Nursing I: This course introduces the Practical Nursing Student to the basic skills necessary for the safe and competent practice of Practical Nursing.  The concepts of health, nursing and the individual are correlated with meeting the basic needs of the client.  Basic communication principles and the nursing process are introduced, and cultural bias is incorporated into all areas of practice/study.  The course and concepts progress from simple to complex.

Anatomy and Physiology: This course presents the structure and function of the human body to the Practical Nursing Student.  Basic principles of chemistry, microbiology, and physics are included in this course.  Medical terminology, examples of pathophysiology and common diagnostic procedures are introduced.  This course utilizes the concept of learning from simple to complex when dealing with the principles of human structure and function.

Nursing Process and Critical Thinking (Part I): The nursing process is introduced to the beginning Practical Nursing Student as a problem- solving technique utilized by nurses.  The steps of the nursing process are introduced and defined.  The emphasis of this course is on client assessment with application of critical thinking skills, communication skills, and data collection.

Calculation of Drug Dosage: This course is designed to introduce the Practical Nursing Student to dosage calculation methods that are required to safely administer medications to clients in a variety of healthcare settings.  This course presents the use of the metric system and basic mathematical concepts for the calculation of drug dosages.  Dosage calculations are integrated and measured in each pharmacology course throughout the program.  The complexity of dosage calculations progresses from simple to complex as the student progresses through the program.

Personal and Vocational Relationships I: This course is designed to introduce the Practical Nursing Student to the philosophy of nursing, nursing as a profession, and to assist the student in making the personal and professional adjustments to adapt to the role of Practical Nursing Student. Course discussions include: the educational environment, nursing history, legal aspects and ethical issues of nursing, basic communication, time management, test taking strategies, and spiritual/cultural care and awareness.

Pharmacology I: Pharmacology will be introduced to the Practical Nursing Student in Level I and integrated into all Medical-Surgical, Nursing, Geriatric, IV Therapy, and Maternal Child courses throughout the program. The Nursing Process is introduced as it relates to safe and effective medication administration practices.  In addition, special topics will be covered throughout the program as part of the students planned pre and post clinical conferences. 

Nursing Process and Critical Thinking (Part II): This course builds on practical nursing skills previously learned in Nursing Process I. The course is designed to guide the Practical Nursing Student in the development of a step-by-step problem-solving plan in order to provide safe and knowledgeable nursing care to clients diagnosed with acute and chronic disorders in a variety of healthcare settings.  Practical Nursing Students will continue to apply the nursing process with moderate guidance while caring for clients in the clinical setting. Development of the nursing care plan is introduced.

Nursing II: This course introduces the Practical Nursing Student to more advanced skills they will find necessary for the safe and competent practice of Practical Nursing.  The concepts of health, nursing, and the individual are correlated with meeting the basic needs of the client in a variety of healthcare settings.  This course increases in complexity and builds on the knowledge and skills attained in Nursing I.  Emphasis is placed on the Nursing Process and identifying needs/problems of the adult client.

Normal Nutrition and Diet Therapy: This course presents the basic principles of nutritional science, nutrition throughout the life cycle, cultural influences, and clinical nutrition.

Pharmacology II: This course is designed to further prepare the Practical Nursing Student for their expanding role as a bedside nurse where under the direction of the physician and/or the registered nurse they will administer pharmacotherapy to clients in a variety of healthcare settings. Pharmacology I is a prerequisite for this course. The course begins with a general review of pathophysiology that correlates closely with Level II Medical-Surgical Nursing. The course then progresses to the detailed discussion of drugs and how they affect the associated body systems.  This course is designed to follow closely to corresponding clinical experiences.

Medical-Surgical Nursing 201: 

Medical-Surgical Nursing 201 – Integumentary - This course introduces the Practical Nursing Student to adult clients with alterations in the integumentary system.  Common integumentary disorders are discussed in reference to etiology, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment methods.

Medical-Surgical Nursing 201 – Gastrointestinal - This course introduces the Practical Nursing Student to adult clients with alterations in the gastrointestinal system.  Common gastrointestinal disorders are discussed in reference to etiology, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment methods.

Medical-Surgical Nursing 201 – Genitourinary - This course introduces the student to adult clients with alterations in the genitourinary system.  Common genitourinary disorders are discussed in reference to etiology, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment methods.

Medical-Surgical Nursing 201 – Respiratory - This course introduces the Practical Nursing Student to adult clients with alterations in the respiratory system.  Common respiratory disorders are discussed in reference to etiology, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment methods.

Medical-Surgical Nursing 301: 

Medical-Surgical Nursing 301 – Endocrine - This course introduces the Practical Nursing Student to adult clients with alterations in the endocrine system.  Common endocrine disorders are discussed in reference to etiology, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment methods.

