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

How to Select a Nursing School near Cary Illinois

Cary IL surgical nurse assisting surgeonFinding the right nursing college near Cary IL may seem like a formidable undertaking, particularly if you have no idea what to look for in a good degree program. As you may presently know, 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 thinking about before enrolling in your ultimate selection. Regrettably, too many prospective students base their selection exclusively on the price of tuition and the nearness of the school. Going with the least expensive program or the one that is closest to your home is probably not the best way to select a nursing program. There are many important additional aspects to check into before you determine where to attend classes. But before we explore that checklist, let’s first look at what the job of a registered nurse is in our health system, as well as the nursing degree options that are available.

Registered Nurse Job Activities

Cary IL Neonatal Nurse with babyRegistered nurses are the most significant occupation in the medical delivery system. RNs practice in numerous different medical settings, including Cary IL hospitals, family practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their basic role is to help doctors in the treatment of their patients. However, the exact duties of a registered nurse will depend on their job or area of expertise in addition to where they work. A portion of the duties of an RN may include:

  • Providing medications
  • Overseeing patients
  • Conducting physical examinations
  • Managing care
  • Managing LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides
  • Instructing 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 routine illnesses or injuries.

Nursing Degrees

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 receive 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 descriptions of the nursing degrees that are available in the Cary IL area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is typically a two year program offered by community colleges. It prepares graduates for an entry level position in nursing in medical centers including hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many utilize the ADN as an entry into nursing and subsequently earn a more advanced degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) supplies more expansive training than the ADN. It is usually a 4 year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be allowed 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 usually a two year program after receiving the BSN. The MSN program offers specialization training, for example to become a nurse practitioner or concentrate 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) so as to become licensed. Additional requirements for licensing fluctuate from state to state, so don’t forget to check with the Illinois board of nursing for any state requirements.

LVN and LPN Certificates and Degrees

Cary IL LPN assisting patientThere are principally two scholastic accreditations offered that provide training to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that may be concluded in the shortest period of time, commonly about 12 months, is the certificate or diploma course. The other alternative is to attain a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are broader in nature than the diploma alternative and usually require 2 years to finish. The advantage of Associate Degrees, in addition to offering a higher credential and more comprehensive training, are that they furnish more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. Regardless of the type of credential you seek, it should be Illinois approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or another national accrediting organization. The NLNAC warrants 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 Courses

In contrast to other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not have to obtain a college degree. CNA training can be acquired at Cary IL area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The duration of the instruction 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 receive 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 minimal amount of training directed and every state has its own requirements. So it’s crucial to make certain that the program you enroll in not only complies with the federal requirements, but likewise those for Illinois or the state where you will be practicing. One recommendation is to contact the health or nursing board for your state to make certain that the training course 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 requirements as well.

Questions to Ask Nursing Programs

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in Cary ILOnce you have determined which nursing program to pursue, along with if to attend your classes on campus near Cary IL or online, you can use the following guidelines to begin narrowing down your options. As you probably are aware, there are many nursing schools and colleges within Illinois and the United States. So it is necessary to decrease the number of schools to select from so that you will have a manageable list. As we previously pointed out, the location of the school along with the cost of tuition are undoubtedly going to be the first two things that you will consider. But as we also emphasized, they should not be your only qualifiers. So prior to making your final choice, use the following questions to see how your selection 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 organization. In addition to helping confirm that you receive a premium education, it may help in acquiring financial aid or student loans, which are often not available in Cary IL for non-accredited schools.
  • Licensing Preparation. Licensing requirements for registered nurses are different from state to state. In all states, a passing score is needed on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) together with graduation from an accredited school. Certain states require a specified 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 provides a top-notch education, but also prepares you to satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Illinois or the state where you will be practicing.
  • Reputation. Look at internet rating services to see what the reviews are for each of the schools you are looking into. Ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. In addition, check with the Illinois school licensing authority to determine if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can contact some Cary IL 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 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 displeased with the program and dropped out. It’s also imperative that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only confirm that the school has a favorable reputation within the Cary IL medical community, but that it also has the network of contacts to assist students attain employment.
  • Internship Programs. The best 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 as well. Find out if the schools have associations with Cary IL hospitals, clinics or labs and assist with the placing of students in internships.

