Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Albertville MN

How to Find the Right Nursing College near Albertville Minnesota

Albertville MN surgical nurse assisting surgeonSelecting the right nursing college near Albertville MN may feel like a challenging endeavor, especially if you have no idea what to search for in a good degree program. As you may presently know, for you to practice as a registered nurse, you need to acquire the appropriate education and training to become licensed. So it is essential that you research and measure the qualifications of each college you are contemplating before enrolling in your final selection. Unfortunately, too many prospective students base their selection entirely on the price of tuition and the proximity of the school. Selecting the least expensive program or the one that is nearest to your home is most likely not the best way to decide on a nursing program. There are many essential additional factors to check out before you determine where to attend classes. But before we explore that checklist, let’s first go over what the role of a registered nurse is in our healthcare system, together with the nursing degree alternatives that are available.

Registered Nurse Job Duties

Albertville MN 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, including Albertville MN hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their general role is to aid doctors in the treatment of their patients. However, the particular duties of a registered nurse will be dependent on their job or area of expertise in addition to where they work. Some of the responsibilities of an RN may include:

  • Administering medications
  • Monitoring patients
  • Performing physical examinations
  • Coordinating care
  • Supervising LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides
  • Educating patients and their families
  • Taking care of health records and charts

Nurses with a higher degree may have more complex 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 provide primary or specialty care services, prescribe medications, and diagnose and treat common illnesses or injuries.

Nursing Degrees Available

There are several degree options offered 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 obtain a qualifying degree in as little as 2 years, or continue on to obtain a graduate degree for a total of six years. Following are some brief summaries of the nursing degrees that are offered in the Albertville MN area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is commonly a 2 year program made available by community colleges. It prepares graduates for an entry level position in nursing in medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many utilize the ADN as an entry into nursing and ultimately achieve a higher degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) provides more in depth 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 prior 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 generally a two year program after achieving the BSN. The MSN program provides 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, 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 make sure to contact the Minnesota board of nursing for any state requirements.

LPN and LVN Courses

Albertville MN LPN assisting patientThere are essentially two academic credentials offered that provide education to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that may be finished in the shortest time frame, commonly about one year, is the certificate or diploma course. The next alternative is to earn a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are more comprehensive in nature than the diploma option and normally require 2 years to complete. The benefit of Associate Degrees, aside from supplying a higher credential and more extensive training, are that they provide more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. No matter the type of credential you pursue, it needs to be Minnesota approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or some other national accrediting organization. The NLNAC guarantees that the syllabus properly prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that most graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

CNA Certificates

Unlike some other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not need to earn a college degree. CNA education can be received at Albertville MN area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The length of the training 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 mandated to have 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 instruction directed and every state has its specific requirements. So it’s necessary to make certain that the course you enroll in not only fulfills the federal requirements, but likewise those for Minnesota or the state where you will be practicing. One suggestion is to get in touch with the health or nursing board for your state to make sure that the training course 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 can be additional prerequisites as well.

What to Ask Nursing Degree Programs

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in Albertville MNNow that you have decided on which nursing degree to enroll in, as well as whether to attend your classes on campus near Albertville MN or on the internet, you can utilize the following pointers to begin narrowing down your options. As you no doubt realize, there are many nursing schools and colleges within Minnesota and the United States. So it is essential to lower the number of schools to choose from so that you will have a workable list. As we already pointed out, the location of the school and the price of tuition are undoubtedly going to be the primary two things that you will look at. But as we also stressed, they should not be your only qualifiers. So prior to making your ultimate selection, use the following questions to evaluate how your selection measures up to the other programs.

  • Accreditation. It’s a good idea to make sure that the degree or certificate program in addition to the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Aside from helping ensure that you receive a quality education, it may help in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are oftentimes not offered in Albertville MN for non-accredited schools.
  • Licensing Preparation. Licensing requirements for registered nurses differ 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. 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 outstanding education, but also readies you to satisfy the minimum licensing standards for Minnesota or the state where you will be practicing.
  • Reputation. Visit online rating services to see what the evaluations are for each of the schools you are looking into. Ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. Additionally, contact the Minnesota school licensing authority to find out if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can speak with some Albertville MN 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 finish their programs. A low graduation rate may be an indication that students were unhappy 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 Albertville MN healthcare community, but that it also has the network of contacts to help students gain employment.
  • Internship Programs. The most effective way to obtain experience as a registered nurse is to work in a clinical setting. Almost all nursing degree programs require a certain number of clinical hours be completed. Many states have minimum clinical hour mandates for licensing also. Check if the schools have associations with Albertville MN hospitals, clinics or labs and assist with the placing of students in internships.

