Colleges and universities have general education requirements which must be met prior to admission into a school of nursing. The typical general education course of study leading to meeting admission criteria includes:

• English Composition - 2 semesters
• College level Mathematics - 1 semester
• General Psychology - 1 semester
• General Chemistry - 1 semester
• General Biology - 1 semester
• Anatomy & Physiology - 1 semester each
• Microbiology - 1 semester
• General Education Natural Sciences (Sociology, Anthropology) - 1 semester
• Pathophysiology - 1 semester
• Music or Art - 1 semester
• Basic Computer Science - 1 semester

Upon completion of the general education requirements and acceptance into a school of nursing, the nursing student begins a course of study specifically in a nursing curriculum. While the courses listed below list the average number of semesters per course, the course hours may vary from 2 - 4 hours. Typical nursing courses that you may be required to take can include:

• Fundamentals of Nursing - fundamental health concepts, nursing process and nursing theory - 1 semester
• Pathophysiology - clinical manifestations and implication for treatment of pathophysiological events from prenatal life to death - 1 semester
• Nursing Assessment - selected assessment skills adaptation to health function and status of clients - 1 semester
• Pharmacology - an overview of drug classifications, action, use, nursing implications and drug interactions; legislation pertinent to drug control is addressed - 1 semester
• Adult Nursing I & II with Clinical Applications- care of the adult patient in various stages of aging (young adult to aging population); development of individualized nursing care skills; critical thinking and accountability - 2 semesters
• Nursing of Children with Clinical Applications - use of the nursing process in the care of the child from infancy to adolescence utilizing critical thinking skills and accountability - 1 semester
• Family Nursing with Clinical Applications - care for the expectant family during the antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn period using critical thinking skills and accountability - 1 semester
• Community Health Nursing with Clinical Applications - primary nursing care in the community utilizing critical thinking skills and accountability - 1 semester
• Mental Health Nursing with Clinical Applications - care of the client with mental health needs utilizing critical thinking skills and accountability - 1 semester
• Professional Nurse Management, Leadership, Nursing Research, Nursing Theory and Nursing Issues are offered at varying levels dependent upon the degree sought (Associate, Baccalaureate, or Advanced Practice).

Be sure and check with the school or program that you choose to attend for more detailed information on the courses you will take!