Home » Courses of Instruction » B.S. in Nursing (BSN, LVN to BSN) Course Descriptions

GE 020A – Human Body in Health and Disease I with Lab — 75 Clock Hours/6 Quarter Credit Hours/4 Semester Credit Hour
Prerequisites: None
This course is the first of two courses covering the structure and function of human organ systems. The basics of the human body’s structures and functions will be discussed during lectures and labs. Between GE 020A and GE 020B, topics on all individual’s major organ systems will be examined while considering them in the state of health versus disease. This is a General Education Course.

GE 020B – Human Body in Health and Disease II with Lab — 75 Clock Hours/6 Quarter Credit Hours/4 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completing GE 020A — Human Body in Health & Disease I with Lab with a “C” or better.
This is the second of two courses covering the structure and function of human organ systems. The basics of structures and functions of the human body will be discussed during the lecture and lab. Between GE 020A and GE 020B, topics on all major organ systems will be examined while considering them in the state of health versus the state of disease. This is a General Education Course.

GE 031 – Nutrition in Health and Disease — 45 Clock Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course presents basic concepts of microbiology, and practical applications to medicine, public health, and the environment, with laboratory techniques in isolation, enumeration, and identification of microorganisms. This is a General Education Course.

GE 041 – General Microbiology with Lab — 75 Clock Hours/6 Quarter Credit Hours/4 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course presents basic concepts of microbiology, and practical applications to medicine, public health, and the environment, with laboratory techniques in isolation, enumeration, and identification of microorganisms. This is a General Education Course.

GE 110 – Critical Thinking — 45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course teaches students the skills they need to think for themselves—skills they will call upon in this course, other college courses, and the world that awaits. This course covers the core concepts with real-world examples and practice exercises. This is a General Education Course.

GE 112 – Algebra I — 45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course gives students the math skills that provide a foundation for more advanced courses. Students will explore writing and solving linear and nonlinear equations, powers and exponents, quadratic equations, polynomials and factoring, graphing, and linear inequalities and functions. This is a General Education Course.

GE 201 – Introduction to Sociology — 45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course includes the study of basic methods and concepts of sociology, which have broad academic relevance and can be applied to sociology and other academic disciplines. Attending a Live Webinar session is a required part of this course. This is a General Education Course.

GE 202 – General Psychology — 45 Clock Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course includes the study of basic methods and concepts of psychology, which have broad academic relevance and can be applied to the study of psychology and other academic disciplines. This is a General Education Course.

GE 222 – English Reading and Composition — 45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course introduces students to reading various literary texts and teaches them the basic elements of fiction, poetry, and drama. The course teaches students to write analysis, explication, and compare-and-contrast essays responding to the literature read. This is a General Education Course.

GE 240 – Public Speaking, Basics of Effective Communication — 45 Clock Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course introduces communication in interpersonal relationships, group interactions, formal speaking, listening skills, speech preparation, and oral presentation skills. This is a General Education Course.

RN 100 – Fundamentals of Nursing Theory — 45 Clock Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 101. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.

This course introduces professional nursing. Content includes a brief history of nursing, including the roles and responsibilities of the health care team. The provision of a standard of care consistent with legal, ethical, and regulatory guidelines and ANA Standards of Practice are emphasized.

Verbal communication skills, informatics, evidence-based practice, safety, and developing a patient-centered therapeutic nurse-client relationship are fostered. Students are taught the nursing process and diagnosis to develop a care plan.

RN 101 – Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical and Lab — 157.5 Clock Hours/3.5 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 100. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This course integrates concepts, theories, and skills fundamental to nursing practice. Students will use the nursing process to plan and provide for adult patients’ cultural, physiological, social, psychological, and spiritual needs with health disruptions.

RN 102 – Health Assessment Theory — 30 Clock Hours/2 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 103. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This course focuses on strategies to obtain health histories and physical assessment data for diverse populations. Students are instructed to identify normal and abnormal findings using inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Health risk prevention and the promotion of optimal health behaviors are also addressed.

RN 103 – Health Assessment Skills Lab — 67.5 Clock Hours/1.5 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 102. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This course uses health assessment theory to develop the hands-on skills of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Laboratory experience includes demonstration, practice, and critique of skill performance.

RN 104 – Fundamentals of Pharmacology — 30 Clock Hours/2 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
The student is familiarized with a history of pharmacology, the classification of medications, their actions, application, and nursing considerations. Principles and procedures for the safe administration of medications are stressed. Basic math and computation of adult and pediatric dosages are included. Actions, interactions, applications, and nursing considerations are addressed.

