Associate Degree Nursing

The course provides an introduction to the structure of the human body with emphasis on the organ and systems levels. The study of anatomy is presented with lecture and supportive clinical applications conducted in anatomy lab. This course is residential. This course consists of a total of 80 hours, 40 hours of theory and 40 hours of science lab.

Prerequisites Required: None.

This course is designed to introduce the student to the online learning environment and the use of technology (e.g. laptop computer, Microsoft programs, computer based learning resources (The Neighborhood, Myitlab, ATI, internet search, LIRN, academic honesty/plagiarism). Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate proficient computer application skills permitting academic success (online and in the classroom) through the use of electronic learning resources. This course is residential. This course consists of a total of 20 theory hours.

Prerequisites Required: None.

This course introduces the student to study skills and innovative strategies for personal and academic success. The course will assist students to further develop thinking and reasoning skills. Students will also be introduced to the concept-based approach to learning as well as the vertical and horizontal threads that are woven throughout the curriculum. This course will prepare the associate degree student for the challenge to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to succeed in their educational goals. This course is residential. This course consists of a total of 30 theory hours.

Prerequisites Required: None.

This course provides an introduction to human physiology. The foundations of physiology are explored utilizing the basic principles of physics, chemistry, cell biology and biochemistry. The laboratory component of the course emphasizes the concepts presented during class lecture. This course is residential. This course consists of a total of 80 hours, 40 hours of theory and 40 hours of science lab.

Prerequisites Required: Bio 110.

This course will help students improve their math and algebra skills. Topics include linear and quadratic functions and their graphs, polynomial and rational functions and their graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions and their graphs, conic sections, sequence and series, solving system equations, matrices and determinants, counting and probability. This course consists of a total of 50 theory hours delivered online in distance education.

Prerequisites Required: NSS 110.

This course is designed to introduce the student to the online learning environment and the use of technology (e.g. laptop computer, Microsoft programs, computer based learning resources (The Neighborhood, Myitlab, ATI, internet search, LIRN, academic honesty/plagiarism). Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate proficient computer application skills permitting academic success (online and in the classroom) through the use of electronic learning resources. This course is residential. This course consists of a total of 20 theory hours.

Prerequisites Required: None.

Oral Communication is a survey course designed to introduce the student to the basic concepts and theories in the field of communication. The course combines theoretical approaches with applied activities to provide the student with communication skills that are required in the job market. Active participation in class discussions, group and individual activities, and oral presentations are required for successful completion of this course. This course consists of a total of 40 theory hours delivered online in distance education.

Prerequisites Required: NSS 110.

This course is an overview of microbiology. The foundations of microbiology are presented beginning with the relationship of microbes and daily life, through the pathologic disease processes. Environmental and industrial applications for microbiology are explored as new areas of development. The laboratory component of the course emphasizes the concepts presented during class lecture. This course is residential. This course consists of a total of 80 hours, 40 hours of theory and 40 hours of science lab.

Prerequisites Required: Bio 110, Bio 120.

This course is designed to improve writing skills by teaching students to compose and revise essays using proper spelling, grammar, and mechanics. Familiarity with APA formatting, research methods and library skills are improved as students develop a comprehensive and well written research paper. At course completion, students will find their writing skills have improved and they are better equipped to write professionally. This course consists of a total of 40 theory hours delivered online in distance education.

Prerequisites Required: Nss 110, Eng 120.

This course is the third required communication course and builds on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired in Oral Communications (Eng 120). The focus will be on the interactive verbal/nonverbal process between individuals to assist in coping with change, developing more satisfying interpersonal relationships, and integrating new knowledge and communication skills. The course will prepare students for effective communication by providing the skills and strategies needed for the individuals to engage and better motivate others. This course consists of a total of 20 theory hours delivered online in distance education.

Prerequisites Required: Nss 110, Eng 120.

This course provides the student with a general overview of the field of psychology including the scientific approach to studying basic principles of human behavior. Emphasis is placed on such topics as learning motivation, perception, feeling and emotion, intelligence, and personality. Upon completion of this course students will have a better understanding of the complexities of human behavior. This course consists of a total of 40 theory hours delivered online in distance education.

Prerequisites Required: Nss 110.

This course focuses on drug classifications, actions and interactions as related to the delivery of nursing care for the biophysical and psychological concepts in the individual domain. The course also covers medication calculations and techniques for safe administration of medications and related client care. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to safely administer medications incorporating concepts of the individual, healthcare and nursing domains identified within this course. This course is residential. This course consists of a total of 60 hours, 30 hours of theory and 30 hours of clinical practice in the Simulation and Skills Lab.

