Practical Nursing Associate's Degree

This course teaches students basic to advanced computer concepts and skills, including creating and modifying Word documents, designing databases, spreadsheet creation and analysis, using the Internet and E-Commerce tools, and creating presentations with enhanced features and web tools.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: D132
Credits: 3

This is a basic medical vocabulary-building course. An emphasis will be placed on the most common medical terms based on prefixes and suffixes, Latin and Greek origins, and anatomic roots denoting body structures. All body systems will be covered with a focus on word parts, terms built from word parts, abbreviations, and basic disease and surgical terms. Students will be expected to focus on spelling and pronunciation.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: M120
Credits: 4

In this course students will begin their study of the structure and function of the human body. They will examine topics including basic chemistry and cell biology, tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, and endocrine systems of the body, and will learn medical terminology is emphasized. Students will complete laboratory exercises coordinated with course content and including microscopic observation, experimentation, study of anatomical models, dissection activities, and a study of the structure and function of the human body. A body system approach to learning will include the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, and endocrine systems. Students will complete laboratory exercises coordinated with course content and will include microscopic observation, experimentation, dissection activities and study of anatomical models.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Human Biology (except for students enrolled in the Medical Assisting Program)

Course ID: MA241
Credits: 5

In this course, students will continue their study of human anatomy and physiology begun in Human Anatomy and Physiology I. They will examine the circulatory, lymphatic and immune, respiratory, urinary, digestive, and reproductive systems, as well as fluid and electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, and nutrition and metabolism. Students will complete laboratory exercises coordinated with course content and including microscopic observation, experimentation, study of anatomical models, and dissection activities.

Prerequisite: Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Course ID: MA242
Credits: 5

This online course provides an overview of essential concepts and principles of pharmacology as applied in the nursing management of client care, to include an overview of drug classifications, drug actions/interactions, and therapeutic and adverse reactions to medications. Students demonstrate proficiency with the use of problem solving skills and mathematical calculations necessary to perform the nursing role. This course provides the foundation for subsequent coursework.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: NU115
Credits: 4

This course prepares the student to administer medications. The six "rights" of administration, dosage calculation, routes of administration, proper use and storage of medications, patient observation and documentation are included. Clinical skills are practiced in the nursing lab. This course includes the practice and demonstration of medication administration.

Prerequisite: none

Co-requisite: Comprehensive Pharmacology

Course ID: NU115L
Credits: 2

This course introduces the student to principles of nutrition and the role of nutrients in health and common alterations in health throughout the life cycle. An introduction to clinical nutrition is included to prepare the student to apply these principles to the individual, family, community, and clinical areas.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: NU205
Credits: 4

This introductory course is comprised of both a theory and a clinical component. Students are introduced to the concepts and nursing abilities required to meet basic human needs. Emphasis is placed on safety, psychomotor skills, therapeutic communication, and adult growth and development. The student must achieve a variety of nursing competencies to successfully complete this course.

Prerequisite: A&P I

Co-requisites: A&P II, Pharmacology and Pharmacology Lab

Course ID: PN100
Credits: 6

This course is an introduction to medical/surgical nursing and is comprised of both a theory and clinical component. Content includes nursing documentation, medication administration, the nursing process, and transcultural considerations. Emphasis is placed on basic pathophysiology, diagnostic procedures, common treatment modalities, nursing interventions, and critical-thinking skills for patients with disorders of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Prerequisites: A&P II, Nursing Foundations, Introduction to Pharmacology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Co-requisite: Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Psychosocial Nursing

Course ID: PN115
Credits: 5

This course presents an overview of the underlying principles of psychiatric/mental-health nursing and how those concepts transcend practice settings; it is comprised of both a theory and clinical component. Content includes therapeutic interventions, pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, current therapies, and rehabilitation for the patient experiencing psychiatric/mental-health alterations. Emphasis is on therapeutic communication, patient-nurse boundaries, and holistic care.

