Core Science Courses:
* Anatomy and Physiology: In-depth study of the human body's structure and function. Often a two-semester sequence (Anatomy I & II and Physiology I & II).
* Microbiology: Study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and their role in disease.
* Chemistry: Basic chemistry principles relevant to nursing, often including organic chemistry.
* Medical Terminology: Learning the language of medicine.
Nursing-Specific Courses:
* Fundamentals of Nursing: Introduction to nursing concepts, skills, and practices. This is usually the first nursing course and covers basic patient care, such as vital signs, hygiene, and safety.
* Medical-Surgical Nursing: Care of adult patients with a wide range of medical and surgical conditions.
* Maternal-Newborn Nursing: Care of pregnant women, newborns, and their families.
* Pediatric Nursing: Care of children from infancy through adolescence.
* Mental Health Nursing: Care of patients with mental illnesses.
* Community Health Nursing: Focuses on health promotion and disease prevention within communities.
* Pharmacology: The study of drugs and their effects on the body.
* Nursing Informatics: The use of technology and information systems in nursing practice.
Additional Courses (often required for BSN programs, may be electives in ADN programs):
* Leadership and Management: Developing leadership and management skills in nursing.
* Nursing Research: Understanding and applying research methods in nursing practice.
* Health Assessment: Comprehensive physical assessment skills.
* Nutrition: The role of nutrition in health and illness.
* Ethics and Legal Issues in Nursing: Ethical and legal considerations in nursing practice.
* Geriatric Nursing: Care of older adults.
Clinical Rotations: A crucial component of nursing education, clinical rotations involve supervised practical experience in various healthcare settings (hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities). These are not specific courses but are integral to earning your nursing degree.
It's important to check the specific course requirements with the nursing program you're interested in. Program websites typically list their curriculum. Also, prerequisites for entry into nursing programs often include general education courses such as English composition, math, and psychology.