Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – West Bloomfield MI

How to Select a Nursing Program near West Bloomfield Michigan

West Bloomfield MI surgical nurse assisting surgeonFinding the right nursing program near West Bloomfield MI may feel like a complicated project, particularly if you don’t know what to look for in a good degree program. As you may presently understand, for you to practice as a registered nurse, you must obtain the appropriate education and training in order to become licensed. So it is essential that you study and evaluate the qualifications of each college you are contemplating before enrolling in your final selection. The fact is, too many prospective students base their decision exclusively on the price of tuition and the proximity of the school. Deciding on the least costly college or the one that is closest to your house is most likely not the best way to select a nursing program. There are a number of essential additional aspects to explore before you decide where to attend classes. But before we examine that checklist, let’s first look at what the role of a registered nurse is in our medical system, together with the nursing degree choices that are available.

Registered Nurse Job Functions

West Bloomfield MI Neonatal Nurse with babyRegistered nurses are the largest occupation in the healthcare delivery system. RNs practice in many different medical settings, including West Bloomfield MI hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their basic duty is to support doctors in the treatment of their patients. Having said that, the particular duties of a registered nurse will be dependent on their job or specialization as well as where they work. A few of the functions of an RN may include:

  • Administering medications
  • Observing patients
  • Performing physical examinations
  • Managing care
  • Supervising LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides
  • Instructing patients and their families
  • Taking care of health records and charts

Nurses with a more advanced degree may have more high level job duties and responsibilities. Nurse practitioners (NP), for example, must hold a Master’s Degree and typically work more independently than their RN counterparts. They can provide primary or specialty care services, prescribe medications, and diagnose and treat basic illnesses or injuries.

Nursing Degree Options

There are multiple degrees offered to become a registered nurse. And to become an RN, a student must attend an accredited school and program. A student can obtain a qualifying degree in as little as two years, or advance to obtain a graduate degree for a total of six years. Following are some brief explanations of the nursing degrees that are offered in the West Bloomfield MI area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is generally a two year program offered by community colleges. It preps graduates for an entry level job in nursing in medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many employ the ADN as an entry into nursing and ultimately attain a more advanced degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) provides more comprehensive training than the ADN. It is generally 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 might want 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 generally a 2 year program after attaining the BSN. The MSN program provides specialization training, for instance to become a nurse practitioner or focus on administration, management or teaching.

Once 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) in order to become licensed. Other requirements for licensing can vary from state to state, so don’t forget to contact the Michigan board of nursing for any state requirements.

LVN and LPN Programs

West Bloomfield MI LPN assisting patientThere are generally two academic credentials available that provide instruction to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that can be completed in the shortest time frame, typically about twelve months, is the certificate or diploma program. The next option is to earn a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are more comprehensive in nature than the diploma alternative and normally require 2 years to finish. The advantage of Associate Degrees, besides providing a higher credential and more in-depth training, are that they provide more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. No matter the kind of credential you pursue, it should be Michigan approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or some other national accrediting organization. The NLNAC attests that the course of study properly prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that most graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

CNA Certificates

Unlike other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not need to attain a college degree. CNA education can be acquired at West Bloomfield MI area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The length of the training can take anywhere from one to 3 months, leading to either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are mandated to have at least 75 hours of training, 16 of which have to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimum period of instruction required and every state has its own prerequisites. So it’s necessary to make sure that the course you enroll in not only meets the federal requirements, but also those for Michigan or the state where you will be practicing. One recommendation is to contact 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 can be other prerequisites as well.

Questions to Ask Nursing Schools

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in West Bloomfield MINow that you have decided on which nursing program to enroll in, along with if to attend your classes on campus near West Bloomfield MI or online, you can utilize the following guidelines to start narrowing down your options. As you probably are aware, there are a large number of nursing schools and colleges within Michigan and the United States. So it is important to decrease the number of schools to select from so that you will have a manageable list. As we already discussed, the location of the school and the expense of tuition are probably going to be the first 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 decision, use the following questions to evaluate how your selection compares 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 recognized accrediting agency. Aside from helping confirm that you obtain a quality education, it may assist in acquiring financial aid or student loans, which are frequently not provided in West Bloomfield MI for non-accredited schools.
  • Licensing Preparation. Licensing requirements for registered nurses vary from state to state. In all states, a passing score is needed on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in addition to graduation from an accredited school. Some states require a specified number of clinical hours be performed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s imperative that the school you are enrolled in not only delivers an excellent education, but also readies you to comply with the minimum licensing standards for Michigan 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 organizations for their reviews also. Also, check with the Michigan school licensing authority to determine if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can call some West Bloomfield MI 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 dissatisfied with the program and dropped out. It’s also important that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only substantiate that the school has a good reputation within the West Bloomfield MI healthcare community, but that it also has the network of relationships to help students gain a position.
  • Internship Programs. The most effective way to get 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. A number of states have minimum clinical hour prerequisites for licensing as well. Find out if the schools have a working relationship with West Bloomfield MI hospitals, clinics or labs and assist with the placement of students in internships.

