Nursing students sitting in a class

Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN)

EARN YOUR NURSING DEGREE IN FOUR SEMESTERS. THE ASN MAJOR COMBINES HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IN A SHORT, 60-CREDIT PROGRAM PREPARING YOU TO BECOME A REGISTERED NURSE.

Kickstart Your Nursing Career With a Traditional ASN

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) at Fairmont State University equips you with the knowledge and experience needed to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

ASN Students working on an IV bag

In this 60-credit hour degree program, you’ll develop nursing skills through coursework, clinical applications, and clinical experiences. You’ll learn about evidence-based nursing care, health promotion across the lifespan, physical assessment, clinical judgment, role transition, and healthcare technologies with support from experienced nurse educators and mentors. And with Fairmont State’s new Rusty and Kimberly Hutson Family BEACON Simulation Center, you'll complete a portion of your clinical requirements through simulation-based learning without leaving campus.  

Healthcare is one of West Virginia’s largest and most essential industries, creating a continued need for skilled nurses across the state. Fairmont State’s ASN program prepares students for meaningful careers as registered nurses while also providing a strong foundation for future professional advancement, including BSN, MSN, and advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner.

 

With expert faculty who care about your success, and world class support staff you will discover why Fairmont State University is such a Great Place to Learn.

OverviewFast FactsCurriculumCareersAdmissions RequirementsFAQsTuition & FeesFinancial AidApply NowRequest More Info

Fast Facts

Hardway Hall
100%
In-person, on-campus program
Magnifying Glass
Year 1
Hands-on learning from year one
Graduation Cap
Learn
Easy path to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Medal or Ribbon Icon
26-27
Nursing College of Distinction
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1000s
Nursing job openings in West Virginia
Puzzle Pieces
Thrive
Work-Life Balance
Nursing students meeting with faculty in the Sim Center

Curriculum: What You’ll Learn

The ASN program features a comprehensive curriculum grounded in nursing knowledge, clinical judgment, and patient-centered care. Graduates are prepared for diverse healthcare settings, including critical care, pediatrics, medical-surgical nursing, long-term care, and community health.

Fundamentals of Nursing

Students are introduced to concepts essential to nursing and the role nurses play as care providers. Through clinical, laboratory, and simulation experiences, students develop foundational nursing skills and apply principles of safe, client-centered care.

Nutrition

This course is a study of nutrients, their sources, and their relationship to body processes. Students will review reference values for the nutrients so that they can then compare their own dietary intake. The different stages of life will be explored as they relate to changes in nutritional status and factors that can affect food choices.

Pharmacology and Nursing Process

Students learn about the multidisciplinary study of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics, including drug classifications, indications, adverse effects, age-related variables, and nursing implications with an emphasis on safe medication administration. 

Careers

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR IN WEST VIRGINIA IS THE LARGEST EMPLOYER IN THE STATE? NATIONALLY, NURSING SUPPORTS MORE THAN 4.4 MILLION JOBS.  NURSING GRADUATES ARE PREPARED FOR HIGH-DEMAND CAREERS THAT FOSTER CONNECTION, CARE FOR OTHERS, AND WELLNESS. 

HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE DOZENS OF CAREERS YOU MIGHT PURSUE WITH AN ASN:

A a friendly nurse with a small child

Critical Care Nurse - $139,048/Year

Critical Care Nurses are registered nurses that work in the intensive-care units of hospitals. They provide care for patients with serious, complex, and acute injuries and illnesses requiring close monitoring and treatment of the patient. They may combine their critical care specifications with another area of practice such as pediatrics or geriatrics.  

Pediatric Nurse - $94,598/Year

Pediatric Nurses focus on providing medical care for children and teenagers. They are specially trained to know how illnesses and injuries impact children’s bodies. They work with Pediatricians and Family Doctors and know how to communicate with children of all abilities and developmental levels.  

Smiling medical professional stands in hosptial hallway

Charge Nurse - $64,875/Year

Charge Nurses are registered nurses who oversee the other nurses in their ward or unit during their shift. They assess their group’s ability to care for patients and make changes when needed, such as providing training or ordering supplies. They also provide support for nurses through challenges they may face when treating patients.  

Psychiatric Nurse - $101,233/Year

Psychiatric Nurses work with patients seeking treatment for mental health struggles and issues. They provide medication for patients according to doctor’s orders and educate patients and families on mental health issues and treatments. They may collaborate with other health professionals and respond to emergency psychiatric situations. 

