What to Look for When Choosing RN Programs
Anyone looking to become an RN must enrol in one of the many RN Programs available.
These programs help to teach students the necessary skills, knowledge and information that is required to work in the nursing field as a registered nurse.
Before you think about enrolling in a program, you should consider a few things.
8 Things to Look for When Choosing RN Programs 1.
Accredited It is important to know whether the program is accredited, and with whom they are accredited to.
Many states require a nursing degree from an accredited institution; you will therefore want to invest in a degree from an accredited school to ensure that you will be in the best possible position to succeed in the field of nursing.
2.
Reputation Knowing what the school's overall reputation within the nursing community is another important aspect to consider.
This is simple to find out.
A couple of phone calls to human resources departments or to practicing nurses will tell you everything you need to know.
Checking quality ranking scores is also recommended as these are carried out by independent parties.
3.
Types of Degrees Knowing what types of degrees the school offers is also vital.
Several states offer two year programs in which students can take the NCLEX-RN test (National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse) as soon as they have graduated, while others require students to undertake more training.
It is advisable to choose a program that will allow you to sit the NCLEX without the need for further training.
4.
Number of Students Who Sit the Exam Insight into how well a program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN test can be gained by looking at the number of students who sit the exam.
If a high number of students fail to sit the exam each year, this may be a warning sign.
5.
Pass Rate A good indicator of the quality of RN programs is the school's pass rate of the NCLEX-RN.
This will enable you to see the quality of the education you will receive.
6.
Cost You should plan accordingly when it comes to the costs associated with these programs.
Clearly, a private college offers students a higher quality education compared to a state funded school, however, this comes at a price - an additional several thousand dollars.
A standard four year college will cost more than a community college, and again, the quality of education will comparably be higher.
Keep in mind that financial aid is often available to students as well.
7.
Program's Requirements While all RN Programs, whatever the school may be, teach students the necessary skills, knowledge and information for a career in nursing - many have specific requirements.
For example, some will want to see more than just high school transcripts, and will require ACT and/or SAT scores.
Others will require additional standardized testing, as well as a minimum number of classes completed in science, foreign languages or maths.
Again, find this information out before applying; the school's website will tell you everything you need to know.
8.
Waiting Lists Some popular schools have waiting lists with the wait being anywhere from one semester long to several semesters long.
To make sure that you won't have to aimlessly sit at home, or have to continue working a job you despise, you must have a clear idea of when you want to start the program.
It is a good idea to reflect on all of these points before applying to one of the RN Programs available in your state.
This will put you in the best possible position to receive a high quality education according to your needs and preferences, and to become a registered nurse as soon as possible.
These programs help to teach students the necessary skills, knowledge and information that is required to work in the nursing field as a registered nurse.
Before you think about enrolling in a program, you should consider a few things.
8 Things to Look for When Choosing RN Programs 1.
Accredited It is important to know whether the program is accredited, and with whom they are accredited to.
Many states require a nursing degree from an accredited institution; you will therefore want to invest in a degree from an accredited school to ensure that you will be in the best possible position to succeed in the field of nursing.
2.
Reputation Knowing what the school's overall reputation within the nursing community is another important aspect to consider.
This is simple to find out.
A couple of phone calls to human resources departments or to practicing nurses will tell you everything you need to know.
Checking quality ranking scores is also recommended as these are carried out by independent parties.
3.
Types of Degrees Knowing what types of degrees the school offers is also vital.
Several states offer two year programs in which students can take the NCLEX-RN test (National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse) as soon as they have graduated, while others require students to undertake more training.
It is advisable to choose a program that will allow you to sit the NCLEX without the need for further training.
4.
Number of Students Who Sit the Exam Insight into how well a program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN test can be gained by looking at the number of students who sit the exam.
If a high number of students fail to sit the exam each year, this may be a warning sign.
5.
Pass Rate A good indicator of the quality of RN programs is the school's pass rate of the NCLEX-RN.
This will enable you to see the quality of the education you will receive.
6.
Cost You should plan accordingly when it comes to the costs associated with these programs.
Clearly, a private college offers students a higher quality education compared to a state funded school, however, this comes at a price - an additional several thousand dollars.
A standard four year college will cost more than a community college, and again, the quality of education will comparably be higher.
Keep in mind that financial aid is often available to students as well.
7.
Program's Requirements While all RN Programs, whatever the school may be, teach students the necessary skills, knowledge and information for a career in nursing - many have specific requirements.
For example, some will want to see more than just high school transcripts, and will require ACT and/or SAT scores.
Others will require additional standardized testing, as well as a minimum number of classes completed in science, foreign languages or maths.
Again, find this information out before applying; the school's website will tell you everything you need to know.
8.
Waiting Lists Some popular schools have waiting lists with the wait being anywhere from one semester long to several semesters long.
To make sure that you won't have to aimlessly sit at home, or have to continue working a job you despise, you must have a clear idea of when you want to start the program.
It is a good idea to reflect on all of these points before applying to one of the RN Programs available in your state.
This will put you in the best possible position to receive a high quality education according to your needs and preferences, and to become a registered nurse as soon as possible.
