Program Requirements

Pre-Program

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

806-177Gen Anatomy & Physiology4836-133 or 806-134 or concurrent or CHEM Test ScoreExamines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.

806-179Adv Anatomy & Physiology4806-177This course is the second semester in a two-semester sequence in which normal human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. Instructional delivery within a classroom and laboratory setting. Experimentation within a science lab will include analysis of cellular metabolism, the individual components of body systems such as the nervous, neuro-muscular, cardiovascular, and urinary. Continued examination of homeostatic mechanisms and their relationship to fluid, electrolyte, acid-base balance and blood. Integration of genetics to human reproduction and development are also included in this course.

TOTAL CREDITS:8 

First Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

543-101Nursing Fundamentals2Program student; 806-177 or concurrent or 806-140 or 806-207 or concurrent; Corequisite: 543-103This course focuses on basic nursing concepts that the beginning nurse will need to provide care to diverse patient populations across the lifespan. Current and historical issues impacting nursing will be explored within the scope of nursing practice. The nursing process will be introduced as a framework for organizing the care of patients with alterations in cognition, elimination, comfort, grief/loss, mobility, integument, and fluid/electrolyte balance. Note: For Online offerings of this course: Online test dates are announced/posted in advance for students. Faculty will list in syllabus how far ahead students may work in an online course. Online courses are NOT self-paced or independent study. Faculty will list in the syllabus use of acceptable proctors. Faculty will NOT leave tests open more than one day unless pre-arranged and agreed upon in advance.

543-102Nursing Skills3Program student; (543-101 or concurrent or N101 Test Score) and (543-103 or concurrent or N103 Test Score) and (806-177 or concurrent or 806-207This course focuses on development of clinical skills and physical assessment across the lifespan. Content includes mathematic calculations and conversions related to clinical skills, blood pressure assessment, aseptic technique, wound care, oxygen administration, tracheostomy care, suctioning, management of enteral tubes, basic medication administration, glucose testing, enemas, ostomy care, and catheterization. In addition the course includes techniques related to obtaining a health history and basic physical assessment skills using a body systems approach.

543-103Nursing Pharmacology28 Weeks | Program student; 806-177 or 806-207 or concurrent or 806-140; Corequisite: 543-101This course introduces the principles of pharmacology, including drug classifications and their effects on the body. Emphasis is on the use of the components of the nursing process when administering medications. Note: For Online offerings of this course: Online test dates are announced/posted in advance for students. Faculty will list in syllabus how far ahead students may work in an online course. Online courses are NOT self-paced or independent study. Faculty will list in the syllabus use of acceptable proctors. Faculty will NOT leave tests open more than one day unless pre-arranged and agreed upon in advance.

543-104Nursing Intro Clinical Practice28 Weeks | Program student; (543-101 or concurrent or N101 Test Score) and (543-102 or concurrent or N102 Test Score) and (543-103 or concurrent or N103 Test Score) and (806-177 or 806-207 or concurrentThis introductory clinical course emphasizes basic nursing skills and application of the nursing process in meeting the needs of diverse clients across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on performing basic nursing skills, the formation of nurse-client relationships, communication, data collection, documentation, and medication administration.

809-188Developmental Psychology3This is the study of human development throughout the lifespan. This course explores developmental theory and research with an emphasis on the interactive nature of the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that affect the individual from conception to death. Application activities and critical thinking skills will enable students to gain increased knowledge and understanding of themselves and others. It is recommended that either Intro to Psychology (809-198) or Psychology of Human Relations (809-199) be completed before taking this course.

801-136English Composition 13This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing, and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.

801-219English Composition 13English Composition 1 develops critical thinking, reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both exposition and argumentation. The course emphasizes college-level writing skills supported by reasoning, organization, and language conventions for research, presentations, and other discourse.

TOTAL CREDITS:15 

Second Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

543-105Nursing Health Alterations3Program student; (543-101 or N101 Test Score) and (543-102 or N102 Test Score) and (543-103 or N103 Test Score) and (543-104 or N104 Test Score) and (806-177 or 806-207 and (809-188 or concurrentThis course elaborates upon the basic concepts of health and illness as presented in Nursing Fundamentals. It applies theories of nursing in the care of clients through the lifespan, utilizing problem solving and critical thinking. This course will provide an opportunity to study conditions affecting different body systems and apply therapeutic nursing interventions. It will also introduce concepts of leadership, team building, and scope of practice. Note: For Online offerings of this course: Online test dates are announced/posted in advance for students. Faculty will list in syllabus how far ahead students may work in an online course. Online courses are NOT self-paced or independent study. Faculty will list in the syllabus use of acceptable proctors. Faculty will NOT leave tests open more than one day unless pre-arranged and agreed upon in advance.

