Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Fulton MD

How to Find the Right Nursing College near Fulton Maryland

Fulton MD surgical nurse assisting surgeonChoosing the right nursing college near Fulton MD may feel like a complicated endeavor, especially if you have no idea what to look for in a good degree program. As you may already know, to practice as a registered nurse, you must acquire the necessary education and training in order to become licensed. So it is essential that you research and evaluate the qualifications of each school you are contemplating before enrolling in your final choice. Regrettably, too many potential students base their selection solely on the cost of tuition and the proximity of the school. Going with the least costly program or the one that is local to your home is probably not the best way to choose a nursing program. There are many important additional considerations to check into before you decide where to enroll in classes. But before we delve into that checklist, let’s first look at what the function of a registered nurse is in our healthcare system, together with the nursing degree alternatives that are available.

Registered Nurse Job Duties

Fulton MD Neonatal Nurse with babyRegistered nurses are the most significant occupation in the medical care delivery system. RNs practice in many different medical environments, namely Fulton MD hospitals, family practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their primary function is to help doctors in the care of their patients. Having said that, the exact duties of a registered nurse will be dependent on their job or specialization in addition to where they work. A few of the duties of an RN may include:

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

Nurses with a higher degree may have more advanced 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 administer primary or specialty care services, prescribe medications, and diagnose and treat routine illnesses or injuries.

Nursing Degrees Available

There are multiple degrees available to become a registered nurse. And to become an RN, a student must attend an accredited school and program. A student can receive a qualifying degree in just 2 years, or continue on to obtain a graduate degree for a total of 6 years. Following are some brief summaries of the nursing degrees that are offered in the Fulton MD area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is typically a two year program made available by community colleges. It preps 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 afterwards achieve a higher degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers more in depth training than the ADN. It is typically a 4 year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be allowed to complete an accelerated program based on their prior training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program might wish 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 normally a two year program after achieving the BSN. The MSN program provides specialization training, for example to become a nurse practitioner or focus on administration, management or teaching.

When a graduating student has attained 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. Additional requirements for licensing fluctuate from state to state, so be sure to contact the Maryland board of nursing for any state mandates.

LPN Courses

Fulton MD LPN assisting patientThere are principally two scholastic accreditations offered that provide training 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 next choice is to earn a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are more comprehensive in nature than the diploma option and typically require 2 years to complete. The advantage of Associate Degrees, along with supplying a higher credential and more comprehensive instruction, 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 Maryland approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or some other national accrediting organization. The NLNAC warrants that the core curriculum 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 some other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not have to earn a college degree. CNA instruction can be obtained at Fulton MD area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The length 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 mandated to obtain at least 75 hours of training, 16 of which must be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Bear in mind that this is the minimum amount of training mandated and that every state has its specific requirements. So it’s important to make sure that the training program you enroll in not only satisfies the federal requirements, but additionally those for Maryland 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. Along with the training, each state mandates a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there may be additional prerequisites as well.

Questions to Ask Nursing Colleges

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in Fulton MDOnce you have selected which nursing program to enroll in, along with whether to attend your classes on campus near Fulton MD or on the internet, you can utilize the following guidelines to begin narrowing down your choices. As you no doubt are aware, there are a large number of nursing schools and colleges within Maryland 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 site of the school and the expense of tuition are most likely going to be the first two things that you will consider. But as we also stressed, they should not be your only qualifiers. So before making your ultimate selection, use the following questions to see how your selection compares to the other schools.

  • 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 organization. Besides helping verify that you obtain a premium education, it may help in acquiring financial aid or student loans, which are often not offered in Fulton MD for non-accredited schools.
  • Licensing Preparation. Licensing criteria 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) along with graduation from an accredited school. Many states require a certain number of clinical hours be completed, 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 preps you to meet the minimum licensing standards for Maryland or the state where you will be practicing.
  • Reputation. Visit internet rating companies to see what the assessments are for each of the schools you are looking into. Ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. In addition, get in touch with the Maryland school licensing authority to determine if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can contact some Fulton MD 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 looking at 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 imperative that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only verify that the school has a favorable reputation within the Fulton MD 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. Essentially all nursing degree programs require a specified number of clinical hours be completed. Many states have minimum clinical hour requirements for licensing as well. Ask if the schools have a working relationship with Fulton MD hospitals, clinics or labs and help with the positioning of students in internships.

