Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Colebrook CT

How to Enroll In a Nursing College near Colebrook Connecticut

Colebrook CT surgical nurse assisting surgeonSearching for the best nursing program near Colebrook CT may seem like a difficult undertaking, especially if you aren’t sure what to look for in a good degree program. As you may already know, in order to practice as a registered nurse, you must obtain the necessary education and training in order to become licensed. So it is critically important that you study and assess the qualifications of each school you are considering before enrolling in your final selection. Regrettably, too many prospective students base their decision solely on the cost of tuition and the nearness of the school. Going with the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to your home is no doubt not the most reliable way to decide on a nursing program. There are a number of important additional things to look into before you decide where to attend classes. But before we delve into that checklist, let’s first review what the role of a registered nurse is in our healthcare system, together with the nursing degree options that are available.

Registered Nurse Job Responsibilities

Colebrook CT Neonatal Nurse with babyRegistered nurses are the most extensive occupation in the medical care delivery system. RNs practice in many different medical settings, including Colebrook CT hospitals, family practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their general duty is to help doctors in the care of their patients. However, the particular duties of a registered nurse will depend on their job or area of expertise along with 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 more advanced degree may have more complex job duties and accountabilities. Nurse practitioners (NP), for instance, 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 common illnesses or injuries.

Nursing Degrees Available

There are several degree options available 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 acquire a qualifying degree in as little as two years, or continue on to earn a graduate degree for a total of 6 years. Following are some brief explanations of the nursing degrees that are available in the Colebrook CT area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is typically a 2 year program offered by community colleges. It prepares graduates for an entry level job in nursing in healthcare centers including hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many utilize the ADN as an entry into nursing and later obtain a more advanced degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers more in depth training than the ADN. It is normally a 4 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 want to advance 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 receiving the BSN. The MSN program offers specialization training, for example to become a nurse practitioner or focus on administration, management or teaching.

Once a graduating student has earned one of the above degrees, he or she must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed. Other requirements for licensing can vary from state to state, so make sure to contact the Connecticut board of nursing for any state mandates.

LPN Programs

Colebrook CT LPN assisting patientThere are basically two academic credentials offered that provide training to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that may be concluded in the shortest amount of time, commonly about one year, is the certificate or diploma course. The other option is to obtain a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are more comprehensive in nature than the diploma alternative and usually require 2 years to finish. The benefit of Associate Degrees, besides offering a higher credential and more extensive training, are that they furnish more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. Regardless of the kind of credential you pursue, it should be Connecticut approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or another national accrediting organization. The NLNAC warrants that the syllabus effectively prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that most graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

CNA Certificates

In contrast to other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not have to earn a college degree. CNA instruction can be received at Colebrook CT area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The duration of the training program can take anywhere from 1 to three months, resulting in either a certificate or a diploma. Under the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are required to have at least 75 hours of training, 16 of which have to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimum amount of training directed and each state has its own prerequisites. So it’s essential to make certain that the program you enroll in not only fulfills the federal requirements, but likewise those for Connecticut or the state where you will be practicing. One recommendation is to contact the health or nursing board for your state to make sure that the education is state certified. As well as the training, each state requires a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there might be other prerequisites as well.

What to Ask Nursing Degree Programs

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in Colebrook CTNow that you have selected which nursing program to pursue, as well as if to attend your classes on campus near Colebrook CT or on the internet, you can utilize the following guidelines to start narrowing down your options. As you undoubtedly are aware, there are a large number of nursing schools and colleges throughout Connecticut and the United States. So it is essential to decrease the number of schools to choose from in order that you will have a workable list. As we previously pointed out, the site of the school as well as the cost of tuition are most likely going to be the primary two factors that you will consider. But as we also emphasized, they should not be your only qualifiers. So before making your ultimate decision, use the following questions to see how your selection measures up to the other programs.

