Rn Programs in Illinois
Registered nurses (RN) are state-certified nurses who provide patient care, advice to patients and their family, and educate the public on health related topics. They work in private homes, hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.
RN Programs in Illinois
The demand for registered nurses in Illinois is rising; so if you are interested in becoming a registered nurse, you should enroll in one of many accredited nursing programs in Illinois. These RN programs are offered in community colleges, universities, technical schools, and vocational institutes.
How to Become a Registered Nurse
You need to:
· Have at least an associate's degree in nursing which normally takes 2 years to complete from an accredited community college or technical school
· Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
The minimum requirements for admission into a four-year program will vary by institution. Minimum high school GPA requirements can range from 2.0 to 3.0. The school may require SAT or ACT test scores with minimum score requirements, 1 or 2 letters of recommendation, a license to practice as a registered nurse, a passing score in an entrance test (for example a Pre-Nursing Entrance Test), and a personal statement or letter of purpose.
Online Programs
Online RN degree programs are an option many students are choosing over enrolling in on-campus programs. These programs are ideal for:
· People with full time jobs
· Single parents
· Older students who may feel uncomfortable studying with much younger students
· Students who cannot travel
· Students on a tight budget
Course outlines, material, books, and assignments will be sent to you through email. Interaction with instructors will happen through video conferences or email. The only part of an online program that is similar to on-campus programs is the hands-on practical requirements; you will have to travel to a hospital or clinic to fulfill this requirement.
Career Growth Prospects
The nursing sector is booming in America, which helps increase the future job opportunities you will seek after completing you program. The expected job growth rate is 26% for registered nurses between 2010 and 2020, and this is higher than the national average growth rate for all occupations combined. By 2020, an estimated 700,000 jobs for registered nurses will be added. The median pay for registered nurses in 2010 was around $64,000. The top 10% of wages were over $95,000.
Courses You Will Take in RN Programs in Illinois
The course syllabus you will study depends on the institute's RN program that you choose to attend. Typical RN program courses you will need to take include:
· Anatomy & Physiology
· Pathophysiology
· Nursing Roles
· Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare
The core courses are similar at most schools, but the names of the classes may be different.
For clinical courses, you need to find a preceptor (a nurse practitioner who will guide you) and then practice at a clinic. This practical component is mandatory to complete you RN program. Most colleges help by pairing you with a preceptor, but you should confirm if your school does this for you before applying.