Tag Archives: RN Degrees near Dolton IL 60419

Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Dolton IL

How to Find the Right Nursing Program near Dolton Illinois

Dolton IL surgical nurse assisting surgeonFinding the best nursing program near Dolton IL may feel like a complicated endeavor, especially if you have no idea what to look for in a good degree program. As you may already know, to practice as a registered nurse, you must receive the appropriate education and training to become licensed. So it is vitally important that you study and assess the qualifications of each school you are considering before enrolling in your final selection. Unfortunately, too many potential students base their selection entirely on the cost of tuition and the distance of the school. Choosing the least expensive college or the one that is local to your residence is no doubt not the best way to pick a nursing program. There are a number of crucial additional aspects to investigate before you decide where to attend classes. But before we examine that checklist, let’s first go over what the role of a registered nurse is in our medical system, together with the nursing degree options that are offered.

Registered Nurse Job Responsibilities

Dolton IL Neonatal Nurse with babyRegistered nurses are the largest occupation in the healthcare delivery system. RNs practice in a large number of different medical settings, such as Dolton IL hospitals, family practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their basic duty is to assist doctors in the treatment of their patients. Having said that, the specific duties of a registered nurse will be dependent on their job or area of expertise in addition to where they work. A portion of the responsibilities of an RN may include:

  • Providing medications
  • Observing patients
  • Conducting physical examinations
  • Coordinating care
  • Supervising LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides
  • Informing patients and their families
  • Taking care of health records and charts

Nurses with a higher degree may have more high level job duties and responsibilities. Nurse practitioners (NP), for example, must hold a Master’s Degree and commonly work more independently than their RN counterparts. They can provide primary or specialty care services, prescribe medications, and diagnose and treat routine illnesses or injuries.

Nursing Degrees

There are multiple degrees to choose from to become a registered nurse. And to become an RN, a student must enroll in an accredited school and program. A student can receive a qualifying degree in just 2 years, or advance to obtain a graduate degree for a total of 6 years. Following are some brief descriptions of the nursing degrees that are offered in the Dolton IL area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is generally a two year program made available by community colleges. It preps graduates for an entry level job in nursing in medical centers including hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many utilize the ADN as an entry into nursing and afterwards attain a higher degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) supplies more extensive training than the ADN. It is usually a four year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be able to complete an accelerated program based on their past training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program may want to advance to a clinical or administrative position, or be more competitive in the employment market.
  • Master’s. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is generally a two year program after achieving the BSN. The MSN program provides specialization training, for example to become a nurse practitioner or concentrate on administration, management or teaching.

When a graduating student has acquired one of the above degrees, he or she must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to become licensed. Other requirements for licensing change from state to state, so make sure to check with the Illinois board of nursing for any state mandates.

LPN and LVN Courses

Dolton IL LPN assisting patientThere are principally two academic accreditations available that provide instruction to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that may be concluded in the shortest time frame, usually about 12 months, is the certificate or diploma course. The second choice is to obtain a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are more comprehensive in nature than the diploma alternative and typically require 2 years to finish. The benefit of Associate Degrees, in addition to providing a higher credential and more comprehensive training, are that they provide more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. Regardless of the type of credential you seek, it needs to be Illinois approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or another national accrediting organization. The NLNAC guarantees that the syllabus properly prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that most graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

CNA Certificates

Unlike many other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not need to earn a college degree. CNA education can be obtained at Dolton IL area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The length of the training program can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months, leading to either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are required to obtain at least 75 hours of instruction, 16 of which have to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimal period of instruction mandated and every state has its specific requirements. So it’s crucial to make certain that the course you enroll in not only meets the federal requirements, but also those for Illinois or the state where you will be practicing. One recommendation is to get in touch with the health or nursing board for your state to make sure that the education is state certified. In addition to the training, each state requires a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there might be additional prerequisites as well.

What to Ask Nursing Degree Programs

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in Dolton ILNow that you have decided on which nursing program to pursue, along with if to attend your classes on campus near Dolton IL or online, you can use the following guidelines to start narrowing down your options. As you probably realize, there are many nursing schools and colleges within Illinois and the United States. So it is essential to lower the number of schools to choose from so that you will have a manageable list. As we earlier discussed, the site of the school and the cost of tuition are most likely going to be the primary two factors that you will look at. But as we also stressed, they should not be your only qualifiers. So prior to making your final selection, use the following questions to evaluate how your pick measures up to the field.