Prerequisite: Nursing Foundations

Co-requisites: Nursing I, General Psychology

Course ID: PN120
Credits: 4

This course is a continuation of Nursing I and is comprised of both a theory and a clinical component. Content includes surgical care, fluid and electrolyte balance, pain management, and care environments. Emphasis is placed on basic pathophysiology, diagnostic procedures, common treatment modalities, nursing interventions, and critical-thinking skills for patients with disorders of the reproductive, musculoskeletal, urologic, and endocrine systems.

Prerequisites: Nursing I, Psychosocial Nursing

Co-requisites: Maternal-Child Nursing, Nutrition and Diet Therapy

Course ID: PN125
Credits: 6

This course introduces maternal-child nursing and is comprised of both a theory and clinical component. Students explore concepts relevant to care of the obstetrical, newborn, and pediatric patient as well as sexuality and fertility issues. Emphasis is placed on family-centered care. Obstetrical content includes progression through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care including newborn and high-risk infant care. Pediatric content includes concepts of growth and development and fundamentals of health maintenance, health promotion, and disease prevention.

Prerequisite: Nursing I Co-requisites:

Nursing II; Human Nutrition

Course ID: PN130
Credits: 4

This course is a continuation of Nursing II and is comprised of both theory and clinical components. Emphasis is placed on basic pathophysiology, diagnostic procedures, common treatment modalities, nursing interventions, and critical-thinking skills for patients with disorders of the digestive, blood, lymph, integument, immune, and neurological systems. Modalities of care across the healthcare system are discussed.

Prerequisites: Nursing II, Maternal - Child Nursing, Nutrition and Diet Therapy

Co-requisites: Nursing Seminar, Geriatric Nursing

Course ID: PN135
Credits: 6

This online course explores care for the older adult and is comprised of both a theory and clinical component. The content builds on previous learning experiences to incorporate a more in-depth study of the normal aging process to assure comprehensive nursing care for the older adult patient. Content will address the psychological, cultural, spiritual, legal, and ethical aspects related to geriatric nursing care.

Prerequisites: Nursing II, Maternal - Child Nursing, Human Nutrition

Co-requisites: Nursing III, Nursing Seminar

Course ID: PN140
Credits: 4

This course examines the role of the practical nurse. Content includes the history of nursing, practical nursing scope of practice, legal and ethical considerations, and NCLEX-PN review. Content is designed to facilitate transition from the role of student to the role of graduate practical nurse. Emphasis is placed on assuming personal accountability for nursing actions. The importance of participation in continuing educational activities is emphasized.

Prerequisites: Nursing II, Maternal - Child Nursing, Nutrition and Diet Therapy

Co-requisites: Nursing III, Geriatric Nursing

Course ID: PN145
Credits: 2

This course is intended to help students develop their ability to write and express ideas in an organized, unified, coherent manner that reflects an appropriate awareness of purpose and audience. Through writing, reading, and discussion, students will learn to synthesize their thoughts as they communicate more effectively. Course concepts are applied to essays, research projects, and specialized writing. Regular writing and revision will improve students' grammar, punctuation and usage skills.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Reading and Writing Strategies or placement determined by STEP assessment score.

Course ID: G124
Credits: 4

The course will introduce students to basic models and theories of the communication process. Students will learn about a variety of elements involved in communication. They will also explore how factors such as race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, and gender influence communication. Students will focus on developing an awareness of the effects of various types of communication on themselves and others. They will also develop practical skills for improving their ability to communicate in personal, social and professional contexts. Specific topics will include perception, self-concept, verbal and non-verbal communication, effective listening and communicating in culturally diverse settings.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Reading and Writing Strategies or placement determined by STEP assessment score.

