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

How to Pick a Nursing Program near Littleton Colorado

Littleton CO surgical nurse assisting surgeonChoosing the best nursing college near Littleton CO may feel like a formidable project, particularly if you aren’t sure what to search for in a good degree program. As you may presently understand, for you to practice as a registered nurse, you must obtain the necessary education and training in order to become licensed. So it is essential that you research and measure the qualifications of each school you are contemplating before enrolling in your final selection. The fact is, too many future students base their determination exclusively on the price of tuition and the proximity of the school. Picking the least costly program or the one that is local to your home is undoubtedly not the most reliable way to pick a nursing program. There are several essential additional considerations to check into before you make a decision where to attend classes. But before we examine that checklist, let’s first cover what the role of a registered nurse is in our healthcare system, along with the nursing degree alternatives that are available.

Registered Nurse Job Duties

Littleton CO Neonatal Nurse with babyRegistered nurses are the most significant occupation in the medical care delivery system. RNs practice in a large number of different medical environments, such as Littleton CO hospitals, family practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their general job is to assist doctors in the care of their patients. However, the specific duties of a registered nurse will be dependent on their job or specialization as well as where they work. A portion of the responsibilities of an RN may include:

  • Administering medications
  • Observing patients
  • Performing physical examinations
  • Managing care
  • Supervising LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides
  • Instructing patients and their families
  • Maintaining health records and charts

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

Nursing Degree Options

There are multiple degrees 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 as little as 2 years, or continue on to obtain a graduate degree for a total of 6 years. Following are some short explanations of the nursing degrees that are offered in the Littleton CO area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is generally a two year program made available by community colleges. It readies graduates for an entry level job in nursing in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many utilize the ADN as an entry into nursing and later earn a more advanced degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) supplies more in depth training than the ADN. It is generally a four year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be qualified to complete an accelerated program based on their previous training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program may 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 generally a two year program after receiving the BSN. The MSN program offers specialization training, for instance to become a nurse practitioner or focus 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) to become licensed. Additional requirements for licensing can vary from state to state, so be sure to contact the Colorado board of nursing for any state requirements.

LPN and LVN Training

Littleton CO LPN assisting patientThere are principally two academic accreditations available that provide education to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that can be completed in the shortest period of time, generally about 1 year, 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 option and usually require 2 years to complete. The advantage of Associate Degrees, in addition to offering a higher credential and more extensive instruction, are that they provide more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. Regardless of the type of credential you pursue, it should be Colorado approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or some other national accrediting organization. The NLNAC guarantees that the course of study effectively prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that the majority of graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

CNA Training

Unlike many other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not need to earn a college degree. CNA training can be received at Littleton CO area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The duration of the instruction can take anywhere from one to three 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. Keep in mind that this is the minimum amount of instruction mandated and that every state has its own prerequisites. So it’s crucial to make sure that the training program you enroll in not only satisfies the federal requirements, but additionally those for Colorado or the state where you will be practicing. One recommendation is to check with the health or nursing board for your state to make certain that the training course is state approved. In addition to the training, each state requires a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there may be additional requirements as well.

Things to Ask Nursing Schools

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in Littleton CONow that you have selected which nursing program to enroll in, along with whether to attend your classes on campus near Littleton CO or online, you can use the following guidelines to begin narrowing down your choices. As you no doubt realize, there are many nursing schools and colleges within Colorado and the United States. So it is necessary to decrease the number of schools to choose from in order that you will have a manageable list. As we previously pointed out, the location of the school as well as the price of tuition are most likely going to be the initial two factors that you will take into consideration. But as we also stressed, they should not be your only qualifiers. So prior to making your ultimate decision, 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 as well as the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Besides helping verify that you receive an excellent education, it may assist in acquiring financial aid or student loans, which are oftentimes not available in Littleton CO for non-accredited schools.
  • Licensing Preparation. Licensing requirements for registered nurses vary from state to state. In all states, a passing score is needed on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) as well as graduation from an accredited school. Many states require a specific number of clinical hours be performed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s important that the school you are enrolled in not only delivers an outstanding education, but also preps you to satisfy the minimum licensing standards for Colorado or the state where you will be working.
  • Reputation. Check online rating services to see what the evaluations are for each of the schools you are looking into. Ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews too. Additionally, check with the Colorado school licensing authority to find out if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can call some Littleton 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 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 dissatisfied with the program and dropped out. It’s also essential that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only verify that the school has a good reputation within the Littleton CO medical community, but that it also has the network of relationships to help students obtain a position.
  • Internship Programs. The most effective way to acquire experience as a registered nurse is to work in a clinical environment. Essentially all nursing degree programs require a certain number of clinical hours be completed. Many states have minimum clinical hour prerequisites for licensing too. Check if the schools have a working relationship with Littleton CO hospitals, clinics or labs and assist with the placing of students in internships.

