Nursing students must take science courses in their program of study. Because a basic understanding of the human body is necessary, science courses are essential in nursing education. Nursing students will study anatomy and physiology, chemistry, pharmacology, nutrition issues, microbiology and human development. Social sciences such as psychology are also required courses. If you are pursuing a BSN, additional, more advanced science courses may be required.
To receive a degree from a nursing education program, all nursing students must complete general education credits that balance their education between liberal arts and core nursing courses. Both ADN and BSN students complete courses in English composition, mathematics, fine arts, foreign language and social sciences. BSN students may be required to complete courses in nursing management and communication skills.
Nursing courses are effectively the core of the nursing program. Through these courses, student nurses learn the heart of the nursing profession: fundamentals of patient care, taking patient histories, theories behind therapy and treatment and the nature of diagnoses. Additionally, core nursing classes address appropriate behaviors of health care professionals and interacting with physicians and other nurses. Typically, nursing courses increase in difficulty based upon the semester of study.
Nursing programs also require a clinical component, typically offered concurrently with academic courses. Through clinical experiences, student nurses receive hands-on training that applies the theories learned in academic classes. Nursing practicums take place in a variety of locations: extended-care facilities, hospitals and/or doctor's offices. Clinical training usually occurs in rotations from one specialty to another and offer the student nurse the opportunity to experience different potential placements such as psychiatry, medical-surgical, labor and delivery, mother/baby and pediatrics.