Nursing Classes | Course Load in Nursing School & List of Nursing Classes

 

Nursing classes provide skilled training along with supervised hands on clinical experience. Those entering the field of nursing have a wonderful career ahead of them. Becoming a nurse allows everyday people to become heroes by helping others live long, healthy lives.

 

Nursing courses may consist of Pharmacology, Nutrition, Microbiology, Human Anatomy, Chemistry, Nursing Science, and Human Development. Course requirements vary by program so it is best to check the degree requirements for a particular school in order to get a clear picture of what is needed. Nursing students have a great deal of opportunity to look forward to after graduating from accredited nursing programs.

Traditional Nursing Classes


Traditional nursing classes offer students the opportunity to get their degree by attending classes on campus. Students get to have face to face contact with their professors and classmates. If interaction is important to the learner, traditional courses offer this opportunity. Most colleges and universities offer an abundance of nursing courses for those taking traditional classes.


The downside of traditional nursing classes is that they limit the learning. Nursing students who take traditional nursing classes are expected to attend classes at scheduled times, which may not always be convenient to them. Another downside to traditional classes is that the learner can sometimes get lost in the crowd. Some nursing courses may have hundreds of students attending so it may be easy to get overlooked.

Full-time Vs. Part-time Nursing Class Load


Full Time Nursing Classes


Full-time nursing classes allow student to complete their degree quickly. A bachelors degree takes approximately 4 years to complete. Full time students can take short courses and summer courses to complete their nursing degree in less time. Those attending nursing school full time have more choices in the courses that they can take, and they are not limited by their current employment positions.


The downside to attending nursing school full time is that many students have to choose between working and attending school. Many students are going back to school, and they have to work to pay for their nursing classes.

Part Time Nursing Classes


Part time nursing classes let students get their degree over time. They have the opportunity to work a full time job and pursue their dreams of becoming nurses. Part time classes allow students a chance to take control of their learning experiences.


The downside to attending part time nursing classes is that it can take a long time to earn a nursing degree. Students may be very limited to the classes that are available when taking online nursing classes.

Nervous about Nursing School?


If you are nervous about nursing school (which almost all nursing students are), try to prepare yourself for it by doing all the research you can.

 



 

List of Nursing Classes


The following list contains classes most nursing students will have to take in most accredited nursing schools across the U.S.

 

Anatomy and Physiology in Nursing School–Learn the basics about human anatomy and the way the human body works.

Microbiology in Nursing School–Learn about microbiology in nursing school, and how nurses use microbiology on the job.

 

Basic Food and Nutrition– Learn about Basic Food and Nutrition in nursing school, and how nurses use it on the job.

Dosage and Calculations–Learn about Dosage and Calculation in nursing school, and a guide to help you pass.

Medical Terminology–Learn about Medical Terminology–and how nurses use it on the job.

Pharmacology–Learn about Pharmacology–and a guide to help you pass.

Pathophysiology–Learn about Pathophysiology–and how nurses use it on the job.

Maternity Nursing–Learn about Maternity Nursing–and how nurse use it on the job.

Pediatric Nursing–Learn about Pediatric nursing–and tips on how to pass this nursing class.

 

Introduction to Nursing–Learn about Introduction to Nursing–and tips on how nurse use it on the job.

 

Nursing Theory & Research–Learn about Nursing Theory & Research–and how nurses use it on the job.

Geriatric Nursing–Learn about Geriatric Nursing–and tips on how to pass this nursing class.

Medical Surgical Nursing–Learn about Medical Surgical Nursing–and tips on how to pass this class.

Mental Health Nursing–Learn about Mental Health Nursing–and how nurse use it on the job & tips on how to pass this class.

Organic Chemistry–Learn about Organic Chemistry–and how to pass this nursing class.

Biology–Learn about Biology–and how to pass this nursing class.

Transcultural Nursing–Learn about Transcultural Nursing–and how to pass this nursing class.

Health Assessment–Learn about Health Assessment–and how to nurse it on the job along with how to pass this nursing class.

First Aid & Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR–Learn about First Aid & CPR.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) –Learn about Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)–Learn about Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).



 

Nursing School Information & Overview


Nursing school is not for everyone. Those who choose to become nurses should expect to dedicate a tremendous amount of time to studying nursing information and participating in clinical experiences to keep up with the changes in the nursing industry. Knowing what to expect from nursing school is imperative to the success of nursing students.


