A.S. in Nursing

  • ASN
  • Professional Studies
  • On Campus
  • Nursing & Health Professions

Through a focus on experiential learning and extensive hands-on clinical experience, Rivier's ASN program will prepare you for a rewarding career as a registered nurse.

Program Details

  • Next Start Date:  September 2, 2025
  • Application Completion Deadline: June 15, 2025
  • Acceptance Deadline: July 1, 2025
  • Est. Program Length: 5 semesters (after prerequisites are met)
  • Credit Hours: 42 (after 30 credits of prerequisites are met)
  • Course Length: 7 and 14 weeks
  • Cost Per Credit (2024-25 Academic Year): Nursing Courses – $402/Clinical Courses – $1,132
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Rivier Ranked Top Nursing School in New Hampshire!

Once again, Nursing Schools Almanac has recognized Rivier’s exceptional nursing education, ranking the University as the #1 Nursing School in NH!

Why Study Nursing at Rivier?

Rivier University is ranked as the #1 nursing school in New Hampshire and a top 50 private nursing school nationally by Nursing Schools Almanac in 2024. Rivier’s ASN degree program offers evening classes and evening or weekend clinical rotations, enabling you to work full- or part-time while pursuing your associate in nursing degree. Graduates of the ASN program are well-prepared to function as beginning practitioners in structured healthcare agencies using established protocols.

A recognized leader in nursing education, Rivier graduates the largest number of nurses throughout the state of New Hampshire. Known for exceptional faculty and hands-on clinical experiences, Rivier nursing programs prepare you for a career in nursing and healthcare.

Advanced Placement for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

LPNs are invited to apply for advanced placement in the associate nursing degree program. When accepted and prerequisites are fulfilled, students are exempt from the NSG 101 Nursing Fundamentals course.

Learn in World-Class Facilities

Beyond classroom learning, the ASN degree curriculum includes extensive hands-on experience in clinical settings and well-equipped simulation laboratories. Rivier’s nursing labs were transformed in 2022 with a $5 million total renovation. The Nursing Simulation and Clinical Education Center is open and fully operational for hands-on learning and high-tech simulation for nurses and nurse practitioners. State-of-the-art skills and simulation labs offer the newest technology for clinical assessment, community nursing, and telehealth simulation.

The Nursing Simulation and Clinical Education Center provides students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in controlled clinical settings. Labs mirror the settings in which nurses most often provide care: medical/surgical and pediatric/neonatal hospital rooms, an obstetrics room, examination rooms, and telehealth offices.

In Rivier’s ASN program, you will:

  • Learn how to provide patient-centered, priority-based nursing care to individuals, families, and groups through independent and collaborative application of nursing process
  • Utilize technology that supports clinical decision-making, patient education, error prevention, and care coordination
  • Develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Become an effective communicator and collaborator

Get Ready for the World with an ASN from Rivier

Our partnerships with a variety of healthcare organizations throughout the region offer opportunities to experience a wide range of specialties. Our Associates in Nursing students work with practicing healthcare professionals in a variety of clinical placements, including:

  • Lowell General Hospital
  • Catholic Medical Center
  • Home Health & Hospice Care, Inc.
  • Lowell Community Health Center
  • Nashua Public Health Department
  • Saint Joseph Healthcare
  • Southern NH Health System

Licensure and Accreditation

Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and to assume beginning nursing positions in hospital acute-care facilities, extended-care facilities, and other structured healthcare settings. From 2020-23, the average first-time pass rate for ASN students was 85.40%, above the national ASN average of 84.38%.

Rivier University is unable to accept students from some states due to the post-secondary higher-education requirements. There are also some restrictions for programs that lead to professional licensure due to the various requirements of individual state boards of nursing. See State Guide.

For further information on Professional Nursing Licensure at the state level, please use the following contact list (also available on the NC-SARA website).

Commitment to Quality

Rivier’s ASN, BSN, MSN, Post Master’s Certificates, and DNP programs located in Nashua, NH are 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 nursing program is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program.

The most valuable lesson I can teach my students is to respect the human dignity of each individual. This is the essence of the nursing profession and the mission of the University.

Where Will Your Nursing Degree Take You?

Rivier’s ASN stands out from other ASN programs in New Hampshire. The Rivier ASN program prepares graduates to move directly into beginning nursing positions in hospital acute-care facilities, extended-care facilities, and in other structured health care settings.

Careers

  • Registered nurses
  • Specialty nurses (e.g., medical-surgical, pediatric, oncology, etc.)
  • School nurses
  • Public health nurses

Graduate Studies

Graduates of our nursing degree program are well prepared to pursue advanced study in nursing, healthcare administration, and other related fields.

Take the Next Steps

Career Support

Though professional advising, assistance with career and major planning, internship options, and job search information—you'll get all the support you need.

Contact

Office of Graduate and Professional Studies Admissions

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Exploring ASN nursing programs? Choose Rivier University and prepare to advance your career with an ASN degree.