  • 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 make sure that you obtain a premium education, it may help in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are frequently not offered in Colebrook CT for non-accredited schools.
  • Licensing Preparation. Licensing criteria for registered nurses vary 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. Certain states require a certain number of clinical hours be performed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s essential that the school you are attending not only delivers a top-notch education, but also readies you to meet the minimum licensing standards for Connecticut or the state where you will be practicing.
  • Reputation. Visit internet rating services 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 Connecticut school licensing authority to check out if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can call some Colebrook CT 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 colleges 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 unhappy with the program and dropped out. It’s also important that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only confirm that the school has a superb reputation within the Colebrook CT healthcare community, but that it also has the network of relationships to assist students gain employment.
  • Internship Programs. The best way to acquire experience as a registered nurse is to work in a clinical environment. Almost all nursing degree programs require a specified number of clinical hours be completed. Many states have minimum clinical hour mandates for licensing as well. Ask if the schools have a working relationship with Colebrook CT hospitals, clinics or labs and assist with the positioning of students in internships.

Online Nursing Programs

woman attending nursing school online in Colebrook CTAttending nursing colleges online is growing into a more preferred way to receive instruction and attain a nursing degree. Many schools will require attendance on campus for part of the training, and virtually all programs call for a specific number of clinical rotation hours carried out in a local healthcare center. But since the remainder of the training may be accessed online, this option may be a more convenient answer to finding the time to attend school for some Colebrook CT students. Pertaining to tuition, some online degree programs are less expensive than other on campus options. Even additional expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be reduced, helping to make education more easily affordable. And a large number of online programs are accredited by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN and MSN degrees. Therefore if your job and household obligations have left you with limited time to work toward your academic goals, it could be that an online nursing training program will make it easier to fit a degree into your active schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near Colebrook CT?

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

Colebrook, Connecticut

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 32.9 square miles (85 km2), of which 31.5 square miles (82 km2) is land and 1.5 square miles (3.9 km2) (4.40%) is water. The Algonquin State Forest is located within the town.

As of the census[5] of 2000, there were 1,471 people, 566 households, and 419 families residing in the town. The population density was 46.7 people per square mile (18.0/km²). There were 656 housing units at an average density of 20.8 per square mile (8.0/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.01% White, 0.68% African American, 0.61% Asian, 0.88% from other races, and 0.82% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.45% of the population.

There were 566 households out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.2% were married couples living together, 5.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.8% were non-families. 19.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.01.

Select the Right Nursing Degree near Colebrook CT

Colebrook CT nursing studentDeciding on the ideal registered nursing college is perhaps the most critical first step to starting a new career in the health care field. There are various factors that you need to think about when selecting a nursing school. These factors will be prioritized differently contingent on your current career goals, obligations, and economic situation. As we have highlighted within this content, it is essential that you pick an RN college and a degree program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the healthcare community. By utilizing our list of qualifying questions, you will be able to develop a short list of schools to select from so that you can make your final selection. And with the right degree and training, combined with your hard work and drive to succeed, you can become a licensed RN in Colebrook CT.

More Awesome Locations in Connecticut

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Moosup CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – North Haven CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Ridgefield CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Middletown CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Pawcatuck CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Broad Brook CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Niantic CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Harwinton CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Killingworth CT
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – New Britain CT
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 7

    The Hebrew Center for Health & Rehabilitation
    1 Reviews
    Hospitals, Rehabilitation Center, Home Health Care
    Phone:
    1 Abrahms Blvd, West Hartford, CT 06117

    MeadowBrook Of Granby
    2 Reviews
    Retirement Homes, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    350 Salmon Brook St, Granby, CT 06035

    West Hartford Health and Rehabilitation Center
    2 Reviews
    Retirement Homes, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    130 Loomis Dr, West Hartford, CT 06107

    Governor's House
    2 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Retirement Homes, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    36 Firetown Rd, Simsbury, CT 06070

    Touchpoints at Farmington
    2 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    20 Scott Swamp Rd, Farmington, CT 06032

    Hebrew Home & Hospital
    3 Reviews
    Hospitals
    Phone:
    355 Bloomfield Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117

    New England Urgent Care
    31 Reviews
    Urgent Care, Walk-in Clinics
    Phone:
    21 N Main St, West Hartford, CT 06107