  • Accreditation. It’s a good idea to make sure that the degree or certificate program along with the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Besides helping ensure that you obtain a premium education, it may help in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are oftentimes not available in Dolton IL for non-accredited schools.
  • Licensing Preparation. Licensing prerequisites for registered nurses differ from state to state. In all states, a passing score is required on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in addition to graduation from an accredited school. Some states require a specific number of clinical hours be completed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s imperative that the school you are enrolled in not only provides an outstanding education, but also preps you to meet the minimum licensing standards for Illinois or the state where you will be practicing.
  • Reputation. Check online rating companies to see what the assessments are for all of the schools you are looking into. Ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews too. In addition, get in touch with the Illinois school licensing authority to determine if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can speak with some Dolton IL healthcare organizations you’re interested in working for after graduation and ask what their opinions are of the schools as well.
  • Graduation and Job Placement Rates. Find out from the RN programs you are considering what their graduation rates are as well as how long on average it takes students to complete their programs. A low graduation rate may be an indication that students were unhappy with the program and dropped out. It’s also imperative that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only substantiate that the school has a good reputation within the Dolton IL healthcare community, but that it also has the network of relationships to assist students attain a position.
  • Internship Programs. The most effective way to get experience as a registered nurse is to work in a clinical environment. Virtually all nursing degree programs require a specified number of clinical hours be completed. Many states have minimum clinical hour prerequisites for licensing also. Find out if the schools have associations with Dolton IL hospitals, clinics or labs and help with the placing of students in internships.

Nursing Online Degrees

woman attending nursing school online in Dolton ILEnrolling in nursing programs online is growing into a more preferred way to obtain training and earn a nursing degree. Some schools will require attending on campus for a component of the training, and almost all programs call for a certain number of clinical rotation hours performed in a local healthcare center. But since the remainder of the training may be accessed online, this method may be a more accommodating solution to finding the time to attend school for many Dolton IL students. Regarding tuition, many online degree programs are less expensive than other on campus choices. Even supplementary expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be lessened, helping to make education more economical. And a large number of online programs are accredited by organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN and MSN degrees. So if your work and family responsibilities have left you with very little time to work toward your academic goals, maybe an online nursing training program will make it more convenient to fit a degree into your active schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near Dolton IL?

Perhaps you have already made your decision to attend a Nursing Program in the greater Dolton Illinois area.  If that is the case, then the following information may prove to be both educational and useful regarding the location of your future Alma Mater.

Dolton, Illinois

Dolton (pronounced "DAWL-ton") is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 23,153 at the 2010 census.[3] Dolton is located just west of the expressway Interstate 94 and immediately south of the city limits of Chicago. Its most common ZIP code is 60419.

According to the 2010 census, Dolton has a total area of 4.68 square miles (12.12 km2), of which 4.56 square miles (11.81 km2) (or 97.44%) is land and 0.12 square miles (0.31 km2) (or 2.56%) is water.[7]

As of the census[9] of 2000, there were 25,614 people, 8,512 households, and 6,494 families residing in the village. The population density was 5,627.6 people per square mile (2,173.5/km²). There were 8,944 housing units at an average density of 1,965.1 per square mile (759.0/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 82.4% African American, 14.3% White, 0.6% Asian, 0.2% Native American, 1.4% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.1% of the population.

Choose the Right Nursing Degree near Dolton IL

Dolton IL nursing studentDeciding on the right registered nursing program is perhaps the most important phase to beginning a new career in the medical care field. There are a number of factors that you must consider when selecting a nursing school. These variables will be prioritized differently depending on your existing career objectives, obligations, and financial situation. As we have emphasized within this post, it is critical that you pick an RN school and a degree program that are both accredited and have excellent reputations within the healthcare community. By utilizing our checklist of qualifying questions, you will be able to create a shortlist of schools to select from so that you can make your ultimate selection. And with the proper degree and training, combined with your hard work and ambition to succeed, you can become a licensed RN in Dolton IL.

