Monday, March 16, 2015

Helpful Tips For Selecting Nursing Schools

By Lena Stephenson


A career as a nurse not only provides one with the satisfaction of being able to help others get well, but it also provides a wide range of opportunities and job security in the workforce. Choosing the school where one will train to become a nurse is the initial step in this process. Prospective students in Perth Amboy, NJ who want to compare nursing schools in order to pick the best one should consider these guidelines.

Students can choose to study at the certificate or diploma level in either a practical nursing or associate's degree program, or they can pursue a bachelor's of science degree (BSN) which will allow them to practice as a registered nurse upon completion of the national exam. This latter program of study is generally recommended over the others as it provides more opportunities for employment.

A student can become a licensed vocational or practical nurse after about one year of schooling. Successful graduates must take a licensing exam, and then they may seek employment in hospitals and clinics. An associate's degree program (ADN)takes 2-3 years to complete and involves additional classroom time and the study of more specialized areas.

Graduation from a 4-year bachelor's degree program qualifies students for work in more types of medical facilities and is a prerequisite for graduate studies such as a master's of doctorate degree. During training, students will develop strong leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills and an advanced understanding of disease, treatment, and technology in healthcare.

In addition to offering training at the level one is interested in, the chosen school should also provide a stream of study which allows learners to specialize in a particular area of nursing if desired. There are some schools which will offer the opportunity for specialization, but many of them simply provide an all-encompassing curriculum which gives equal attention to all areas. In some cases, a student may also be interested to know where the school's clinical rotations will take place.

It's also necessary to give some consideration to where the campus is located if this is a concern, it should be relatively accessible by either private or public transportation from where one lives. Furthermore, the school needs to be accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, or both. These organizations periodically review the school's policies, finances, programs, and staff to ensure high standards.

The financial aid offered by the school or made available through it is another aspect that will be of importance to those who plan on applying for assistance in the form of loans, grants, or bursaries. It can also be helpful to find out if the school requires nursing program applicants to write a pre-admission test to assess their suitability for a career in healthcare, and if so, how one can best prepare for it.

It can also be helpful to do some research and look up the NCLEX (national licensing exam)pass rates of graduates from the school one is considering since this can say a lot about the quality of its instruction. Checking pass rates from the past five to ten years is advisable. Performance on this exam is essential, as one most successfully pass it in order to become licensed to practice nursing in the state.




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