Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – La Salle CO

How to Enroll In a Nursing College near La Salle Colorado

La Salle CO surgical nurse assisting surgeonFinding the best nursing program near La Salle CO may seem like a challenging undertaking, especially if you don’t know what to search for in a good degree program. As you may presently know, for you to practice as a registered nurse, you must obtain the necessary education and training to become licensed. So it is essential that you study and measure the qualifications of each program you are contemplating before enrolling in your final choice. Regrettably, too many future students base their decision solely on the cost of tuition and the nearness of the school. Deciding on the least expensive college or the one that is nearest to your residence is undoubtedly not the most reliable way to select a nursing program. There are several key additional considerations to investigate before you determine where to enroll in classes. But before we examine that checklist, let’s first go over what the function of a registered nurse is in our health system, along with the nursing degree options that are available.

Registered Nurse Job Responsibilities

La Salle CO Neonatal Nurse with babyRegistered nurses are the most extensive occupation in the healthcare delivery system. RNs practice in many different medical settings, including La Salle CO hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their general role is to help doctors in the care of their patients. However, the exact duties of a registered nurse will be dependent on their job or specialization as well as where they work. Some of the responsibilities of an RN may include:

  • Providing medications
  • Monitoring patients
  • Performing physical examinations
  • Coordinating care
  • Managing LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides
  • Educating patients and their families
  • Managing health records and charts

Nurses with a higher degree may have more complex job duties and accountabilities. Nurse practitioners (NP), for instance, must hold a Master’s Degree and generally work more independently than their RN counterparts. They can deliver primary or specialty care services, prescribe medications, and diagnose and treat basic illnesses or injuries.

Nursing Degrees Available

There are multiple degrees offered to become a registered nurse. And to become an RN, a student must enroll in an accredited school and program. A student can acquire a qualifying degree in as little as two years, or advance to attain a graduate degree for a total of 6 years. Following are some brief explanations of the nursing degrees that are offered in the La Salle CO area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is usually a 2 year program made available by community colleges. It prepares 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 obtain a higher degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers more in depth training than the ADN. It is commonly a 4 year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be able to complete an accelerated program based on their prior 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 attaining 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. Further requirements for licensing vary from state to state, so be sure to get in touch with the Colorado board of nursing for any state mandates.

LPN and LVN Programs

La Salle CO LPN assisting patientThere are generally two academic credentials available that provide education to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that can be finished in the shortest time period, commonly about twelve months, is the certificate or diploma program. The other option is to earn a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are more comprehensive in nature than the diploma option and usually require 2 years to finish. The advantage of Associate Degrees, aside from offering a higher credential and more extensive instruction, are that they furnish more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. No matter the type of credential you pursue, it needs to be Colorado approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or any other national accrediting organization. The NLNAC warrants that the core curriculum adequately prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that most graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

CNA Training

In contrast to other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not have to attain a college degree. CNA education can be obtained at La Salle CO area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The duration of the instruction can take anywhere from 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 must be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimal period of instruction mandated and that each state has its own prerequisites. So it’s crucial to make certain that the program you enroll in not only meets the federal requirements, but additionally those for Colorado or the state where you will be practicing. One suggestion is to check with the health or nursing board for your state to make sure that the training is state approved. In addition to the training, each state mandates a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there may be other prerequisites as well.

Things to Ask Nursing Degree Programs

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in La Salle COOnce you have determined which nursing program to pursue, and whether to attend your classes on campus near La Salle CO or online, you can utilize the following guidelines to start narrowing down your choices. As you probably realize, there are numerous nursing schools and colleges throughout Colorado and the United States. So it is important to lower the number of schools to choose from to ensure that you will have a workable list. As we already discussed, the site of the school along with the price of tuition are probably going to be the initial two points that you will take into consideration. But as we also stressed, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So before making your final decision, use the following questions to evaluate how your pick compares to the field.

  • Accreditation. It’s a good idea to make sure that the degree or certificate program as well as the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Aside from helping verify that you obtain a quality education, it may help in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are frequently not offered in La Salle CO 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) along with graduation from an accredited school. Many states require a specified 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 delivers an exceptional education, but also prepares you to satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Colorado or the state where you will be practicing.
  • Reputation. Look at internet rating companies to see what the evaluations are for each of the schools you are considering. Ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. Also, contact the Colorado school licensing authority to determine if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can contact some La Salle CO healthcare organizations you’re interested in working for after graduation and ask what their assessments are of the schools as well.
  • Graduation and Job Placement Rates. Find out from the RN schools you are looking at 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 dissatisfied with the program and dropped out. It’s also important that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only substantiate that the school has a good reputation within the La Salle CO healthcare community, but that it also has the network of contacts to assist students obtain a position.
  • Internship Programs. The most effective way to get 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 mandates for licensing also. Find out if the schools have associations with La Salle CO hospitals, clinics or labs and assist with the placing of students in internships.

Nursing Online Classes

woman attending nursing school online in La Salle COAttending nursing colleges online is emerging as a more preferred way to obtain instruction and earn a nursing degree. Some schools will require attendance on campus for part of the training, and nearly all programs require a certain amount of clinical rotation hours carried out in a local healthcare center. But since the rest of the training may be accessed online, this method may be a more practical solution to finding the time to attend school for some La Salle CO students. Concerning tuition, many online degree programs are less expensive than other on campus options. Even supplementary 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 work and household commitments have left you with little time to pursue your academic goals, perhaps an online nursing school will make it easier to fit a degree into your hectic schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near La Salle CO?

Perhaps you have already made your decision to attend a Nursing Program in the greater La Salle Colorado 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.

