Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – San Gabriel CA

How to Pick a Nursing College near San Gabriel California

San Gabriel CA surgical nurse assisting surgeonSearching for the best nursing school near San Gabriel CA may feel like a formidable endeavor, especially if you don’t know what to search for in a good degree program. As you may already know, for you to practice as a registered nurse, you must receive the necessary education and training in order to become licensed. So it is critically important that you study and evaluate the qualifications of each college you are contemplating before enrolling in your ultimate choice. Regrettably, too many prospective students base their decision exclusively on the cost of tuition and the nearness of the school. Deciding on the least expensive school or the one that is closest to your residence is undoubtedly not the most reliable way to decide on a nursing program. There are many important additional things to look into before you determine where to attend classes. But before we examine that checklist, let’s first cover what the job of a registered nurse is in our medical care system, together with the nursing degree alternatives that are offered.

Registered Nurse Job Duties

San Gabriel CA Neonatal Nurse with babyRegistered nurses are the primary occupation in the medical delivery system. RNs practice in many different medical settings, including San Gabriel CA hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their general role is to help doctors in the care of their patients. Having said that, the particular duties of a registered nurse will be dependent on their job or area of expertise along with where they work. Some of the functions of an RN may include:

  • Providing medications
  • Monitoring patients
  • Performing physical examinations
  • Managing 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 complex job duties and accountabilities. Nurse practitioners (NP), for example, must hold a Master’s Degree and commonly work more independently than their RN counterparts. They can administer primary or specialty care services, prescribe medications, and diagnose and treat basic illnesses or injuries.

Nursing Degrees Available

There is more than one degree option to choose from to become a registered nurse. And in order to become an RN, a student must enroll in an accredited school and program. A student can earn a qualifying degree in just 2 years, or continue on to attain a graduate degree for a total of 6 years. Following are some brief summaries of the nursing degrees that are offered in the San Gabriel CA area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is commonly a 2 year program made available by community colleges. It preps graduates for an entry level position in nursing in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many utilize the ADN as an entry into nursing and ultimately achieve a higher degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers more in depth training than the ADN. It is commonly a four year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be qualified to complete an accelerated program based on their past training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program might desire to progress to a clinical or administrative position, or be more competitive in the job market.
  • Master’s. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is commonly a 2 year program after obtaining the BSN. The MSN program provides specialization training, for instance to become a nurse practitioner or focus on administration, management or teaching.

Once a graduating student has attained one of the above degrees, she or he must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to become licensed. Various other requirements for licensing vary from state to state, so make sure to get in touch with the California board of nursing for any state requirements.

LPN and LVN Training

San Gabriel CA LPN assisting patientThere are generally two academic accreditations available that provide training to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that may be finished in the shortest time frame, commonly about twelve months, is the certificate or diploma program. The second option is to earn a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are more comprehensive in nature than the diploma option and typically require 2 years to complete. The advantage of Associate Degrees, along with providing a higher credential and more comprehensive instruction, are that they furnish more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. No matter the kind of credential you seek, it needs to be California approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or some other national accrediting organization. The NLNAC guarantees that the syllabus properly prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that the majority of graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

CNA Certificates

Unlike other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not have to obtain a college degree. CNA education can be received at San Gabriel CA area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The duration of the training can take anywhere from just one to 3 months, resulting in either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are required to receive at least 75 hours of instruction, 16 of which need to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Bear in mind that this is the minimal period of training required and each state has its own prerequisites. So it’s important to make sure that the program you enroll in not only complies with the federal requirements, but also those for California or the state where you will be practicing. One tip is to get in touch with the health or nursing board for your state to make certain that the training is state approved. As well as the training, each state mandates a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there might be additional prerequisites as well.

Questions to Ask Nursing Degree Programs

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in San Gabriel CANow that you have chosen which nursing program to enroll in, and if to attend your classes on campus near San Gabriel CA or on the web, you can utilize the following pointers to start narrowing down your options. As you probably realize, there are numerous nursing schools and colleges throughout California and the United States. So it is important to reduce the number of schools to choose from to ensure that you will have a manageable list. As we earlier discussed, the site of the school as well as the expense of tuition are probably going to be the first two things that you will consider. But as we also stressed, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So prior to making your final selection, use the following questions to see how your pick measures up to the other schools.