Online Nursing Classes

woman attending nursing school online in West Bloomfield MIAttending nursing programs online is emerging as a more favored way to obtain training and acquire a nursing degree. Certain schools will require attending on campus for part of the training, and almost all programs require a certain amount of clinical rotation hours conducted in a local healthcare center. But since the rest of the training may be accessed online, this method may be a more accommodating solution to finding the free time to attend school for many West Bloomfield MI students. Regarding tuition, some online degree programs are less costly than other on campus alternatives. Even other expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be lessened, helping to make education more economical. And numerous online programs are accredited by organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN and MSN degrees. And so if your job and household commitments have left you with limited time to work toward your academic goals, maybe an online nursing training program will make it more convenient to fit a degree into your active schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near West Bloomfield MI?

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

West Bloomfield Township, Michigan

West Bloomfield Township, officially the Charter Township of West Bloomfield, is a charter township in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan, within the Detroit metropolitan area. It is one of the most expensive places to live in Oakland County. As of the 2010 census, the township had a population of 64,690.[3]

West Bloomfield is sometimes referred to by its residents as the "lake township of Oakland County",[5] being heavily dotted with small and medium-sized lakes. Cass Lake, the largest lake in the county, is in part of West Bloomfield, and Pine Lake, which has a private country club on its shore, is only a few miles away from Cass and lies completely within West Bloomfield. In addition, directly west of Pine Lake is Orchard Lake, which also has a private country club on its shore. Orchard Lake is surrounded by the city of Orchard Lake Village. Several smaller lakes are scattered around these larger ones.

Orchard Lake Road runs north-south through the middle of the township and is the main artery of West Bloomfield's economy along with West Maple Road (15 Mile Rd.), flanked on each side by long strip malls and shopping complexes. There are many high-end boutique stores and expensive restaurants to visit. Most of the township's population growth has occurred since the 1960s, as many residents moved there from the inner ring Detroit suburbs. West Bloomfield is located in south-central Oakland County about 10 miles (20 km) to the northwest from the Detroit city limits and has borders with Bloomfield Township to its east, Farmington Hills to its south, Commerce Township to its west, and four communities to its north: Waterford Township, Orchard Lake Village, Keego Harbor, and Sylvan Lake. The communities of West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake Village, Keego Harbor, and Sylvan Lake make up what is known as Greater West Bloomfield.

Enroll in the Right Nursing School near West Bloomfield MI

West Bloomfield MI nursing studentPicking the right registered nursing program is arguably the most crucial phase to beginning a new career in the healthcare field. There are a number of aspects that you must think about when deciding on a nursing school. These aspects will be prioritized differently contingent on your existing career goals, obligations, and economic status. As we have emphasized within this article, it is critical that you select an RN school and a degree program that are each accredited and have outstanding reputations within the health care community. By using our checklist of qualifying questions, you will be able to create 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 dedication and ambition to succeed, you can become a licensed registered nurse in West Bloomfield MI.

More Awesome Locations in Michigan

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Quincy MI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Bridgewater MI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Portland MI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Sterling MI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Onsted MI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Douglas MI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Flushing MI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Maybee MI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Erie MI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Coloma MI
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 43

    Heartland -West Bloomfield
    4 Reviews
    Assisted Living Facilities, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    6950 Farmington Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48322

    Novi Lakes Health Campus
    2 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    41795 Twelve Mile Rd, Trilogy Health Services, Novi, MI 48377

    WellBridge of Novi
    5 Reviews
    Medical Centers, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    48300 11 Mile Rd, Novi, MI 48374

    Marywood Nursing Care Center
    4 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing, Hospice
    Phone:
    36975 5 Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154

    Marvin & Betty Danto Health Care Center
    2 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center, Physical Therapy, Home Health Care
    Phone:
    6800 W Maple, West Bloomfield, MI 48322

    Marycrest
    6 Reviews
    Retirement Homes
    Phone:
    15475 Middlebelt Rd, Livonia, MI 48154

    Woodhaven Retirement Community
    3 Reviews
    Retirement Homes, Home Health Care, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    29667 Wentworth St, Livonia, MI 48154

    Apna Ghar Home Care
    1 Reviews
    Assisted Living Facilities, Personal Care Services
    Phone:
    6535 Drake Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48322

    Botsford Commons - A Beaumont Community
    3 Reviews
    Assisted Living Facilities, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    21450 Archwood Cir, Farmington Hills, MI 48336

    Heartland Health Care Center-Oakland
    5 Reviews
    Occupational Therapy, Skilled Nursing, Speech Therapists
    Phone:
    925 WS Blvd, Troy, MI 48085