Nursing Online Degrees

woman attending nursing school online in Albertville MNEnrolling in nursing colleges online is becoming a more in demand way to get training and attain a nursing degree. Certain schools will require attendance on campus for part of the training, and nearly all programs call for a specific amount of clinical rotation hours conducted in a local healthcare facility. But since the balance of the training can be accessed online, this option may be a more convenient answer to finding the time to attend college for many Albertville MN students. Concerning tuition, a number of online degree programs are cheaper than other on campus options. Even supplemental expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be minimized, helping to make education more affordable. And numerous online programs are accredited by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN and MSN degrees. And so if your work and household obligations have left you with very little time to pursue your academic goals, it could be that an online nursing training program will make it easier to fit a degree into your hectic schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near Albertville MN?

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

Albertville, Minnesota

The area that is known as Albertville was first a town site called "Hamburg" by Joseph Vetsch. Later that same year in August, the Minneapolis and Northwestern Railroad Company bought land for a railroad through the area (now the BNSF rail in downtown Albertville). After 30 years of contributions to the area, including Albert Zachman, who donated land for the current historic church by Central Park (also recognized as Lions Park) J.P. Eull and Theodore Aydt proposed a petition to incorporate the township as Saint Michael Station with a population of 190. The first election held, to construct a village hall, happened in 1903. It passed on a vote of 20-18 with a cost of $531.95 ($4,035.03 today). In the next few years, the town started to raise funds for a Catholic Church, completed in 1906, was named the Church of St. Albert, in honor of Albert Zachman's contributions to the town. In 1909, Father Duhr proposed to change the name to Albertville in 1909, again in honor of Albert Zachman. The town approved, but was not official until September 1919, making the name change official.[8]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.64 square miles (12.02 km2); 4.37 square miles (11.32 km2) is land and 0.27 square miles (0.70 km2) is water.[2] Albertville is generally considered the halfway point between Minneapolis and Saint Cloud.

Albertville is part of St. Michael–Albertville Independent School District #885. The St. Michael–Albertville school colors are royal blue and gold, with the mascot as the Knight. The school district consists of seven schools and two alternative academies. The schools are St. Michael-Albertville High School (Grades 9–12), finished being built in 2009 and is the second largest high school in the state, with a square footage of about 410,000 square feet (38,000 m2); St. Michael–Albertville Middle School East and West (Grades 5–8); St. Michael Elementary School (Grades 1–4); Fieldstone Elementary School (Grades 1–4); Big Woods Elementary School (Grades 1–4); and Albertville Primary School (Kindergarten). The two ALP academies are Page Academy (Middle School alternative) and the Knights Academy (High School alternative). There is also a private Catholic School for grades K–8 in St. Michael.

Pick the Right Nursing College near Albertville MN

Albertville MN nursing studentEnrolling in the ideal registered nursing degree program is probably the most crucial step to starting a new career in the healthcare industry. There are many variables that you must consider when deciding on a nursing school. These aspects will be prioritized differently contingent on your current career objectives, lifestyle, and financial status. As we have emphasized within this content, it is essential that you pick an RN college and a degree program that are both accredited and have outstanding reputations within the health care community. By using our list 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 hard work and drive to succeed, you can become a licensed RN in Albertville MN.

More Awesome Locations in Minnesota

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Maple Lake MN
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Lake Park MN
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Monticello MN
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Long Prairie MN
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Perham MN
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Renville MN
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – South Saint Paul MN
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Cleveland MN
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Richmond MN
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Waseca MN
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 10

    Twin Cities Care
    4 Reviews
    Retirement Homes
    Phone:
    5808 Olinger Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55436

    Covenant Village of Golden Valley
    1 Reviews
    Retirement Homes, Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living Facilities
    Phone:
    5800 Saint Croix Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55422

    Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
    7 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Counseling & Mental Health
    Phone:
    11505 36th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55331

    Augustana Care
    1 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living Facilities, Personal Care Services
    Phone:
    1007 E 14th St, Minneapolis, MN 55404

    Serenity Home Care
    1 Reviews
    Home Health Care
    Phone:
    6500 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429

    Edenbrook of Edina
    1 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    6200 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55423

    Our Lady of Peace
    2 Reviews
    Home Health Care, Hospice
    Phone:
    2076 St Anthony Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104

    The Villa At St Louis Park
    3 Reviews
    Retirement Homes
    Phone:
    7500 W 22nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55426

    CareMinders Home Care
    1 Reviews
    Home Health Care
    Phone:
    5100 Edina Industrial Blvd, Ste 218, Edina, MN 55439

    Park Nicollet Clinic
    28 Reviews
    Medical Centers
    Phone:
    3800 Park Nicollet Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55416