  • Accreditation. It’s a good idea to make sure that the degree or certificate program in addition to the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Besides helping ensure that you get a premium education, it may help in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are often not offered in San Gabriel CA for non-accredited schools.
  • Licensing Preparation. Licensing criteria 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 certain number of clinical hours be performed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s imperative that the school you are enrolled in not only delivers a top-notch education, but also preps you to comply with the minimum licensing standards for California or the state where you will be practicing.
  • Reputation. Visit internet rating companies to see what the reviews are for each of the schools you are considering. Ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. Additionally, check with the California school licensing authority to determine if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can contact some San Gabriel CA 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 finish their programs. A low graduation rate may be an indication that students were unhappy with the program and dropped out. It’s also essential that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only confirm that the school has a good reputation within the San Gabriel CA medical community, but that it also has the network of contacts to assist students attain a position.
  • Internship Programs. The best way to obtain experience as a registered nurse is to work in a clinical setting. Almost all nursing degree programs require a specified number of clinical hours be completed. A number of states have minimum clinical hour requirements for licensing also. Check if the schools have a working relationship with San Gabriel CA hospitals, clinics or labs and assist with the placement of students in internships.

Nursing Online Programs

woman attending nursing school online in San Gabriel CAAttending nursing schools online is emerging as a more preferred way to obtain training and acquire a nursing degree. Some schools will require attendance on campus for part of the training, and nearly all programs require a certain number of clinical rotation hours carried out in a local healthcare facility. But since the balance of the training may be accessed online, this method may be a more practical answer to finding the free time to attend college for many San Gabriel CA students. Pertaining to tuition, many online degree programs are cheaper than other on campus choices. Even supplemental expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be lessened, helping to make education more easily affordable. And many online programs are accredited by organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN and MSN degrees. And so if your job and household responsibilities have left you with limited time to work toward your academic goals, perhaps an online nursing school will make it more convenient to fit a degree into your hectic schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near San Gabriel CA?

Perhaps you have already made your decision to attend a Nursing Program in the greater San Gabriel California 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.

San Gabriel, California

San Gabriel is a city in Los Angeles County, California. It is named after the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel (which in turn was named for Archangel Gabriel), founded by Junípero Serra. The city grew outward from the mission and in 1852 became the original township of Los Angeles County. San Gabriel was incorporated in 1913. The city's motto is "A city with a Mission" and it is often called the "Birthplace" of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. At the 2010 census, the population was 39,718.

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish to Alta California, the area that is now San Gabriel was inhabited by the Tongva Native Americans, whom the Spanish called the Gabrieleño. The Tongva name for the San Gabriel region has been reconstructed as Shevaa.[10]

Today a center for culture and art, the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel (named for Archangel Gabriel), founded by Father Junipero Serra, is the fourth of twenty-one California Missions, and is known as the "Pride of the California Missions."[11]

Pick the Right Nursing Program near San Gabriel CA

San Gabriel CA nursing studentSelecting the ideal registered nursing degree program is potentially the most crucial phase to starting a new career in the medical care industry. There are many variables that you must think about when selecting a nursing school. These factors will be prioritized differently contingent on your current career goals, lifestyle, and economic status. As we have stressed within this post, it is essential that you choose an RN college and a degree program that are each accredited and have excellent reputations within the medical 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 desire to succeed, you can become a practicing nurse in San Gabriel CA.

More Awesome Locations in California

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Georgetown CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Lemon Grove CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – San Lorenzo CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Big Bend CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – San Martin CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Angels Camp CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Oxnard CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Boyes Hot Springs CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Point Reyes Station CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Yountville CA
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 621

    Mission Care Center
    16 Reviews
    Medical Centers, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    4800 Delta Ave, Rosemead, CA 91770

    Del Mar Convalescent Hospital
    10 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Medical Centers, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    3136 N Del Mar Ave, Rosemead, CA 91770

    Broadway Healthcare Center
    11 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    112 E Broadway, San Gabriel, CA 91776

    Sierra View Care Center
    14 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Medical Centers, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    14318 Ohio St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706

    Monte Vista Grove Homes
    9 Reviews
    Retirement Homes, Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living Facilities
    Phone:
    2889 San Pasqual St, Pasadena, CA 91107

    Pasadena Park Healthcare and Wellness Center
    9 Reviews
    Occupational Therapy, Skilled Nursing, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    2585 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107

    Monterey Park Convalescent Hospital
    18 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Medical Centers, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    416 N Garfield Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91754

    Villa Gardens Retirement Community
    6 Reviews
    Retirement Homes
    Phone:
    842 E Villa St, Pasadena, CA 91101

    Brookfield Healthcare Center
    51 Reviews
    Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapists, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    9300 Telegraph Rd, Downey, CA 90240

    Heritage Manor
    10 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Medical Centers, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    610 N Garfield Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91755