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

How to Select a Nursing School near Kane Illinois

Kane IL surgical nurse assisting surgeonFinding the best nursing program near Kane IL may feel like a complex endeavor, especially if you have no idea what to look for in a good degree program. As you may already understand, in order to practice as a registered nurse, you need to acquire the necessary education and training to become licensed. So it is vitally important that you study and evaluate the qualifications of each school you are thinking about before enrolling in your ultimate selection. Regrettably, too many future students base their selection exclusively on the cost of tuition and the distance of the school. Selecting the least costly program or the one that is local to your home is probably not the best way to pick a nursing program. There are a number of essential additional factors to check out before you determine where to attend classes. But before we delve into that checklist, let’s first cover what the function of a registered nurse is in our medical care system, together with the nursing degree choices that are available.

Registered Nurse Job Activities

Kane IL Neonatal Nurse with babyRegistered nurses are the most significant occupation in the medical delivery system. RNs practice in a large number of different medical environments, such as Kane 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 be dependent on their job or specialization along with where they work. A few of the functions of an RN may include:

  • Providing medications
  • Observing patients
  • Conducting physical examinations
  • Coordinating care
  • Overseeing LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides
  • Educating patients and their families
  • Keeping health records and charts

Nurses with a more advanced degree may have more high level 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 common illnesses or injuries.

Nursing Degree Options

There is more than one degree option available to become a registered nurse. And in order to become an RN, a student must attend an accredited school and program. A student can acquire a qualifying degree in as little as 2 years, or continue on to achieve a graduate degree for a total of six years. Following are some brief descriptions of the nursing degrees that are available in the Kane IL area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is usually a two year program made available by community colleges. It readies graduates for an entry level job in nursing in medical facilities including hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many employ the ADN as an entry into nursing and afterwards achieve a more advanced degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers more extensive training than the ADN. It is commonly 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 may wish 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 typically a two 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.

After 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. Additional requirements for licensing can vary from state to state, so be sure to check with the Illinois board of nursing for any state requirements.

LPN and LVN Courses

Kane IL LPN assisting patientThere are essentially two scholastic credentials 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 one year, is the certificate or diploma program. The 2nd choice is to obtain a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are broader in nature than the diploma alternative and typically require 2 years to finish. The advantage of Associate Degrees, aside from providing a higher credential and more extensive training, are that they provide more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. Regardless of the kind of credential you pursue, it needs to be Illinois approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or another national accrediting organization. The NLNAC attests that the syllabus effectively prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that most graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

CNA Training

Unlike some other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not have to earn a college degree. CNA education can be received at Kane IL area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The duration of the training can take anywhere from one to three months, leading to either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are mandated to obtain at least 75 hours of training, 16 of which must be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimum period of training directed and that each state has its own requirements. So it’s important to make sure that the program you enroll in not only satisfies the federal requirements, but also those for Illinois or the state where you will be practicing. One recommendation is to check with 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.

Things to Ask Nursing Colleges

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in Kane ILNow that you have decided on which nursing degree to enroll in, along with whether to attend your classes on campus near Kane IL or on the internet, you can utilize the following pointers to start narrowing down your choices. As you probably realize, there are numerous nursing schools and colleges throughout Illinois and the United States. So it is necessary to lower the number of schools to select from so that you will have a workable list. As we already pointed out, the location of the school as well as the cost of tuition are undoubtedly going to be the initial two points that you will consider. But as we also stressed, they should not be your sole 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 along with the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Aside from helping confirm that you receive a premium education, it may assist in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are oftentimes not provided in Kane IL for non-accredited schools.
  • Licensing Preparation. Licensing requirements for registered nurses differ 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. 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 enrolled in not only provides an excellent education, but also prepares you to comply with the minimum licensing standards for Illinois or the state where you will be working.
  • Reputation. Visit online rating services to see what the assessments are for each of the schools you are considering. Ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews too. In addition, get in touch with the Illinois school licensing authority to determine if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can contact some Kane IL 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 complete their programs. A low graduation rate may be an indication that students were displeased with the program and dropped out. It’s also essential that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only substantiate that the school has a good reputation within the Kane IL medical community, but that it also has the network of relationships to help students gain a position.
  • Internship Programs. The best way to obtain 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 prerequisites for licensing also. Check if the schools have a working relationship with Kane IL hospitals, clinics or labs and help with the placement of students in internships.

Online Nursing Schools

woman attending nursing school online in Kane ILEnrolling in nursing programs online is becoming a more favored way to receive instruction and acquire a nursing degree. Certain schools will require attendance on campus for part of the training, and virtually all programs call for a specified amount of clinical rotation hours conducted in a local healthcare facility. But since the balance of the training may be accessed online, this option may be a more convenient solution to finding the time to attend school for many Kane IL students. Regarding tuition, many online degree programs are cheaper than other on campus choices. Even supplemental expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be reduced, 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 household commitments have left you with very little time to pursue your academic goals, it could be that an online nursing school will make it easier to fit a degree into your active schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near Kane IL?

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

Kane County, Illinois

Kane County is a county in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 515,269,[2] making it the fifth-most populous county in Illinois. Its county seat is Geneva,[3] and its largest city is Aurora.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county's area was 524 square miles (1,360 km2), of which 520 square miles (1,300 km2) is land and 4.1 square miles (11 km2) (0.8%) is water.[5] Its largest cities are along the Fox River.

In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Geneva have ranged from a low of 10 °F (−12 °C) in January to a high of 84 °F (29 °C) in July, although a record low of −26 °F (−32 °C) was recorded in January 1985 and a record high of 111 °F (44 °C) was recorded in July 1936. The average monthly precipitation ranged from 1.52 inches (39 mm) in February to 4.39 inches (112 mm) in July.[6]

Select the Right Nursing School near Kane IL

Kane IL nursing studentChoosing the ideal registered nursing program is probably the most critical first step to beginning a new career in the health care industry. There are many variables that you must think about when deciding on a nursing school. These variables will be prioritized differently contingent on your existing career goals, obligations, and economic status. As we have stressed in this content, it is critical that you choose an RN school and a degree program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the medical community. By using our checklist of qualifying questions, you will be able to develop a short list of schools to select from so that you can make your ultimate selection. And with the right degree and training, combined with your hard work and drive to succeed, you can become a licensed RN in Kane IL.

More Awesome Locations in Illinois

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Dongola IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Mount Vernon IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Camp Point IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – South Holland IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Washington IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Equality IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Ridgway IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Genoa IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Milledgeville IL
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Bismarck IL
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 0

     

    • 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.