Medical-Surgical Nursing 301 – Immunity - This course introduces the Practical Nursing Student to adult clients with alterations in the immunological system.  Common immunological disorders are discussed in reference to etiology, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment methods.

Medical-Surgical Nursing 301 – Musculoskeletal - This course introduces the Practical Nursing Student to adult clients with alterations in the musculoskeletal system.  Common musculoskeletal disorders are discussed in reference to etiology, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment methods.

Medical-Surgical Nursing 301 – Reproductive - This course introduces the Practical Nursing Student to adult clients with alterations in the reproductive system.  Common reproductive disorders are discussed in reference to etiology, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment methods.

Maternal-Child Nursing: Obstetrics: This course presents the necessary knowledge and skills needed to care for the pregnant mother, fetus, and newborn. Growth and development and nursing care of the normal newborn, as well as infants with health problems, are covered in this course.  Women’s health, family care, and cultural diversity are stressed throughout the course.  Correlated clinical experience provides the Practical Nursing Student the opportunity to care for clients in the labor/delivery, post-partum area, and nursery. 

IV Therapy: This course introduces the Practical Nursing Student to the basic principles associated with intravenous therapy.  This course also introduces the scientific principles related to intravenous therapy including administration of intravenous fluids and intravenous medications, venipuncture, site care, and complications as they relate to intravenous therapy.

Gerontology: This course continues to introduce the Practical Nursing Student to the aging adult population, promoting health and wellness, and living with chronic disorders.  This course prepares the Practical Nursing Student to communicate and provide nursing care for the geriatric client in the clinical setting, dealing with special issues of loss, abuse, dementia, and sexuality.

Pharmacology III: This course is designed to further prepare the Practical Nursing Student for their expanding role as a bedside nurse where under the direction of the physician and/or the registered nurse they will administer pharmacotherapy to clients in a variety of healthcare settings. Pharmacology II is a prerequisite for this course. The course begins with a general review of pathophysiology that correlates closely with Level III Medical-Surgical Nursing. The course then progresses to the detailed discussion of drugs and how they affect the associated body systems.  This course is designed to follow closely to corresponding clinical experiences.

Mental Health: This course introduces the Practical Nursing Student to nursing concepts related to mental health/illness. The unique needs of clients with mental-health disorders are explored and therapeutic communication as well as common defense mechanisms are taught throughout the course. This course will present basic concepts of assessment, diagnoses, treatments, and nursing interventions of the client with mental health disorders.  The subjects of abuse including chemical dependency, sexual abuse, and domestic violence are also presented.

Medical-Surgical Nursing 401: 

Medical-Surgical Nursing 401 – Cardiovascular- This course introduces the Practical Nursing Student to adult clients with alterations in the cardiovascular system.  Common cardiovascular disorders are discussed in reference to etiology, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment methods.

Medical-Surgical Nursing 401 – Community Health- This course introduces the Practical Nursing Student to community health issues including disasters, pandemics, and trauma. The variety of community health care settings will be discussed as well as community resources for victims of abuse. The student will be able to identify goals of providing care in alternative health care settings.

Medical-Surgical Nursing 401 – Neurological- This course introduces the Practical Nursing Student to adult clients with alterations in the neurological system.  Common neurological disorders are discussed in reference to etiology, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment methods.

Medical-Surgical Nursing 401 – Special Senses- This course introduces the Practical Nursing Student to adult clients with alterations in the sensory system.  Common sensory disorders are discussed in reference to etiology, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment methods.

Personal and Vocational Relationships II: This course will prepare the Practical Nursing Student to function as an entry level practical nurse by preparing them for registration for the national examination.  It also prepares the student to function as a practical nurse to assume a leadership or management role in an appropriate setting.  It incorporates recognition of health care teams, discusses the potential sites of employment, assists the student in preparing for an interview and to develop a resume. The Health Care system is discussed as well as financing issues and trends. Quality safety and the cost of health care is also discussed.

Maternal-Child Nursing: Pediatrics: This course includes the concepts of growth and development of the toddler, pre-school, and adolescent child.  Hospitalization of the child, reactions of the child and parents, and nursing care of children is covered.  Administration of medications to children and safety is a great concern and is considered.  Medical-surgical conditions that affect children are presented as well as communicable diseases.  Correlated clinical experience provides the Practical Nursing Student the opportunity to care for pediatric clients in the pediatric setting.

Pharmacology IV: This course is designed to further prepare the Practical Nursing Student for their expanding role as a bedside nurse where under the direction of the physician and/or the registered nurse they will administer pharmacotherapy to clients in a variety of healthcare settings. Pharmacology III is a prerequisite for this course. The course begins with a general review of pathophysiology that correlates closely with Level IV Medical-Surgical Nursing courses. The course then progresses to the detailed discussion of medications and how they affect the associated body systems.  This course is designed to follow closely to corresponding clinical experiences.