Foundational Sciences:
* Anatomy & Physiology: A comprehensive study of the human body's structure and function. Often a two-semester sequence (I & II).
* Microbiology: The study of microorganisms, crucial for understanding infection and disease.
* Chemistry (General, Organic, sometimes Biochemistry): Provides the foundational understanding of chemical processes in the body.
* Mathematics (often Statistics): Necessary for data analysis and research methodologies.
Nursing-Specific Courses:
* Nursing Fundamentals: Introduction to the nursing profession, fundamental skills (e.g., vital signs, hygiene, medication administration), and nursing process.
* Medical-Surgical Nursing: Care of adult patients in various settings and with diverse conditions.
* Maternal-Newborn Nursing: Care of pregnant women, newborns, and their families.
* Pediatric Nursing: Care of children and their families.
* Mental Health Nursing: Care of patients with mental illnesses.
* Community Health Nursing: Focus on population health and community-based care.
* Pharmacology: The study of drugs and their effects on the body.
* Nursing Informatics: The application of computer and information technology to nursing practice.
* Leadership and Management in Nursing: Developing leadership and management skills for nursing roles.
General Education Requirements:
Most BSN programs also require general education courses in areas like:
* English Composition: Developing writing skills.
* Humanities: Courses in literature, philosophy, history, etc.
* Social Sciences: Courses in psychology, sociology, etc.
Clinical Experiences:
Crucial to a BSN is a significant amount of clinical experience. This involves supervised practice in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and community agencies. The amount and types of clinical rotations will vary by program.
Electives:
Some BSN programs may offer elective courses allowing for specialization or exploration of areas of interest within nursing.
It's crucial to check the specific curriculum requirements of the BSN program you are interested in attending. You can usually find this detailed information on the university's website within the nursing program's section.