For an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN):
* Anatomy and Physiology: In-depth study of the human body's structure and function. Often a two-semester sequence (I & II).
* Microbiology: Study of microorganisms and their impact on health and disease.
* Chemistry: Basic chemistry principles relevant to nursing practices (e.g., medication administration).
* Medical Terminology: Learning the language of medicine.
* Pharmacology: Study of drugs, their actions, and effects on the body.
* Nursing Fundamentals: Introduction to nursing concepts, skills, and practices.
* Health Assessment: Learning how to assess a patient's physical and mental health.
* Medical-Surgical Nursing: Care of adult patients in various medical and surgical settings.
* Maternal-Newborn Nursing: Care of pregnant women and newborns.
* Pediatric Nursing: Care of children.
* Psychiatric Nursing: Care of patients with mental health conditions. (Sometimes offered as an elective in ADN programs)
* Community Health Nursing: Nursing in community settings. (Sometimes offered as an elective in ADN programs)
* Clinical Rotations: Hands-on experience in various healthcare settings (hospitals, clinics, etc.). This is a significant portion of the ADN program.
For a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN):
All of the above courses, plus additional coursework in:
* Leadership and Management: Developing leadership and management skills in nursing.
* Research and Statistics: Understanding and applying research methods in nursing.
* Ethics and Legal Issues in Nursing: Understanding the ethical and legal aspects of nursing practice.
* Humanities and Social Sciences: Courses like psychology, sociology, and communication. These provide a broader understanding of human behavior and social determinants of health.
* Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing: More in-depth study of medical-surgical nursing concepts.
* More extensive clinical rotations: Providing a broader range of clinical experiences than ADN programs.
Beyond the Core Courses: Many nursing programs also offer elective courses allowing students to specialize in areas of interest.
Important Note: This is a general overview. You should consult the specific curriculum of the nursing program you are interested in to get a precise list of required courses. Admission requirements, such as prerequisites, may also vary widely between institutions. Furthermore, successful completion of the program usually requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse (RN).