Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Reedley CA

How to Select a Nursing Program near Reedley California

Reedley CA surgical nurse assisting surgeonSearching for the best nursing program near Reedley CA may feel like a challenging endeavor, especially if you aren’t sure what to search for in a good degree program. As you may presently know, to practice as a registered nurse, you need to obtain the proper education and training in order to become licensed. So it is vitally important that you research and measure the qualifications of each college you are thinking about before enrolling in your final selection. The fact is, too many potential students base their decision entirely on the price of tuition and the distance of the school. Picking the least costly program or the one that is local to your home is no doubt not the most ideal way to select a nursing program. There are several important additional things to explore before you determine where to enroll in classes. But before we examine that checklist, let’s first review what the role of a registered nurse is in our medical care system, along with the nursing degree choices that are available.

Registered Nurse Job Duties

Reedley CA Neonatal Nurse with babyRegistered nurses are the largest occupation in the medical delivery system. RNs practice in many different medical environments, such as Reedley CA hospitals, family practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their primary job is to help doctors in the treatment of their patients. Having said that, the specific duties of a registered nurse will depend on their job or area of expertise along with where they work. A few of the duties of an RN may include:

  • Administering medications
  • Monitoring patients
  • Performing physical examinations
  • Managing care
  • Managing LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides
  • Instructing patients and their families
  • Keeping health records and charts

Nurses with a higher degree may have more high level job duties and accountabilities. Nurse practitioners (NP), for instance, must hold a Master’s Degree and generally 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 Available

There are multiple degrees to choose from to become a registered nurse. And 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 advance to attain a graduate degree for a total of six years. Following are some short descriptions of the nursing degrees that are available in the Reedley CA area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is generally a two year program made available by community colleges. It readies 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 achieve a higher degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers more in depth training than the ADN. It is normally a four year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be allowed to complete an accelerated program based on their previous training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program may desire to progress 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 obtaining the BSN. The MSN program offers specialization training, for instance to become a nurse practitioner or concentrate on administration, management or teaching.

Once a graduating student has obtained one of the above degrees, she or he must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to become licensed. Further requirements for licensing can vary from state to state, so don’t forget to check with the California board of nursing for any state requirements.

LPN and LVN Courses

Reedley CA LPN assisting patientThere are essentially two scholastic accreditations available that provide instruction to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that can be concluded in the shortest period of time, generally about 12 months, is the certificate or diploma program. The second alternative is to obtain a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are more comprehensive in nature than the diploma alternative and generally require 2 years to finish. The benefit of Associate Degrees, besides supplying a higher credential and more in-depth instruction, are that they furnish more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. Regardless of the type of credential you pursue, it needs to be California approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or another national accrediting organization. The NLNAC attests that the core curriculum adequately prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that most graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

CNA Courses

Unlike other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not need to earn a college degree. CNA instruction can be received at Reedley CA area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The length of the training program can take anywhere from 1 to three months, leading to either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are required to obtain at least 75 hours of instruction, 16 of which must be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimum amount of instruction required and every state has its specific prerequisites. So it’s crucial to make sure that the course you enroll in not only meets the federal requirements, but also those for California or the state where you will be practicing. One tip is to get in touch with the health or nursing board for your state to make sure that the training course is state approved. As well as the training, each state mandates a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there might be other requirements as well.

Questions to Ask Nursing Colleges

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in Reedley CANow that you have determined which nursing degree to pursue, and if to attend your classes on campus near Reedley CA or online, you can utilize the following guidelines to begin narrowing down your choices. As you undoubtedly realize, there are a large number of nursing schools and colleges within California and the United States. So it is necessary to decrease the number of schools to choose from to ensure that you will have a manageable list. As we already pointed out, the site of the school and the price of tuition are probably going to be the first two things that you will look at. But as we also emphasized, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So prior to making your final decision, 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 in addition to the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Aside from helping make sure that you receive an excellent education, it may help in acquiring financial aid or student loans, which are oftentimes not offered in Reedley CA for non-accredited schools.
  • Licensing Preparation. Licensing prerequisites for registered nurses vary 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 attending not only delivers a top-notch education, but also prepares you to meet the minimum licensing standards for California or the state where you will be practicing.
  • Reputation. Look at internet rating services to see what the evaluations are for all of the schools you are looking into. Ask the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. In addition, check with the California school licensing authority to check out if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can contact some Reedley CA healthcare organizations you’re interested in working for after graduation and ask what their judgments are of the schools as well.
  • Graduation and Job Placement Rates. Find out from the RN schools 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 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 Reedley CA medical community, but that it also has the network of contacts to assist students gain employment.
  • Internship Programs. The most ideal way to acquire experience as a registered nurse is to work in a clinical environment. Almost all nursing degree programs require a certain number of clinical hours be completed. Many states have minimum clinical hour mandates for licensing too. Ask if the schools have a working relationship with Reedley CA hospitals, clinics or labs and assist with the placement of students in internships.

