to be considered for transfer to Saint Joseph’s University’s Lancaster campus:
- Undergraduate courses with a grade of “C” or above
- Graduate courses with a grade of “B” or above (Pass/Fail grades are not eligible for transfer credit)
- Must be from a regionally or programmatically accredited institution
- The coursework must match the course offered at Saint Joseph’s University
- Some programs have a time limit for specific courses
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Saint Joseph’s is a military-friendly institution and offers assistance and services to veterans and their dependents who are utilizing educational benefits. Benefits include:
- Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
- Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
- Chapter 33 Post 911 GI Bill®
- Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance
- Chapter 1606 National Guard or Reserves
- Chapter 1607 National Guard or Reserves (REAP) (*if eligible, must be utilized by November 25, 2019)
- Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
- Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)
Explore Other Degree Programs
Saint Joseph's University's Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed for individuals who have an RN license and an associate in nursing. This award-winning program enables busy nurses to earn their bachelor’s degree through flexible, individualized scheduling. For the practicing nurse, we provide courses that build upon your existing professional expertise and provide additional opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Are you ready to add to your nursing skill set and become an advanced practice nurse? Saint Joseph’s University will prepare you for the next step in your nursing career with our Master of Science in Nursing–Nursing Practitioner (MSN-NP).