RN Programs in Hickory, North Carolina

Get your RN degree in Hickory, North Carolina - online & campus-based options available.

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Becoming a Registered Nurse in Hickory, North Carolina

Are you considering a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Hickory, North Carolina? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming an RN in this charming city. From understanding the prerequisites to finding the best local RN programs, you’ll get a comprehensive overview to help you on your journey.

Why Become an RN in Hickory

Hickory, located in the beautiful state of North Carolina, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Whether you’re strolling through the historic downtown area or exploring local landmarks like the Hickory Museum of Art, you’ll find plenty to love about this community. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for an RN in North Carolina is around $68,000 per year, and the job market for RNs is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

For more information about Hickory, visit the official city website.

Prerequisites for RN Programs

Before enrolling in an RN program, you’ll need to meet several prerequisites. These typically include:
– A high school diploma or GED
– Minimum age requirement (usually 18 years old)
– Completion of specific entrance exams such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
– Background checks and immunizations

Typical Program Curriculum

RN programs generally offer a mix of theoretical coursework and clinical training. You can expect to take courses in:
– Anatomy and Physiology
– Microbiology
– Nursing Ethics
– Pharmacology
– Patient Care
– Clinical Practicums in various healthcare settings

RN Training Programs in Hickory, North Carolina

If you’re looking for RN training programs in Hickory, here are three local options to consider:

1. Catawba Valley Community College
   • Address: 2550 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC 28602
   • Program Overview: Offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam.
   • Cost: Approximately $5,000 per year for in-state students
   • Website: Catawba Valley Community College Nursing Program
2. Lenoir-Rhyne University
   • Address: 625 7th Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601
   • Program Overview: Provides a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program with rigorous academic and clinical training.
   • Cost: Approximately $38,000 per year
   • Website: Lenoir-Rhyne University Nursing Program
3. Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (20 miles from Hickory)
   • Address: 2855 Hickory Blvd, Hudson, NC 28638
   • Program Overview: Offers an ADN program designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in various healthcare settings.
   • Cost: Approximately $2,500 per year for in-state students
   • Website: Caldwell Community College Nursing Program

RN Employment Opportunities in Hickory

Hickory is home to several prominent healthcare facilities where RNs can find employment. Here are a few options:

1. Catawba Valley Medical Center
   • Address: 810 Fairgrove Church Rd SE, Hickory, NC 28602
   • Overview: A comprehensive medical center offering a wide range of services, including emergency care, maternity, and surgical services.
   • Employment Opportunities: Catawba Valley Medical Center Careers
2. Frye Regional Medical Center
   • Address: 420 N Center St, Hickory, NC 28601
   • Overview: A 355-bed hospital providing advanced healthcare services, including heart care, orthopedics, and oncology.
   • Employment Opportunities: Frye Regional Medical Center Careers
3. Carolina Caring (formerly Catawba Regional Hospice)
   • Address: 3975 Robinson Rd, Newton, NC 28658
   • Overview: Specializes in hospice and palliative care, offering compassionate support for patients and families.
   • Employment Opportunities: Carolina Caring Careers

RN Certification Requirements

To become a licensed RN in North Carolina, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and meet other state-specific requirements. The North Carolina Board of Nursing oversees licensure and provides detailed information on certification requirements. Visit their official website for more details: North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs in Hickory can vary significantly. On average, you can expect to pay between $2,500 to $38,000 per year, depending on the institution and program level. Financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and student loans, are available to help offset these costs. Be sure to check each school’s financial aid office for specific opportunities.

Licensure Reciprocity

If you’re moving to North Carolina from another state, you’ll be pleased to know that North Carolina is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means that RNs with licenses from other NLC states can practice in North Carolina without obtaining additional licensure. For more information, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Registered Nurse in Hickory, North Carolina, is an exciting and rewarding journey. With a variety of local RN programs and ample employment opportunities, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact a school today to learn more about their programs and start your path to becoming an RN.

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer Hickory RN Programs?

RN programs (both campus-based & online RN courses) are medical training programs offered by universities, vocational or technical schools, and community or junior colleges. Some hospitals even offer registered nursing training as an RN diploma.

How do I become an licensed RN?

Each state sets its own RN licensure requirements. In order to earn your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX® examination. The NCLEX® is a comprehensive nursing exam that can only be taken by graduates of nursing programs approved by your state's board of nursing.

Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?

No you don't need to complete LPN training before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN Associate Degree program takes 2 years. You can earn your RN Diploma in 3 years. (BSN - 4 years, RN to BSN degrees can be 2-3 years).

Are There Free Nursing Schools in Hickory?

The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses earn excellent money in North Carolina. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in North Carolina. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.

Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in North Carolina.

RN Job Description

Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.