Online Nursing Programs

woman attending nursing school online in Fulton MDAttending nursing programs online is becoming a more popular way to obtain training and attain a nursing degree. Many schools will require attending on campus for part of the training, and almost all programs call for a specific number of clinical rotation hours conducted in a local healthcare center. But since the rest of the training may be accessed online, this alternative may be a more convenient answer to finding the free time to attend college for some Fulton MD students. Concerning tuition, many online degree programs are less costly than other on campus alternatives. Even additional expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be minimized, helping to make education more easily affordable. And a large number of online programs are accredited by organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN and MSN degrees. So if your work and family commitments have left you with little time to pursue your academic goals, maybe an online nursing school will make it easier to fit a degree into your hectic schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near Fulton MD?

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

Fulton, Maryland

The land was first surveyed by Thomas Browne, known as the "Patuxent Ranger", in 1700.[3] In the mid 1700s Richard Snowden, the Quaker grandson of one of Maryland's first iron ore producers, purchased tracts of land up the Patuxent River valley. Fulton was then known as Queen Caroline Parish. In 1803 Rezin Hammond settled on a parcel of the land,[4] and by 1805 Fulton was known as Hammond Directions and Snowden Second Addition.[3] In 1855 German immigrants settled in the area.

By 1871, St Paul's Lutheran was founded to serve the German farming community and was expanded in 1933. By 1878 Fulton opened school house #3, a one-room school house for white children a half mile west of town that operated until 1939.[4] The area was referred to as "Water's Store", for Richard Waters' blacksmith operation and post office which opened on December 29, 1874.[5][6]

The name was changed to "Fulton", after the popular Baltimore Sun editor Charles C. Fulton on 28 March 1882.[7] Albert W. Bradey purchased the Fulton corner stores of his father and Smallwood, operating it until his death in a house fire at the age of 90.[8][9]

Pick the Right Nursing College near Fulton MD

Fulton MD nursing studentChoosing the ideal registered nursing school is probably the most important first step to beginning a new career in the healthcare industry. There are a number of factors that you should take into account when picking a nursing school. These aspects will be prioritized differently contingent on your current career objectives, lifestyle, and financial situation. As we have emphasized 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 health care 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 final selection. And with the proper degree and training, combined with your hard work and ambition to succeed, you can become a practicing RN in Fulton MD.

More Awesome Locations in Maryland

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Bethesda MD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Silver Spring MD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Glenn Dale MD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Nottingham MD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Hanover MD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Randallstown MD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Rock Point MD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Port Deposit MD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Deal Island MD
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Adamstown MD
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 119

    Collingswood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
    1 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Hospice, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    299 Hurley Ave, Rockville, MD 20850

    ManorCare Health Services-Potomac
    22 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Retirement Homes, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    10714 Potomac Tennis Ln, Potomac, MD 20854

    Lorien Columbia
    4 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    6334 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044

    Cherrydale Health & Rehabilitation Center
    12 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    3710 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22207

    Brooke Grove Retirement Village
    2 Reviews
    Assisted Living Facilities
    Phone:
    18100 Slade School Rd, Sandy Spring, MD 20860

    Augsburg Village
    2 Reviews
    Assisted Living Facilities
    Phone:
    6825 Campfield Rd, Baltimore, MD 21207

    Althea Woodland Nursing Home & Rehabilitation
    3 Reviews
    Retirement Homes, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    1000 Daleview Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20901

    ManorCare Health Services-Wheaton
    6 Reviews
    Assisted Living Facilities, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    11901 Georgia Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902

    Shady Grove Center
    5 Reviews
    Assisted Living Facilities, Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    9701 Medical Center Dr, Genesis Health Care, Rockville, MD 20850

    ManorCare Health Services-Silver Spring
    1 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Assisted Living Facilities, Home Health Care
    Phone:
    2501 Musgrove Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20904