Practical Nursing Diploma

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.

Prerequisite: none

Course ID: BSC 2020C
Credits: 4

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: BSC 2087C
Credits: 5

This course is a continuation of the study of human anatomy and physiology begun in Human Anatomy and Physiology I. The digestive, endocrine, lymphatic and immune digestive, urinary and reproductive systems are studied as well as blood, nutrition and metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, and acid-base balance. Laboratory exercises, coordinated with course content, including microscopic observation, experimentation, study of anatomical models, and dissection exercises are included in this course.

Prerequisite: Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Course ID: BSC 2089C
Credits: 5

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: ENC 1101
Credits: 4

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: HUN 2202
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: MAT 1031
Credits: 4

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: NUR 1144
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: NUR 1144L
Credits: 2

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: Fundamentals of Practical Nursing II

Course ID: PRN 0000C
Credits: 6

This course provides information regarding the general characteristics, needs and problems of the pediatric patient to prepare the student to adapt nursing care for that patient. Signs and symptoms of common pediatric disorders and diseases are covered including nutritional requirements and diversion and recreational activities. The nursing skills related to the care of the pediatric patient are emphasized. Clinical skills are practiced in the nursing lab and the student has an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in clinical setting.

Prerequisites or co-requisites: Nursing II and Maternal-Child Nursing

Course ID: PRN 0110C
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

Course ID: PRN 0120C
Credits: 4

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: Foundations of Nursing; Introduction to Pharmacology; Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Co-requisites: Psychosocial Nursing

Course ID: PRN 0201C
Credits: 5

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

Course ID: PRN 0202C
Credits: 6

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

Course ID: PRN 0203C
Credits: 6

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: PRN 0401C
Credits: 4

This online course explores care for the older adult and is comprised of both a theory and a 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. 45 Hours of clinical experience in a geriatric setting will be provided.

Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Practical Nursing; Foundations of Nursing; Comprehensive Pharmacology; Comprehensive Pharmacology Lab

Course ID: PRN 0500C
Credits: 4

This course provides students with a foundation in understanding the healthcare culture. This includes roles people play in the healthcare setting, effective communication techniques, basic knowledge in wellness and disease, ethical concerns affecting the healthcare setting, basic computer and math skills, and basic employability skills. The course also provides students with the skills needed to become a nursing assistant. Topics include communication, ethics, patient care, and various types of support needed for the patient.

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Practical Nursing program

Course ID: PRN 1700C
Credits: 8

This online 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. 90 Hours of clinical experience will be provided.

Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Practical Nursing, Foundations of Nursing; Nursing I; Nursing II; Nursing III

Course ID: PRN 2934
Credits: 8