Rn Programs in Michigan

Registered nurses (RN) are senior professionals in a hospital or other healthcare facility. They are responsible for acting as an effective bridge between doctors and licensed practical nurses. This means that, along with having professional training as a nurse, RNs are also competent administrators who handle the smooth operation of a medical department. In the United States, this profession is projected to grow at a rate of 26 percent between 2010 and 2020. This corresponds to an addition of over 700,000 jobs. The opportunities in this field, therefore, are quite high.

RN Responsibilities
In a hospital setting, a RN is responsible for multiple duties. These include:

* Recording patient history and symptoms
* Operating different medical equipment
* Performing diagnostic tests
* Educating patients and family on the way to care for the illness
* Consult with doctors and provide recommendations on diagnosis and treatment methods.

The exact responsibilities of a RN may vary depending on the size of the facility they work in and the nature of their employer. Some RNs are primarily responsible for administrative duties, but this does not exclude them from the need to have a valid license. This is obtained by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN), administered after you have completed your RN training program.

Becoming a Registered Nurse
There are two ways one can become a registered nurse. Students may choose between earning an Associate's Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. These degrees vary in their duration and rigor, but allow students to gain the relevant experience to become an efficient nurse. The associate's degree usually lasts between two and three years. Students cover coursework in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, psychology, and others. In addition to this, they will take some modules in clinical training, to ensure that they gain enough practical experience.

Bachelor's degree programs cover the same topics as an associate's degree program, but they add modules in other areas as well. For instance, students will not only cover all the courses needed to become an effective nurse, they will also be taken through training in the liberal arts. This holistic training allows students to become better thinkers and problem solvers, enabling them to tackle complex problems in the workplace.

RN Programs in Michigan
Residents in the state of Michigan who are interested in becoming a registered nurse could find an extensive list of accredited RN programs in Michigan from the Michigan Board of Nursing. Each of these schools has been authorized by the state to teach a standardized curriculum. Students who complete any of these programs are eligible for the NCLEX-RN at the end of their studies. Without accreditation, you cannot take this test, and, as a result, will be unable to legally practice as a RN within the US.

Job Outlook
In 2010, the median annual wage in this profession was reported to be close to $65,000 by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Given the rapid growth expected in the field, these wages are expected to rise accordingly.