543-106Nursing Health Promotion3Program student; (543-101 or N101 Test Score) and (543-102 or N102 Test Score) and (543-103 or N103 Test Score) and (543-104 or N104 Test Score) and (806-177 or 806-207 and (809-188 or concurrentThis course will cover topics related to health promotion in the context of the family throughout the lifespan. We will cover nursing care of the developing family, which includes reproductive issues, pregnancy, labor and delivery, post-partum, the newborn, and the child. Recognizing the spectrum of health families we will discern patterns associated with adaptive and maladaptive behaviors applying mental health principles. An emphasis is placed on teaching and supporting healthy lifestyle choices for individuals of all ages. Nutrition, exercise, stress management, empowerment, and risk reduction practices are highlighted. Study of the family will cover dynamics, functions, discipline styles, and stages of development. Note: For Online offerings of this course: Online test dates are announced/posted in advance for students. Faculty will list in syllabus how far ahead students may work in an online course. Online courses are NOT self-paced or independent study. Faculty will list in the syllabus use of acceptable proctors. Faculty will NOT leave tests open more than one day unless pre-arranged and agreed upon in advance.

543-107Nursing Clinical Care Across the Lifespan2Program student; (543-101 or N101 Test Score) and (543-102 or N102 Test Score) and (543-103 or N103 Test Score) and (543-104 or N104 Test Score)This clinical experience applies nursing concepts and therapeutic interventions to clients across the lifespan. It also provides an introduction to concepts of teaching and learning. Extending care to include the family is emphasized.

543-108Intro to Clinical Care Management2Program student; (543-101 or N101 Test Score) and (543-102 or N102 Test Score) and (543-103 or N103 Test Score) and (543-104 or N104 Test Score) and (809-188 or concurrentThis clinical experience applies nursing concepts and therapeutic nursing interventions to groups of clients across the lifespan. It also provides an introduction to leadership, management, and team building.

801-196Oral/Interpersonal Comm3Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.

801-198Speech3Explores the fundamentals of effective oral presentation to small and large groups. Topic selection, audience analysis, methods of organization, research, structuring evidence and support, delivery techniques, and other essential elements of speaking successfully, including the listening process, form the basis of the course.

810-201Fundamentals of Speech3This course includes theoretical examination of the process of communication, the role of speech in self-development, the nature of meaning, and the art of persuasion. It provides practice in selecting speech topics, analyzing audiences, organizing speech content, improving speech delivery, and critiquing speeches via presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Several graded and non-graded small group discussions sharpen additional communicative skills.

TOTAL CREDITS:13 

Third Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

Elective2

543-109Nursing Complex Health Alterations I3Program student; (543-105 or N105 Test Score) and (543-106 or N106 Test Score) and (543-107 or N107 Test Score) and (543-108 or N108 Test Score) and (806-179 or (806-207 and 806-208) and (806-197 or concurrentThis course prepares the learner to expand knowledge from previous courses in caring for clients across the lifespan with alterations in cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and hematologic systems as well as clients with fluid/electrolyte and acid-base imbalance, and alterations in comfort. Note: For Online offerings of this course: Online test dates are announced/posted in advance for students. Faculty will list in syllabus how far ahead students may work in an online course. Online courses are NOT self-paced or independent study. Faculty will list in the syllabus use of acceptable proctors. Faculty will NOT leave tests open more than one day unless pre-arranged and agreed upon in advance.

543-110Mental Health & Community Concepts2Program student; (543-105 or N105 Test Score) and (543-106 or N106 Test Score) and (543-107 or N107 Test Score) and (543-108 or N108 Test Score) and (806-179 or (806-207 and 806-208)This course will cover topics related to the delivery of community and mental health care. Specific health needs of individuals, families, and groups will be addressed across the lifespan. Attention will be given to diverse and at-risk populations. Mental health concepts will concentrate on adaptive/maladaptive behaviors and specific mental health disorders. Community resources will be examined in relation to specific types of support offered to racial, ethnic, economically diverse individuals and groups. Note: For Online offerings of this course: Online test dates are announced/posted in advance for students. Faculty will list in syllabus how far ahead students may work in an online course. Online courses are NOT self-paced or independent study. Faculty will list in the syllabus use of acceptable proctors. Faculty will NOT leave tests open more than one day unless pre-arranged and agreed upon in advance.

543-111Nursing Intermediate Clinical Practice3Program student; (809-198 or 809-199 or 809-251) and (806-197 or concurrent or 806-132) and (806-179 or 806-207 and 806-208)This intermediate level clinical course develops the RN role when working with clients with complex health care needs. A focus of the course is developing skills needed for managing multiple clients and priorities. Using the nursing process students will gain experience in adapting nursing practice to meet the needs of clients with diverse needs and backgrounds.