Prerequisites Required: Successful completion of Bio 110, Bio 115, Bio, Nss 110 120, Mth 120, Nss 115, Psy 130, Eng 120, Eng 130, Eng 135, Psy 130.

This course provides the beginning student with the foundational and fundamental concepts upon which to build sound nursing practice. Topics include the nursing process, clinical decision-making, law and ethics applicable to nursing, an overview of the healthcare system, health promotion and illness prevention, client safety, and an introduction to care of clients with system alterations. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to provide safe nursing care-incorporating concepts of the individual, health care and nursing domains identified within this course. This course is residential. This course consists of a total of 120 hours, 60 hours of theory and 60 hours of clinical practice in the Simulation and Skills Lab.

Prerequisites Required: Successful completion of Bio 110, Bio 115, NSS 110, Bio 120, Mth 120, NSS 115, Psy 130, Eng 120, Eng 130, Eng 135.

This course explores the psychological development of individuals across the entire lifespan from prenatal development through the end of life. Emphasis is placed on the physical, cognitive, emotional and social developments that occur in each phase of the lifespan. The course introduces both classic and current modalities of research and explores the concepts of death, dying, and bereavement. At the completion of this course students should have an understanding of the developmental needs of individuals of all ages and developmental levels. This course consists of a total of 40 theory hours delivered online in distance education.

Prerequisites Required: Nss 110, Psy 130.

This course builds upon the student’s knowledge gained in Nursing 230 and 240, challenging the student to apply what they have learned in the delivery of safe client care. Students will begin to develop care management skills, communicate effectively with clients, promote health, and provide caring interventions. Didactic topics will focus on the care needs of clients with alterations in acid-base balance, metabolism, oxygenation, infection, perfusion, comfort, elimination, fluid and electrolyte balance, mobility, cognition, and sensory perception. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to provide safe nursing care-incorporating concepts of the individual, healthcare and nursing domains identified within this course. This course consists of a total of 160 hours, 40 hours of theory and 120 hours of clinical practice in long term and sub-acute nursing facilities with the elder client experiencing chronic illness. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: Successful completion of Bio 110, Bio 115, Bio 120, Mth 120, Nss 120, Psy 130, Eng 120, Eng 130, Eng 135, Nsg 240, Psy 140.

This course provides an overview of specialized needs and health concerns related to aging. The older client will dominate nursing care as the population median age becomes older. This course makes use of unfolding case studies to introduce the student to older clients and to recognize health alterations in the older adult. Upon completion, students will be able to provide safe nursing care of the older client incorporating concepts of the individual, healthcare and nursing domains identified within this course. This course is residential. This course consists of a total of 80 hours, 20 hours of theory and 60 hours of clinical practice in a variety of community-based settings that support the health and wellness of the geriatric population.

Prerequisites Required: Successful completion of Bio 110, Bio 115, Bio 120, Mth 120, Nss 120, Psy 130, Eng 120, Eng 130, Eng 135, Nsg 240, Psy 140.

This course introduces contemporary sociology as a science and explores the relationships between individuals and recognized institutions. Research methodology and scientific problem solving is explored. Globalization and multiculturalism are introduced as newer perspectives in sociology. At the completion of the course students will have a better understanding of the factors influencing modern society. This course consists of a total of 40 theory hours delivered online in distance education.

Prerequisites Required: Nss 110, Psy 130, Psy 140.

This course is designed to further develop the concepts within the three domains of the individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed in the classroom on intermediate concepts related to the surgical client including tissue integrity, comfort, mobility, cellular regulation, inflammation, and prevention of complications such as infection, oxygenation, or perfusion related problems. In the clinical component of this course, emphasis is placed on health-wellness-illness, clinical decision-making, caring interventions, managing care, and safety. Upon completion, students will be able to provide safe nursing care of the surgical client incorporating concepts of the individual, healthcare and nursing domains identified within this course. This course consists of a total of 160 hours, 40 hours of theory and 120 hours of clinical practice in acute care and ambulatory care settings that address health alterations in adult clients across the lifespan. This course is residential.

Prerequisites Required: Successful completion of Bio 110, Bio 115, Bio 120, Mth 120, Nss 120, Nsg 245, Psy 130, Eng 130, Eng 135, Nsg 240, Psy 140, Nsg 250, Nsg 255.