Nursing Online Degrees

woman attending nursing school online in Cary ILEnrolling in nursing schools online is becoming a more popular way to get training and attain a nursing degree. Some schools will require attendance on campus for part of the training, and nearly all programs call for a certain number of clinical rotation hours carried out in a local healthcare center. But since the rest of the training can be accessed online, this method may be a more practical solution to finding the free time to attend school for many Cary IL students. Regarding tuition, many online degree programs are less costly than other on campus alternatives. Even additional expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be lessened, helping to make education more economical. And many online programs are accredited by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN and MSN degrees. Therefore if your work and family commitments have left you with very little time to pursue your academic goals, maybe an online nursing school will make it more convenient to fit a degree into your hectic schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near Cary IL?

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

Cary, Illinois

In 1841, William Dennison Cary purchased 82 acres (33 ha) for $1.25 an acre at the location of the current town and built a farm. In 1856, Cary included a train station for the Illinois & Wisconsin Railway. The site was approved and a post office was added with the designation "Cary Station." The community around Cary Station was incorporated in 1893 as Cary, Illinois.[4][5] The town soon became a winter resort for skiing.

Early farmers saw this new railway as an opportunity. The economy relied heavily on selling produce, mainly pickles, and the farmers utilized the railway to conduct business with more industrialized cities such as St. Louis and Chicago. The success of this enterprise helped transform Cary into the suburban community it is today.[6]

According to the 2010 census, Cary has a total area of 6.358 square miles (16.47 km2), of which 6.27 square miles (16.24 km2) (or 98.62%) is land and 0.088 square miles (0.23 km2) (or 1.38%) is water.[7] It is located on the Fox River.

Choose the Right Nursing Program near Cary IL

Cary IL nursing studentChoosing the right registered nursing degree program is probably the most important step to starting a new career in the medical care field. There are various variables that you should take into account when selecting a nursing school. These variables will be prioritized differently depending on your current career goals, lifestyle, and economic status. As we have pointed out within this article, it is important that you pick an RN school and a degree program that are both accredited and have outstanding reputations within the health care community. By utilizing our list of qualifying questions, you will be able to create a shortlist of schools to select from so that you can make your final selection. And with the proper degree and training, combined with your hard work and desire to succeed, you can become a practicing RN in Cary IL.

More Awesome Locations in Illinois

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Henry IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Blue Mound IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Flora IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Palos Park IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Fenton IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Harvard IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Biggsville IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Moline IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Shawneetown IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Aurora IL
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 46

    Avondale Estates Of Elgin
    3 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    1760 Capital St, Elgin, IL 60124

    Radford Green
    6 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation Center, Assisted Living Facilities
    Phone:
    960 Audubon Way, Lincolnshire, ID 60069

    Alden Poplar Creek
    4 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Home Health Care
    Phone:
    1545 Barrington Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

    Addolorata Villa
    3 Reviews
    Assisted Living Facilities
    Phone:
    555 McHenry Rd, Wheeling, IL 60090

    Tower Hill Healthcare Center
    1 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    759 Kane St, South Elgin, IL 60177

    The Village At Victory Lakes
    2 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living Facilities, Retirement Homes
    Phone:
    1075 Victory Dr, Lindenhurst, IL 60046

    ManorCare Health Services-Libertyville
    7 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living Facilities
    Phone:
    1500 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048

    Avantara Long Grove
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    1666 Checker Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047

    Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
    44 Reviews
    Hospitals
    Phone:
    450 W Hwy 22, Barrington, IL 60010

    Comfort Keepers - Grayslake
    6 Reviews
    Home Health Care
    Phone:
    888 E Belvidere Rd, Ste 302, Grayslake, IL 60030

     

    • 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.