To enroll in a nursing program, it is generally required that students hold a high school diploma or GED to begin the program. Students can choose to attend vocational schools, nursing programs, 2-year colleges or universities, or 4 year colleges or universities, depending of the level of nursing education that the students desire.


The degree options that students are granted upon graduating from the various nursing programs that there are to choose from include a Diploma in Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD), or Doctor of Nursing Practice.


In addition to earning specialized degrees, nurses can also specialize in specific area of nursing to optimize their marketability in the nursing industry. A few of the specialty areas include forensic nursing, burn nursing, geriatric nursing, legal nursing, oncology nursing, medical surgical nursing, and mental health nursing. With a master’s degree in nursing, it is possible to become an Advanced Practice Nurse and hold the title of Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife, or Clinical Nurse Specialist.


Nursing programs consist of a combination of coursework and clinical experiences. The coursework may consist of basic courses—such as biology and anatomy- and core coursework that may consist of pharmacology and physiology. The courses that students take in nursing school will teach them about sterile dressing changes, inserting catheters, medication administration, physical examinations, and other vital nursing skills.


Graduates of nursing programs must pass the licensing examination to become licensed nurses. Nurses working in the United States must take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licenses Practical Nurses (LPNs). Those who become licensed nurses have the greatest opportunities in the nursing industry. After graduating from nursing programs, it is necessary to complete continuing education hours to maintain the nursing license. Each state has specific guidelines to maintain a nursing license so nurses must check with their Board of Nursing to determine the requirements.


 

Nursing School Educational Requirements


Nursing schools may require that incoming students hold a GED or high school diploma. They also require that nursing students participate in a college track high school education program to gain acceptance to nursing school. These programs contain nursing school prerequisite course such as chemistry, biology, and physics in which students generally must earn a “C” average or higher.


Schools generally require that incoming nursing students have taken the ACT or SAT before getting into nursing school. Each college or university has a specified score that students must make on the ACT or SAT to get accepted into the program. Some schools may require that students take a placement examination in math, English, and reading as an academic requirement.


Additional considerations that potential nursing students must prepare for are criminal background checks. Students may be rejected for admission if they do not pass criminal background checks. Information regarding recent physical examination records must be submitted before students enter a nursing program. Drug screenings may also be a requirement to get into nursing programs. Testing positive for drugs will prevent students from entering a nursing program.


Students are required to maintain a certain GPA throughout their nursing program after gaining acceptance into the program. Usually a 2.5 is the minimum GPA for these programs. Nursing programs are extremely competitive so it may be necessary to gain higher scores to get into advanced nursing programs and to compete for nursing jobs after graduation.


Nursing students will also be required to complete a certain number of clinical hours to complete their nursing program. Each program has a minimum number of hours that students must complete for the nursing program. These experiences are completed under the supervision of doctors and other licensed medical professionals.


For a more defined set of requirements to get into nursing school, students should check the requirements in their respective states and check with the specific nursing school in which they plan to enroll. Students should begin determining this information well in advance of applying to a nursing school.


 

 

Nursing School Application Process


The application process to get into an undergraduate nursing program may include the following: a completed application, including transcripts, medical records, background check, and test scores; interview; and application essay. Other requirements may be needed so students should check with their respective nursing programs to determine the specific requirements. Students should also know the deadline dates to complete the application process to get into nursing school.


Those who wish to get into a graduate level nursing program may have to complete the above requirements and some additional steps to get into a nursing program. Students may also be required to submit curriculum vitae or resume, statement of purpose or another application essay, proof of current RN license, GRE scores or other test scores, and other pertinent documentation. Recommendation letters may also be required to get into a graduate level nursing program. International students must meet the above requirements and provide a valid visa and financial certification (proof of funding) to get into nursing school.


Students should check with their respective schools to determine the application process and the supporting documentation needed to earn a spot in one of many accredited nursing schools around the country. The State Board of Nursing is also an excellent source of information about the state requirements to get into nursing school.


The choice to attend nursing school is one of the biggest choices that students will ever make in their lives. It is important to understand what the journey to becoming a licensed nurse will consist of so nursing students are fully prepared for the journey. Getting into a state approved, accredited nursing program will make a huge difference in the nursing experience. Even with the nursing shortage, the nursing industry is still very competitive and challenging.


Students have many choices when it comes to getting into nursing school and choosing the right program options. Completing nursing school will not be an easy task, but as long as students know what to expect, the journey can be easier.