RN 106 – Pathophysiology — 30 Clock Hours/2 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Pathophysiological changes in acutely ill and chronically ill patients across the lifespan are explored using a systems and inter-systems approach. Identification of pathological changes in assessing patients with significant health disruptions; techniques appropriate to patients using a major systems approach; analysis of data and describing intersystem relationships across the life span as a basis for problem-solving in the nursing process. Introduction of how genomics offers new possibilities for therapies and treatments for some complex diseases and new diagnostic methods. Basic EKG and arrhythmia determination, and ABG analysis are included.

RN 180 – Nursing Transition Advanced Placement Theory & Lab Course — 120 Clock Hours/5 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course introduces students to the roles and responsibilities of the registered nurse and the Associate Degree Nursing Program framework. Emphasis is placed on various roles of the registered nurse, legal and ethical responsibilities, nursing process, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice delivering competent care to diverse demographics of multicultural clients throughout the lifespan.

Lecture contents include the role of the registered nurse and the care of adult, maternity, and pediatric clients. The lab component of this course focuses on utilizing the nursing process, critical thinking, and applying theory to skills in various patient case scenarios.

The following skills competencies focused on in this course: dosage calculation, assessment, intravenous administrations, central venous access, medication administration, nasogastric feeding, foley catheter insertion, tracheostomy care, and suctioning.

RN 200 – Medical-Surgical I Theory — Introduction to Med/Surg — 45 Clock Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 201. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This course provides basic medical/surgical theory related to endocrine, musculoskeletal, integumentary, and sensory system disorders, perioperative care, and fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Develop an understanding of the dynamic sequence of biological, psychological, and sociological changes in older adulthood. Expected growth and development patterns and disruption in critical periods of development are presented and help the development of nursing insight that will enable safe, effective patient-centered care.

RN 201 – Medical-Surgical Nursing I Clinical — Introduction to Med/Surg — 90 Clock Hours/2 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 200. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This course applies the theoretical content of patient-centered care for patients with medical-surgical conditions. Emphasis is on care planning, assessment, teaching, and clinical interventions to promote healthy outcomes for patients.

RN 202 – Medical/Surgical II Theory — Intermediate Med/Surg — 45 Clock Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 203. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This course provides basic medical/surgical theory related to endocrine, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and hematology problems, patients with cancer, and palliative care. Develop an understanding of the dynamic sequence of biological, psychological, and sociological changes in older adulthood. Expected growth and development patterns and disruption in critical periods of development are presented and help the development of nursing insight that will enable safe, effective patient-centered care.

RN 203 – Medical/Surgical II Clinical — Intermediate Med/Surg — 90 Clock Hours/2 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 202. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This course applies the theoretical content of patient-centered care for patients with medical-surgical conditions. Emphasis is on care planning, assessment, teaching, and clinical interventions to promote healthy outcomes for patients.

RN 300 – Maternal Newborn Theory — 45 Clock Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 301. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
The course covers comprehensive maternal and newborn care beginning with preconception planning and including risks occurring during pregnancy and postpartum, maternal and newborn complications, male and female reproductive concerns and needs, and family needs and problems during the maternity cycle. Concepts of nutrition, cultural variations, and the safety of mothers and newborns are integrated. Therapeutic use of drugs during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the immediate postpartum period are included.

RN 301 – Maternal Newborn Clinical — 67.5 Clock Hours/1.5 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 300. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This course is taught at a clinical site applying the theoretical content of patient-centered care for mothers and newborns. Emphasis is on assessment, teaching, and clinical interventions to promote healthy outcomes for families.

RN 302 – Care of Children Theory — 45 Clock Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 303. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This course applies the theoretical content of patient-centered care for mothers and newborns. Emphasis is on assessment, teaching, and clinical interventions to promote healthy outcomes for families.

RN 303 – Care of Children Clinical — 67.5 Clock Hours/1.5 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 302. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This course is taught at a clinical site, applying the theoretical content into practice with attention to patient-centered, quality care. Interaction with family members facilitates the student’s ability to recognize family dynamics and their effects on the developmental process. Advanced skills necessary to care for pediatric patients are achieved through simulation. The application of the nursing process to optimize patient and family outcomes is emphasized.