Eriq La Salle

Erik Ki La Salle (born July 23, 1962), professionally known as Eriq La Salle, is an American actor, director, writer and producer known for his performances in the films Coming to America (1988) and especially as Dr. Peter Benton in the NBC medical drama ER (1994–2002; 2008–2009) which earned him three NAACP Image Awards and nominations for a Golden Globe Award and three Primetime Emmy Awards.

La Salle, one of four children, was born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, by his mother, Ada Haynes.[1] He is an alumnus of Weaver High School and the Artists Collective, Inc. in Hartford. He attended the Juilliard School's Drama Division for two years as a member of Group 13 (1980–84),[2] then attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Graduate Acting Program[3] in 1984.[4][5]

At the time of his graduation from NYU, La Salle was cast in Joseph Papp's Shakespeare in the Park production of Henry V.[3] Soon after, he found continuous acting work on Broadway, off-Broadway and in several daytime TV dramas including One Life to Live, where he played the reporter Mike Rivers.

Pick the Right Nursing Degree near La Salle CO

La Salle CO nursing studentEnrolling in the ideal registered nursing college is potentially the most critical phase to launching a new career in the health care industry. There are many factors that you need to take into account when deciding on a nursing school. These aspects will be prioritized differently contingent on your current career goals, lifestyle, and economic status. As we have stressed in this post, it is essential that you choose an RN school and a degree program that are both accredited and have excellent reputations within the healthcare community. By using our list of qualifying questions, you will be able to create a short list of schools to select from so that you can make your ultimate selection. And with the proper degree and training, combined with your dedication and drive to succeed, you can become a licensed registered nurse in La Salle CO.

More Awesome Locations in Colorado

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Louisville CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Craig CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Cripple Creek CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Firestone CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Sanford CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Dupont CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Wheat Ridge CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Manitou Springs CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Grover CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Pueblo CO
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 8

    The Green House Homes at Mirasol
    2 Reviews
    Assisted Living Facilities, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    490 Mirasol Dr, Loveland, CO 80537

    The Suites Fort Collins
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living Facilities
    Phone:
    4880 Ziegler Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80528

    Lemay Avenue Health & Rehabilitation Facility
    4 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    4824 S Lemay Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525

    BrightStar Care Boulder/Broomfield
    2 Reviews
    Home Health Care
    Phone:
    2095 W 6th Ave, Ste 204, Broomfield, CO 80020

    Clear View Behavioral Health
    8 Reviews
    Hospitals, Behavior Analysts
    Phone:
    4770 Larimer Pkwy, Johnstown, CO 80534

    Interim Healthcare
    3 Reviews
    Home Health Care, Personal Care Services
    Phone:
    2000 Vermont Dr, Ste 100, Fort Collins, CO 80525

    UCHealth - Poudre Valley Hospital
    30 Reviews
    Hospitals
    Phone:
    1024 S Lemay Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524

    Miramont Family Medicine
    22 Reviews
    Medical Centers
    Phone:
    4674 Snow Mesa Dr, Ste 140, Fort Collins, CO 80528

     

    • University of Colorado College of Nursing | CU Nursing

      The birthplace of the nurse practitioner program, CU Nursing boasts a reputation as a leader and pioneer in nursing education. 4-degree programs (BS, MS, DNP, PhD). In-person, online, and hybrid; Accredited by CCNE; 2022 National League for Nursing Educator of the Year recipient

    • 2024 Best Nursing Schools in Colorado - Niche

      2024 Best Colleges for Nursing in Colorado. Ranking of best nursing schools in Colorado. Compare the top colleges for nursing majors in your state.

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

      Colorado Springs Nursing Schools. Best RN Programs in Colorado. Selecting the best nursing school in Colorado can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates."

    • 7 Best Nursing Schools in Colorado – 2024 Rankings - NursingProcess.org

      WHAT ARE THE BEST ACCREDITED NURSING SCHOOLS IN COLORADO? (After closely assessing all nursing schools approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing, based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the best accredited nursing schools in Colorado offering BSN programs.) 1. University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

    • Best Nursing Schools in Colorado - US News Rankings

      Here are the Best Nursing Schools in Colorado. University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. University of Northern Colorado. Colorado State University--Pueblo. Aspen University....

    • CU College of Nursing Academic Programs | CU Nursing

      Become a Nurse at CU College of Nursing. We offer a variety of undergraduate programs and graduate programs, all designed to meet current industry and societal needs.

    • Best RN Programs in Colorado for 2024 - RNCareers

      Table of Contents. Best ADN Programs in Colorado. Best BSN Programs in Colorado. Become an NP in Colorado. Become an APRN in Colorado. RN Licensing Requirements in Colorado. More of the Best Nursing Programs in Colorado. Nursing Salaries in Colorado. Find the Best RN to BSN, NP, ABSN Nursing Programs Near Me.

    • CU College of Nursing Undergraduate Programs | CU Nursing

      The University of Colorado College of Nursing offers pioneering, nationally ranked nursing programs that empower prospective students to achieve their career goals. As a prospective student, you will be joining a professional, friendly and future-oriented community.

    • Colorado Nursing Schools And Programs | NurseJournal.org

      The Best Nursing Schools in Colorado. Only you can decide on the best nursing program in Colorado that meets your needs. This guide offers important criteria to consider as you compare nursing schools, including graduation rate, tuition, time commitment, and admission requirements.

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

      The ultimate list of the top 10 best nursing schools in Colorado. We included everything you need to know about tuition cost, NCLEX pass rates, online nursing programs, and more!