Online Nursing Schools

woman attending nursing school online in Littleton COEnrolling in nursing schools online is growing into a more popular way to get instruction and acquire a nursing degree. Some schools will require attendance on campus for a component of the training, and almost all programs require a specified number of clinical rotation hours performed in a local healthcare center. But since the rest of the training may be accessed online, this method may be a more convenient approach to finding the time to attend classes for some Littleton CO students. Pertaining to tuition, a number of online degree programs are cheaper than other on campus choices. Even additional expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be lessened, helping to make education more economical. And numerous online programs are accredited by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN and MSN degrees. So if your job and household responsibilities have left you with limited time to pursue your academic goals, perhaps an online nursing training program will make it easier to fit a degree into your busy schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near Littleton CO?

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

Littleton, Colorado

Littleton is the Home Rule Municipality in Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson counties that is the county seat of Arapahoe County, Colorado, United States.[8][9] The city is a part of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city population was 41,737 at the 2010 United States Census, ranking as the 20th most populous municipality in the State of Colorado.

The city of Littleton's history dates back to the 1859 Pike's Peak Gold Rush, which brought not only gold seekers, but merchants and farmers to the community. Richard Sullivan Little was an engineer from New Hampshire who made his way out West to work on irrigation systems. Little soon decided to settle in the area at present day Littleton and brought his wife Angeline out from the East in 1862. The Littles, along with many neighbors, built the Rough and Ready Flour Mill in 1867, which provided a solid economic base in the community. By 1890, the community had grown to 245 people and the residents voted to incorporate the Town of Littleton.[10]

Littleton became widely known in 1999 when the Columbine High School massacre occurred at Columbine High School.[11] News media reported that the incident happened in the city, because the school’s ZIP code is primarily associated with Littleton.[12] The school is actually located in adjacent Columbine, an unincorporated community, which is not a place name accepted by the U.S. Postal Service;[12] by default, locations in ZIP code 80123 use “Littleton” in their mailing addresses.[13] Columbine High School is in the Jefferson County school system and is not one of the Littleton Public Schools.[14][15]

Choose the Right Nursing Program near Littleton CO

Littleton CO nursing studentChoosing the ideal registered nursing program is potentially the most critical phase to starting a new career in the medical care industry. There are various factors that you need to think about when picking a nursing school. These factors will be prioritized differently contingent on your current career goals, obligations, and economic status. As we have stressed within this content, it is essential that you select an RN school and a degree program that are both accredited and have excellent reputations within the medical community. By utilizing our checklist of qualifying questions, you will be able to develop 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 dedication and drive to succeed, you can become a practicing RN in Littleton CO.

More Awesome Locations in Colorado

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Creede CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Dillon CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Walden CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Alma CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Elbert CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Calhan CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Florissant CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Saguache CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Montrose CO
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Stoneham CO
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 77

    Shalom Park
    3 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    14800 E Belleview Dr, Aurora, CO 80015

    Gardens on Quail
    10 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Assisted Living Facilities
    Phone:
    6447 Quail St, Arvada, CO 80004

    The Center at Northridge
    7 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Center, Speech Therapists
    Phone:
    12285 Pecos St, Westminster, CO 80234

    Stacy's Helping Hand
    5 Reviews
    Assisted Living Facilities, Elder Care Planning
    Phone:
    4155 E Jewell Ave, Ste 1108, Denver, CO 80222

    Sloan's Lake Rehabilitation Center
    1 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy
    Phone:
    1601 N Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80204

    Pine Trails
    2 Reviews
    Assisted Living Facilities
    Phone:
    864 Barranca Dr, Castle Rock, CO 80104

    The Villas At Sunny Acres
    3 Reviews
    Retirement Homes, Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living Facilities
    Phone:
    2501 E 104th Ave, Thornton, CO 80233

    The Rehabilitation Center At Sandalwood
    2 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing, Physical Therapy
    Phone:
    3835 Harlan St, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

    Brookdale Meridian Lakewood
    1 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    1805 S Balsam St, Lakewood, CO 80232

    Emeritus at Green Mountain
    3 Reviews
    Hospice, Retirement Homes
    Phone:
    12791 West Alameda Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80228