543-112Nursing Advanced Skills1Program student; (543-105 or N105 Test Score) and (543-106 or N106 Test Score) and (543-107 or N107 Test Score) and (543-108 or N108 Test Score) and (806-179 or (806-207 and 806-208)This course focuses on the development of advanced clinical skills across the lifespan. Content includes advanced IV skills, blood product administration, chest tube systems, basic EKG interpretation and nasogastric/feeding tube insertion.

806-197Microbiology4806-177 or 806-207This course examines microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, growth, and the relationship between humans and microorganisms. Disease production, epidemiology, host defense mechanisms, and the medical impact of microbes in the environment, industry, and biotechnology are also addressed.

809-198Intro to Psychology3This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors, and social influences. Additional topics include research methods, biological and environmental impacts, development, sensation and perception, consciousness, intelligence and stress. This course directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social, and vocational settings.

TOTAL CREDITS:18 

Fourth Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

Elective3

543-113Nursing Complex Health Alterations II3(543-109 or N109 Test Score) and (543-110 or N110 Test Score) and (543-111 or N111 Test Score) and (543-112 or N112 Test Score) and (809-198 or 809-199 or 809-251) and (806-197This course prepares the learner to expand knowledge and skills from previous courses in caring for clients across the lifespan with alterations in the immune, neuro-sensory, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, renal/urinary and the reproductive systems. The learner will also focus on management of care for clients with high-risk perinatal conditions, high-risk newborns and the ill child. Synthesis and application of previously learned concepts will be evident in the management of clients with critical/life threatening situations. Note: For Online offerings of this course: Online test dates are announced/posted in advance for students. Faculty will list in syllabus how far ahead students may work in an online course. Online courses are NOT self-paced or independent study. Faculty will list in the syllabus use of acceptable proctors. Faculty will NOT leave tests open more than one day unless pre-arranged and agreed upon in advance.

543-114Nursing Management & Professional Concepts2(543-109 or N109 Test Score) and (543-110 or N110 Test Score) and (543-111 or N111 Test Score) and (543-112 or N112 Test Score) and (809-198 or 809-199 or 809-251) and (806-197This course covers nursing management and professional issues related to the role of the RN. Emphasis is placed on preparing for the RN practice. Note: For Online course offerings of this course: Online test dates are announced/posted in advance for students. Faculty will list in syllabus how far ahead students may work in an online course. Online courses are NOT self-paced or independent study. Faculty will list in the syllabus use of acceptable proctors. Faculty will NOT leave tests open more than one day unless pre-arranged and agreed upon in advance.

543-115Nursing Advanced Clinical Practice3(543-109 or N109 Test Score) and (543-110 or N110 Test Score) and (543-111 or N111 Test Score) and (543-112 or N112 Test Score) and (809-198 or 809-199 or 809-251) and (806-197This advanced clinical course requires the student to integrate concepts from all previous courses in the management of groups of clients facing complex health alterations. Students will have the opportunity to further develop critical thinking skills using the nursing process in making clinical decisions. Continuity of care through interdisciplinary collaboration is emphasized.

543-116Nursing Clinical Transition2(543-109 or N109 Test Score) and (543-110 or N110 Test Score) and (543-111 or N111 Test Score) and (543-112 or N112 Test Score) and (809-198 or 809-199 or 809-251) and (806-197This clinical experience prepares the student to assume the role of graduate nurse. The course promotes clinical decision-making, delegation, and collaboration to achieve client and organizational outcomes. Continued professional development is fostered.

809-172Introduction to Diversity Studies3This is a course that draws from several disciplines to reaffirm the basic American values of justice and equality by teaching a basic vocabulary, a history of immigration and conquest, principles of transcultural communication, legal liability and the value of aesthetic production to increase the probability of respectful encounters among people. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relations in a multicultural context, the topics of ageism, sexism, gender differences, sexual orientation, the disabled and the American Disability Act (ADA) are explored. Ethnic relations are studied in global and comparative perspectives.

809-196Intro to Sociology3This course introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology, including culture, race, socialization, gender, group behavior, deviance, social stratification, and social change. Students will use the sociological perspective to analyze major social institutions, multiculturalism, and social issues affecting our selves and society. Students will participate in a variety of experiences to strengthen and demonstrate these perspectives and skills. Critical thinking skills are emphasized, and learning activities include applying sociological theory to current issues in society. The focus is on how social factors and forces influence beliefs and behaviors, both in our personal lives and at work.

809-271Introductory Sociology3Defines and examines concepts and realities of social structure, the social processes that shape behavior, culture, socialization, social groups, and social change. Analyzes concepts and phenomena such as complex organizations, roles, stratification, class, inequality, deviance, and race. Examines institutions such as the family, religion, education, politics, economics and the media.

TOTAL CREDITS:16