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RN to BSN Curriculum
ENGL1003 Writing about Literature 3 cr.
The second half of the freshman English sequence, this course will introduce the imaginative genres of literature: poetry, short fiction, drama, and/or the novel. The course centers on finding source information and incorporating such materials fairly and effectively into argumentative and persuasive writing. Prerequisite: C or better in ENGL1001. Transfer students must have successfully completed a composition course comparable to ENGL1001 with a C or better.
INFO1001 Technology and Society 3 cr.
The purpose of this course is to develop a higher level of student awareness of the social, legal and ethical issues related to the role of technology in society today. The role that technology plays both personally and professionally will be examined, with a focus on issues related to computer use, such as security, privacy, intellectual property rights, ethics, health, and the environment. A look at emerging technologies and the PC of the future is also included.
ENGL1001 English Composition I 3 cr.
A traditional freshman-level expository writing course concentrating on the principles of rhetoric. Included in the course will be numerous writing assignments, discussion and analysis of selected readings, studied for form and content, and a review of grammar and mechanics. Prerequisite: C or better in ENGF1001 or demonstrated competency in placement testing.
ENGL2003 Public Speaking 3 cr.
This course gives students training in the preparation of well-organized speeches, techniques for gaining and holding an audience, and methods to increase student confidence and poise. Students develop the skills to communicate effectively with others through practical experience in formal and semiformal speaking situations. Prerequisite: ENGL1001.
HUMN3100 Intercultural Communication 3 cr.
Students learn about the challenges of communication between members of two or more different cultures. Such awareness may lead to an appreciation of cultural differences and to strategies that can enhance personal and organizational functioning and communicating in a multicultural environment.
MATH2200 Statistics 3 cr.
An introductory course for students having backgrounds limited to precalculus mathematics. Areas treated are statistical methods, sampling, probability, frequency distributions, estimations, correlation and tests of significance. Prerequisite: C or better in MATH1200 or appropriate placement score.
NURS3001 Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations in Nursing Practice 3 cr.
This course provides the history of nursing and the development of nursing knowledge. This course explores the values and competencies expected of the baccalaureate level student. The course also focuses on selected philosophical and theoretical principles in nursing practice. These foundations may be applied to an array of nurse practice settings and disciplines. Prerequisites: MA RN licensure; open only to students enrolled in RN to BSN program.
NURS3100 Research in Nursing 3 cr.
This course provides the baccalaureate nursing student with the foundations for the knowledge of the research process and the critical thinking skills necessary to analyze, critique, and evaluate nursing research. The student will utilize theory-based nursing research to define and improve patient outcomes. Prerequisites: MATH2200; NURS3001
NURS3002 Complementary Alternative Modalities 3 cr.
This course provides the discussion of holistic theory and the various techniques available for interventions with clients in the health care system. Emphasis will be placed on the emerging field of complementary/alternative modalities (CAM). The legal, ethical, and professional implications for the nurse related to CAM will be discussed. Prerequisites: MA RN licensure; open only to students enrolled in RN to BSN program.
NURS3003 Pharmacokinetics in Nursing Practice 3 cr.
This course will enhance the nurse’s knowledge of pharmacology and its therapeutic effects on clients. Content will present the principles of pathophysiology and pharmacology in the treatment of specific diseases. Generic and trade names, indications, contraindications, precautions, adverse reactions, drug interactions, dosage, and administration will be discussed. The role of pharmaceutical agents in the prevention, treatment, and management of disease states will be discussed. Drug effects on age-specific client populations and documentation requirements will be reinforced. Prerequisites: MA RN licensure; open only to students enrolled in RN to BSN program.
NURS3101 Health and Physical Assessment of Individuals and Families 4 cr.
This course provides the opportunity to apply nursing theoretical principles to the implementation phase of performing a holistic physical and health assessment. This health and physical assessment will include clients as individuals and groups and will explore normal as well as abnormal findings. Emphasis is on assessment, competent technical skills in examination, and the ability to critically analyze the implications of abnormal findings. Methods for group assessment, intervention, and evaluation are included. Prerequisites: MA RN licensure; open only to students enrolled in RN to BSN program.
NURS3102 Business of Nursing 3 cr.
This course explores the theoretical basis of effective nursing management and leadership. Effective skills of nurse leaders/managers in practice settings are analyzed and discussed. Selected current issues and trends in management/leadership and nursing are integrated into the course content. Participation with a nurse in a leadership or management position will allow the student an opportunity to analyze the application of leadership principles. Prerequisites: MA RN licensure; open only to students enrolled in RN to BSN program.
NURS4001 Nursing in a Global Society 3 cr.