More Awesome Locations in Illinois

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – South Wilmington IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Milan IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Glendale Heights IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Aurora IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Stillman Valley IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Stanford IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Vermont IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Channahon IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Farina IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Greenview IL
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 111

    Windsor Estates Nursing and Rehabilitation
    4 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    18200 S Cicero Ave, Country Club Hills, IL 60478

    Providence Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
    5 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    13259 S Central Ave, Palos Heights, IL 60463

    Symphony of Dyer
    3 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Retirement Homes, Habilitative Services
    Phone:
    1532 Calumet Ave, Dyer, IN 46311

    Generations at Applewood
    2 Reviews
    Medical Centers, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy
    Phone:
    21020 Kostner Ave, Matteson, IL 60443

    Warren Barr Lincoln Park
    7 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    2732 N Hampden Ct, Chicago, IL 60614

    Evergreen Care Center
    12 Reviews
    Urgent Care, Medical Centers, Family Practice
    Phone:
    9760 S Kedzie Ave, Ste 3, Evergreen Park, IL 60805

    Senior Living Experts
    12 Reviews
    Assisted Living Facilities, Home Health Care, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    516 N Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

    ManorCare Health Services-Oak Lawn East
    10 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living Facilities
    Phone:
    9401 S Kostner Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

    Park Villa
    4 Reviews
    Retirement Homes
    Phone:
    12550 S Ridgeland, Palos Heights, IL 60463

    Symphony of Crestwood
    4 Reviews
    Medical Centers
    Phone:
    14255 S Cicero Ave, Crestwood, IL 60445

     

    • College of Nursing | University of Illinois Chicago

      Attend an info session. Request Info. UIC Nursing is a top research institute with graduate and undergraduate nursing programs ranked among the best in the nation. Learn more about UIC Nursing.

    • Best Nursing Schools in Illinois - ADN, BSN, MSN - RN Programs

      We have ranked the top 20 nursing schools in Illinois by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 80 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.

    • College of Nursing - Chicago Nursing School | Rush University

      Office of the Dean. Accreditation. State Authorization. College of Nursing Diversity Statement. College of Nursing Rankings. Driving Forces That Make Us a National Leader in Health Care. Meeting the Financial Aid Needs of Our Students. Student Research Awards & Grants. Student Travel Awards.

    • 2024 Rankings: The 60 Best Nursing Schools in Illinois

      The traditional BSN is a four-year program in which students begin clinicals as early as their sophomore year. The RN-to-BSN pathway is a 42-credit-hour track that requires 12-18 months to complete. The nursing programs at Illinois College are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

    • 2024 Best Nursing Schools in Illinois - Niche

      2024 Best Colleges for Nursing in Illinois. Nursing. Direct Admissions. College Quiz. Best colleges. Best academics. View on map. College type. 4-year. Private. Public. 2-year. Community. Trade/career. Other. General area of study. Nursing. Majors. See all majors. Online friendliness. Fully online. Large online program. Some online degrees.

    • Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Illinois 2023 | Nurse.org

      Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 Illinois nursing schools are ranked in no particular order. 1. DePaul University. Annual Tuition: $42,411 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 90% Traditional: No. Online: Yes. Accelerated: No. Bridge: Yes.

    • The Top Nursing Schools In Illinois | NurseJournal.org

      We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best RN-to-MSN programs in Illinois, making it easier to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: Academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

    • 20 Best Nursing Schools in Illinois – 2024 Rankings - NursingProcess.org

      what are the best accredited nursing schools in illinois for bsn programs? (After closely assessing all nursing schools approved by the Illinois State Board of Nursing, based on our Ranking Methodology , the following are the best accredited nursing schools in Illinois offering BSN programs.)

    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing - University of Illinois Chicago

      UIC Nursing offers a traditional BSN program and an online RN to BSN completion program. The traditional BSN program incorporates face-to-face instruction and hands-on learning.

    • Best Illinois Nursing Schools and Programs | NursingEducation

      The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. ADN Programs: #1 Illinois ADN Nursing Program. Shawnee Community College, located in Ullin, Illinois, offers an ADN program designed for current licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who wish to pursue their ADN.