Medical Professional preparing in an operating room

Trauma Nurse - $77,646/Year

Trauma Nurses treat patients who are in need of emergency medical attention. They triage patients to determine order of care and work with emergency physicians and trauma surgeons to stabilize patients' vitals. They must be knowledgeable in trauma protocols, dedicated to saving lives, and effectively communicate with other medical staff to quickly provide emergency care.

Staff Nurse - $38,875/Year

Staff Nurses provide direct care to patients in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and other medical facilities. They examine patients and assess their needs to inform other medical professionals for developing treatment plans. They educate patients and their families and must have strong organizational skills when working with multiple patients at a time.  

Nurse in scrubs examing pregnant patient

Maternity Nurse - $101,171/Year

Maternity Nurses care for mothers and babies before, during, and after labory and delivery. They keep track of patient information and care received and educate parents on postpartum and newborn care. They monitor for complications and maintain a safe and clean environment for the mother and baby. They work with other healthcare professionals and respond to emergencies to provid the best care possible.

OR Nurse - $121,940/Year

Operating Room (OR) Nurses work under the direction of surgeons in the operating room. They administer medications and provide medical equipment when directed and respond to sudden changes in patients’ health during operations. They inform patients and families on the various details of surgical procedures, including what the procedure does and what recovery looks like.  

Salary information reflects the pay averages in West Virginia according to Indeed.

Faculty

Dr. Amy Dennis, DNP, MSN, RN

Dr. Amy Dennis

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Amy Dennis, DNP, MSN, RN, is a full-time faculty member in Fairmont State University's Associate of Science in Nursing program. She brings extensive experience in nursing education, with particular expertise in medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, clinical skills instruction, and simulation-based learning. She is committed to creating engaging learning environments that promote clinical judgment, evidence-based practice, patient safety, and NCLEX success. Dr. Dennis is actively involved in curriculum development, accreditation activities, and continuous quality improvement initiatives and is passionate about preparing the next generation of professional nurses. 

Debra Harden, MSN, RN

Debra Harden Headshot Assistant Professor of Nursing

Debra Harden, MSN, RN, is a full-time faculty member in Fairmont State University's Traditional ASN program. She brings extensive experience in patient education, staff development, and clinical leadership. She teaches in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings and has professional interests in simulation, student engagement, curriculum development, and continuous quality improvement. She is actively involved in accreditation initiatives and remains dedicated to promoting student success and professional growth. 

Ashlyn Baker, MSN, RN 

Ashlyn Baker Headshot

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Ashlyn Baker, MSN, RN, is a full-time faculty member in Fairmont State University's Traditional ASN program. She teaches adult health courses across classroom, clinical, and simulation settings and serves as course coordinator for NURS 2208. Her clinical background includes surgical oncology, wound care, and home health nursing. She actively participates in curriculum development, simulation activities, and accreditation initiatives and is committed to supporting student learning and professional development. 

Sharon Eakin, MSN, RN 

Sharon Eakin headshot

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Sharon Eakin, MSN, RN, is a full-time faculty member in Fairmont State University's Traditional ASN program. She brings extensive experience in cardiovascular nursing and incorporates evidence-based practice, clinical judgment, simulation, and NCLEX preparation strategies into her teaching. She is dedicated to fostering engaging learning environments that support student success, professional growth, and lifelong learning. 

Admission Requirements

All applicants seeking admission to the ASN Program are required to:

  • Have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to be considered.   
  • Submit an application for admission to Fairmont State University.   
  • Submit a high school transcript or GED score; college and/ or LPN transcripts to the Office of Admissions at Fairmont State University. Evidence of all post-secondary education attempted or completed must be submitted to the Office of Admissions. 
  • Attain a minimum composite score of 60 on the required nursing entrance examination, the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).  

Students admitted to the program must submit a completed health form and a have negative criminal background check and drug screen, required immunizations, American Heart Association CPR certification, health insurance, etc.  Specific information will be provided once admitted to the program.

Admission to the Traditional ASN program is on a competitive basis. Applications are reviewed each term in the order received and based on the availability of the capacity in the program.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Information

Dr. Cecilia Cotton-Elam, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE

Interim, ASN Department Chair, Associate Professor of Nursing

 206-A Education Building

 304-367-4767

 cecilia.cotton@fairmontstate.edu

 

Frankie Delapas

Professional Advisor/Academic Success Coordinator

 232 Education Building

 304-367-4095

 frankie.delapas@fairmontstate.edu

Take The Next Step

Have questions about the ASN program, career outcomes, or applying? Our admissions team is ready to help you move forward.

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