This course is designed to further develop the concepts within the three domains of individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of self, stress and coping, mood and affect, addiction behaviors, cognition, grief and loss and violence. Within these concepts, students will promote health and wellness, use professional behaviors, and provide caring interventions safely across the lifespan. Upon completion, students will be able to provide safe holistic nursing care incorporating concepts of the individual, healthcare, and nursing domains identified within this course. This course is residential. The course consists of a total of 120 hours, 30 hours of theory and 90 hours of clinical practice in psychiatric and mental health acute care, primary care and community-based settings that support the health and wellness of clients with alterations in mental health.

Prerequisites Required: Successful completion of Bio 110, Bio 115, Bio 120, Mth 120, Nss 120, Nsg 245, Psy 130, Eng 130, Eng 135, Nsg 240, Psy 140, Nsg 250, Nsg 255.

This course is designed to further develop the concepts within the three domains of individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of self, stress and coping, mood and affect, addiction behaviors, cognition, grief and loss and violence. Within these concepts, students will promote health and wellness, use professional behaviors, and provide caring interventions safely across the lifespan. Upon completion, students will be able to provide safe holistic nursing care incorporating concepts of the individual, healthcare, and nursing domains identified within this course. This course is residential. The course consists of a total of 120 hours, 30 hours of theory and 90 hours of clinical practice in psychiatric and mental health acute care, primary care and community-based settings that support the health and wellness of clients with alterations in mental health.

Prerequisites Required: Successful completion of Bio 110, Bio 115, Bio 120, Mth 120, Nss 120, Nsg 230, Psy 130, Eng 140, Eng 145, Nsg 240, Nsg 245, Psy 140, Nsg 250, Nsg 255, Nsg 260, Nsg 265.

This course develops the concepts related to care of the family including reproductive health, obstetrics, and pediatrics within the three conceptual domains of individual, healthcare and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of oxygenation, sexuality, reproduction, grief/loss, mood/affect, addiction behaviors, infection, development, health-wellness-illness, communication, caring interventions, safety, and advocacy applied to care of the family both individually and as a group. Upon completion, students will be able to provide safe nursing care incorporating the concepts identified in this course. This course is residential. This course consists of a total of 160 hours, 40 hours of theory and 120 hours of clinical practice that focuses on the care of the woman, mother, child, family and fetus/infant in a variety of hospital, primary care and community-based settings.

Prerequisites Required: Successful completion of Bio 110, Bio 115, Bio 120, Mth 120, Nss 120, Nsg 245, Psy 130, Eng 130, Eng 135, Nsg 240, Nsg 245, Psy 140, Nsg 250, Nsg 255, Soc 150, Nsg 260, Nsg 265.

This course is designed to synthesize the concepts within the three domains of individual, healthcare, and nursing. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of collaboration, managing care, safety, advocacy, legal issues, health policy, healthcare systems, ethics, accountability, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice in the provision of client-centered care. Upon completion, students will be able to provide safe, client centered, value-driven nursing care incorporating the concepts identified in this course. This course is residential. This course consists of a total of 170 hours; 20 hours of theory and 150 hours of clinical preceptorship that focus on mastering the care of a team of clients, providing direct client care proficiently, and learning the variety of leadership roles and responsibilities of the staff and charge RN.

Prerequisites Required: Successful completion of Bio 110, Bio 115, Bio 120, Mth 120, Nss 120, Nsg 245, Psy 130, Eng 130, Eng 135, Nsg 240, Nsg 245, Psy 140, Nsg 250, Nsg 255, Nsg 260, Nsg 265, Nsg 270, Nsg 275.

The capstone course provides an intensive review of the various nursing concepts required for the nursing licensure examination. The student is assisted in their studying and testing skills to prepare them for NCLEX success. This course will strengthen the students’ ability to understand and apply nursing concepts and skills using critical thinking in clinical decision making required from an entry-level professional nurse. A series of content mastery examinations will be given to students using computerized adaptive testing in preparation for a comprehensive predictability examination at the end of the course. This course will assist students to identify areas of strength and areas of improvement prior to sitting for the NCLEX –RN Examination. This course is residential. This course consists of a total of 40 theory hours.

Prerequisites Required: Successful completion of Bio 110, Bio 115, Bio 120, Mth 120, Nss 120, Nsg 230, Psy 130, Eng 130, Eng 135, Nsg 240, Nsg 245, Psy 140, Nsg 250, Nsg 255, Nsg 260, Nsg 265, Nsg 270, Nsg 275.