This course applies the concepts and principles acquired in all previous nursing courses to the care of individuals, families, groups, and communities. This course requires the student to actively participate in the clinical setting as part of NURS4002 Independent Practicum. This course highlights the nurse’s role in healthcare systems to meet our global society. It is designed to discuss practice issues which include health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, wellness, cultural issues, and healthcare technology systems in the community setting. Prerequisites: Completion of all NURS3000 courses with a grade of “C” or better. Co-requisite: NURS4002 .
NURS4002 Independent Practicum I 3 cr.
The nurse will experience an independent practicum to develop his/her role as a baccalaureate nurse practicing in a healthcare setting. An array of healthcare settings and disciplines may be utilized e.g. hospice, psychiatric setting, community, obstetric-gynecology, or a primary care/specialty clinic. Prior to the start of the practicum, clinical goals and objectives must be formulated to facilitate the student’s progress. The practicum is designed with the focus of community health. Prerequisites: Completion of all 3000 level courses with a C or better. Co-requisites: NURS4001
NURS4003 Independent Practicum II 3 cr.
The nurse will continue in the second clinical course as an independent practicum with a nurse preceptor to develop his/her role as a baccalaureate nurse practicing in a healthcare setting. An array of healthcare settings and disciplines may be utilized e.g. hospice, psychiatric setting, community, obstetric-gynecology, or a primary care/specialty clinic. The student may elect to continue in the same setting as Independent Practicum I. Prior to the start of the practicum, clinical goals and objectives must be formulated to facilitate the student’s progress. The practicum is designed to be completed in two consecutive semesters with the focus on community health. The student has the option to change the focus to holistic health care, management and leadership, or the role of the nurse educator during this practicum. Prerequisites: Completion of all 3000 level courses with a C or better and completion of NURS4002 with a grade of C or better. Co-requisites: Enrollment in a Nursing elective.
NURS4101 Professional Nursing Seminar 3 cr.
This course is designed to develop the role of the baccalaureate nurse as a provider and manager of client care and as a member of the profession. Personal, ethical, and legal aspects of nursing care are discussed along with issues and trends in nursing practice for a diverse client population. This course must be taken in the last semester of program completion requirements or as the final Bachelor of Science in Nursing course. Prerequisites: NURS4001 and NURS4002.
PHIL3300 Medical Ethics 3 cr.
This course is an examination of the various schools of moral philosophy and their application to ethical dilemmas that commonly arise in the medical field. The first half of the course emphasizes various formal ethical theories, such as teleological and deontological theories, which address the different approaches used in the creation of a personal code of ethics and the ethical principles guide a profession or a society. The second half of the course will have the student analyze common health care dilemmas and apply the theoretical principles and practical methods used in reaching ethical solutions to ethical problems. The areas of health care delivery, health care policy, and biomedical research will be addressed and the impact of current health care regulations will also be considered. 3 credits. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing.
BIOL2502 Microbiology 4 cr.
Microbes as they relate to the health sciences. Lectures emphasize the metabolism, the environment, and the genetics of microorganisms. Also covered is the body’s response to microorganisms, disease, and the body’s defense mechanisms. Required laboratory deals with the physiological, nutritional, and environmental needs of bacteria and fungi and with their use in the identification of microorganisms. Sterilization techniques, the use of the microscope, and the antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria are also studied. Prerequisite: C or better in CHEM1001/1002 (Veterinary Technology students). A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Science and Nursing programs.
BIOL2503 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 cr.
A beginning course in the study of the human body with equal emphasis placed on structure and function. Specimen dissection is an integral requirement for both semesters. The first semester deals with the groundwork of the mammalian body, basic tissue types, fundamental aspects of the cell membrane structure and physiology, integumentary, skeletal and neuromuscular systems. Lab required.
BIOL2504 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 cr.
A continuation of BIOL2503, examining the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine and urogenital systems. The lab experience will allow the student to examine appropriate specimens relating to the systems presented in lecture.
PSYC1001 Introduction to Psychology 3 cr.
An introduction to the basic concepts and fundamental principles of human behavior using the historical background of psychology as a foundation, and present theory and research as a tool to explore principles of learning, human development motivation, stress, personality, interpersonal skills and mental health.
PSYC1107 Human Growth and Development 3 cr.
This course will emphasize the biological, psychosocial, cognitive, sexual, cultural, and moral development of the individual from conception through old age. The theories of Freud, Erikson, Piaget, Kohlberg, Kubler-Ross and other prominent psychologists will be applied to specific problems in the developmental process.
SOCI1001 Introduction to Sociology 3 cr.
This course explores the scientific dimensions of the sociological enterprise. Students are introduced to orienting concepts like culture, socialization and role; the constructed nature of human meaning systems; and theory building in sociology.