RN 304 – Medical-Surgical III Theory — Advanced Med/Surg – 45 Clock Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 305. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This course provides basic medical/surgical theory related to respiratory, cardiac, neurologic, and musculoskeletal disorders. Develop an understanding of the dynamic sequence of biological, psychological, and sociological changes in older adulthood. Expected growth and development patterns and disruption in critical periods of development are presented and help the development of nursing insight that will enable safe, effective patient-centered care.

RN 305 – Medical-Surgical III Clinical — Advanced Med/Surg — 90 Clock Hours/2 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 304. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This course is taught at a clinical site, integrating the practical application of advanced medical/surgical theory to care for selected patients with multiple health disruptions. Students apply the nursing process to optimize patient outcomes.

RN 400 – Mental Health Nursing Theory — 30 Clock Hours/2 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 401. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This course addresses theories and principles of psychiatric nursing. Biopsychosocial foundations of behavior, communication, and psychopharmacology are emphasized. Patient relationships and the use of effective and ineffective communication are addressed. The nurse’s role in the prevention and early identification of psychiatric disorders of children, adolescents, adults, and older adults and the treatment modalities of mental illness and organic brain syndromes are studied.

RN 401 – Mental Health Nursing Clinical — 90 Clock Hours/2 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 400. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This course is taught at clinical sites applying theory into clinical practice in the care of selected patients who may experience psychological stress, neurobiological disorders, and high-risk situations. Such situations include homelessness, family violence, child abuse, HIV, and post-traumatic stress syndrome. Students apply the nursing process to optimize patient outcomes.

RN 402 – Medical-Surgical Nursing IV Theory — Complex Med/Surg & Leadership — 45 Clock Hours/3 Semester
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 403. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This course incorporates previous medical-surgical nursing theory emphasizing the integration of pathophysiology, nutrition, pharmacology, and psychosocial components of safe and individualized care for patients with complex medical-surgical health disruptions. Focus on holistic care for burns, heart failure, acute respiratory distress, shock, multiple organ dysfunction, and traumatic brain injury. Leadership and management in nursing are explored as they relate to managing complex medical-surgical health alterations.

RN 403 – Medical-Surgical Nursing IV Clinical — Complex Med/Surg & Leadership — 90 Clock Hours/2 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 402. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This course is taught at a clinical site, integrating the practical application of advanced medical/surgical theory to care for selected patients with multiple health disruptions. Students apply the nursing process to optimize patient outcomes.

RN 404 – Community Health Nursing Theory — 45 Clock Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 405. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This online course discusses the foundation for community public health nursing care of patients, families, and communities. Sociocultural, political, and economic influences on a community’s health and the health care system are explored, and current issues and trends affecting community public health.

RN 405 – Community Health Nursing Clinical — 90 Clock Hours/2 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: This course is paired with RN 404. Failure in one paired course equals failure in both paired courses.
This online course discusses the foundation for community public health nursing care of patients, families, and communities. Sociocultural, political, and economic influences on a community’s health and the health care system are explored, and current issues and trends impact community public health.

RN 500 – Leadership/Management in Nursing Theory — 45 Clock Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
The nurse’s role involves leadership, management, team building, and collaboration strategies. Social, legal, political, and economic factors impacting nursing and health care are explored. Concepts and principles of professional nursing practice, such as quality improvement, safety, and evidence-based practice, are integrated. Development of change, agent, and delegation skills will be considered.

RN 501 – Leadership/Management in Nursing Clinical — 90 Clock Hours/2 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This is a practical implementation of leadership and management theory concepts using assigned clinical projects through interviews and analysis of existing clinical practices. This is a 2-unit practical course.

RN 502 – Nursing Informatics — 45 Clock Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course covers the health informatics discipline’s principles, concepts, and applications. Core disciplines, including informatics and terminal competencies or learning outcomes, provide the framework for developing curricula within the healthcare professions. Learning outcomes include the skills, knowledge, and professional aptitudes expected of all graduates within the discipline.

RN 504 – Nursing Research — 45 Clock Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course builds on the Research Statistics course taught in Semester 1. Principles, concepts, and application of scientific inquiry to phenomena of concern to other health professions and nursing and client’s health experience. Research design, critique, and interpretation of reports from various health sources will occur, and participation in research and conducting research will be discussed.

RN 505 – Bachelors Achievement Capstone Portfolio — 45 Clock Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This is a study project where students prepare a professional portfolio. This portfolio is to be worked on by the BSN students from the end of Semester 7 to the end of Semester 8. It comprises many individual projects and documents preparing the student for professional practice as an SN with a BSN. This portfolio is the exit project for the bachelor’s degree in Nursing program.

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