Course ID: G141
Credits: 4

This course investigates human creative achievement. It is designed to increase the student's understanding and appreciation of cultural literacy and the pursuit of humanitarian goals. Representative disciplines may include art, music, literature, architecture, drama, and philosophy.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G125
Credits: 4

Students will study different elements, forms, techniques and styles of film and will learn a critical approach to film and the motion picture industry. Students will critique films and filmmakers through various approaches and assessments that demonstrate analysis, interpretation, and evaluation skills as well as fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of film as an art form.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G145
Credits: 4

Students will examine the historical, social, and technological factors that contribute to understanding the function and meaning of art in this course. Using a global and thematic approach, students will be introduced to the basic elements of art, while learning about a full range of media used to make art, and the fundamental concepts of art criticism. Western and non-Western art is represented, with a strong emphasis on a global perspective in relation to culture, communication, politics, and economics.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G147
Credits: 4

Students will study the development of representative musical styles and techniques in this course. Students will learn about the formal structure of music and the significant figures that have shaped the various periods in musical history.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G151
Credits: 4

This course provides students with an introductory understanding of the fundamental questions of philosophy, and an opportunity to develop their own attitudes and beliefs as they seek greater knowledge. Some of the topics students will explore include what it means to be human, the nature of reality, what is truth, morality, free will, and the nature of the self. Significant figures that have played a vital role in developing various fields of philosophy will also be introduced.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G155
Credits: 4

This course will develop the student's talents in creative writing. Various forms of writing will be studied, such as short stories, novels, poems, plays and non-fiction. Works by students and others will be critiqued. Students will also develop editorial skills so that each writer may revise and improve his/her work. Students will compose a minimum of 6000 words over the course of the program.

Prerequisites: Passing grade in Reading and Writing Strategies or placement determined by STEP assessment score.

Course ID: G201
Credits: 4

This course is designed to expose the student to both a variety of literary forms and important writing topics such as symbolism, myth, and character. Utilizing writing as a major mode of thinking, continued emphasis is placed on construction and composition, including word usage, grammar and sentence analysis. A documented research paper is required.

Prerequisite: English Composition

Course ID: G220
Credits: 4

A study of the rules of valid judging and reasoning, both inductive and deductive, in a traditional, language-centered context rather than a symbolic context. Logical analysis of both formal and informal fallacies and of the consistency and logical consequences of a given set of statements. Logical analysis is applied to concrete problems dealing with our knowledge of reality.

Prerequisite: English Composition

Course ID: G224
Credits: 4

This course is designed as a study of ethical practices and principles and its relationship to personal and social morality. Emphasis is placed on the application of ethical theories to problems faced in business and society.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G225
Credits: 4

This course offers an introduction to the most common literary genres: fiction, poetry, drama, and literary non-fiction. Students will study the basic elements of each genre, learn how to compare genres, become familiar with sample texts that illustrate the particularities of each genre, and practice the skills of analyzing and writing about literary texts. Reading and analysis of texts will include a variety of literary forms and periods. Students will engage in approaches to determine literary meaning, form, and value.

Prerequisite: none [English Comp. recommended]

Course ID: G230
Credits: 4

This course focuses on common words and phrases students need to develop a working vocabulary which will enable them to communicate with Spanish-speaking individuals in their personal and professional lives. Although oral communication is stressed, included is an overview of Spanish grammar, phonetic pronunciation and Hispanic culture.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G238
Credits: 4

This course provides students with the skills to achieve mastery of algebraic terminology and applications including, but not limited to, real number operations, variables, polynomials, integer exponents, graphs, factoring, quadratic equations, and word problems.

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Foundations of Math or placement determined by STEP assessment score.

Course ID: G233
Credits: 4

Students will explore fundamental concepts of human biology. They will examine cell structure and function, body systems, and biochemistry. They will also learn basic concepts of genetics and evolution. Students will explore the relationship of human populations and the ecosystem.

Prerequisites: none

Course ID: G215
Credits: 4

This course introduces students to basic sociology terms and concepts. Students will understand how to apply sociological concepts and theories and analyze the structure and relationships of social institutions and the process of social change. Students will explore a variety of topics of sociological interest, including socialization, social inequality, social movements, and the impact of technology and social change on society.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G142
Credits: 4

This course will provide students with a general understanding of basic methodologies, concepts, theories, and practices in contemporary psychology. Areas of investigation may include the goals and research methodologies of psychology, the science of the brain, theories of human development and intelligence, concepts of motivation and emotions, the science of sensation and perceptions, and the current practices pertaining to psychological disorders, therapies, and treatments.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: G148
Credits: 4