Nursing Online Classes

woman attending nursing school online in Reedley CAEnrolling in nursing schools online is becoming a more in demand way to receive instruction and acquire a nursing degree. Some schools will require attending on campus for a component of the training, and nearly all programs call for a certain amount of clinical rotation hours conducted in a local healthcare facility. But since the remainder of the training may be accessed online, this option may be a more accommodating solution to finding the free time to attend classes for some Reedley CA students. Concerning tuition, many online degree programs are less expensive than other on campus choices. Even other expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be reduced, 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. Therefore if your work and household obligations have left you with little time to pursue your academic goals, it could be that an online nursing school will make it more convenient to fit a degree into your busy schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near Reedley CA?

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

Reedley, California

Reedley is a city in Fresno County, California, United States. Reedley is located in the San Joaquin Valley, 22 miles (35 km) east-southeast of Fresno,[9] at an elevation of 348 feet (106 m).[7] The population at the 2010 census was 24,194. Its chief economic source is agriculture, particularly fruit and vegetable cultivation. The city dubs itself "The World's Fruit Basket".[1] Reedley holds many festivals year round. The city of Reedley hosts the annual Reedley Fiesta in October, the Reedley Electrical Christmas Parade in December, the Reedley Street Faire in May, the Reedley Certified Farmers Market (Wednesday evening, in the summer), the Reedley Taste of the Town in September, and many other festivities to keep the residents and visitors busy and entertained. Reedley is situated along the Kings River and in the summer, many local residents and visitors drive to Cricket Hollow Park and Reedley Beach.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.2 square miles (13 km2), of which, 5.1 square miles (13 km2) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) of it (1.39%) is water.

The 2010 United States Census[12] reported that Reedley had a population of 24,194. The population density was 4,693.2 people per square mile (1,800/km²). The racial makeup of Reedley was 14,105 (7001583000000000000♠58.3%) White, 169 (6999700000000000000♠0.7%) African American, 267 (7000110000000000000♠1.1%) Native American, 797 (7000330000000000000♠3.3%) Asian, 8 (6998300000000000000♠0.03%) Pacific Islander, 7,850 (7001324000000000000♠32.4%) from other races, and 998 (7000410009999999999♠4.1%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 18,455 persons (7001763000000000000♠76.3%).

Choose the Right Nursing School near Reedley CA

Reedley CA nursing studentPicking the ideal registered nursing degree program is perhaps the most crucial phase to starting a new career in the health care field. There are a number of variables that you should take into account when picking a nursing school. These aspects will be prioritized differently depending on your current career goals, obligations, and financial status. As we have highlighted within this article, it is essential that you pick an RN school and a degree program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the health care community. By using our checklist of qualifying questions, you will be able to produce a shortlist of schools to choose from so that you can make your final selection. And with the right degree and training, combined with your hard work and drive to succeed, you can become a practicing RN in Reedley CA.

More Awesome Locations in California

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Idyllwild CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Bodega Bay CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Mira Loma CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Yolo CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Lodi CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – City of Industry CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Irvine CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Brisbane CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Chester CA
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Fiddletown CA
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 28

    Palm Village Retirement Community
    1 Reviews
    Retirement Homes
    Phone:
    703 W Herbert Ave, Reedley, CA 93654

    Sierra Vista Healthcare Center
    3 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    1715 S Cedar, Fresno, CA 93702

    Linwood Meadows Care Center
    9 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    4444 W Meadow Ave, Visalia, CA 93277

    Westgate Gardens Care Center
    6 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    4525 W Tulare Ave, Visalia, CA 93277

    Oakwood Gardens Care Center
    3 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    3510 E Shields Ave, Fresno, CA 93726

    Northpointe Healthcare Centre
    5 Reviews
    Retirement Homes
    Phone:
    668 E Bullard, Fresno, CA 93710

    Hanford Post Acute
    9 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    1007 W Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230

    Delta Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
    1 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    514 N Bridge St, Visalia, CA 93291

    Twilight Haven
    3 Reviews
    Retirement Homes
    Phone:
    1717 S Winery Ave, Fresno, CA 93727

    CareSource Seniors
    3 Reviews
    Assisted Living Facilities, Senior Centers, Home Health Care
    Phone:
    Fresno, CA 93650