Nursing programs include a number of in-depth science courses, including Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Human Growth & Development. College preparatory courses in any of these subjects during high school can make the transition to college-level material easier.
A typical nursing program also incorporates classes classified as science courses or applied sciences. These may include Nutrition, Psychology, Sociology, and Statistics. Advanced math classes in high school can help prepare you for these.
Practical training is an essential aspect of any nursing degree, as these classes teach the skills used on a daily basis and provide opportunity to develop those skills. Practical training courses usually include Fundamentals of Practice in Nursing, Nursing Leadership, and Physical Assessment (which teaches you how to evaluate a patient's condition and medical history).
In addition to the practical skills already listed, specific courses also provide instruction in specialized areas of nursing. These may include Adult/Pediatric/Geriatric Care, Critical Care, Environmental and Occupational Health, Home Health Care, Maternal/Child/Neonatal Care, and Medical & Surgical Care. Knowledge and skills taught in these courses can prepare you to work in specialties such as neonatal intensive care, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency rooms, or surgery.
Ultimately, quality nursing programs teach more than academic material and practical skills. They strive to prepare students professionally as well; aiding the development of communication skills, critical thinking, compassion, and competence in crisis situations.