Associate of Applied Science
Nursing Program
Degrees
Courses
NURS 101: Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
Credits 4This course introduces the foundational concepts and skills essential to professional nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on the nursing process, patient-centered care, safety, communication, evidence-based practice, and clinical judgment. Students develop beginning competency in basic nursing skills, therapeutic communication, documentation, and critical thinking in a variety of healthcare settings. The course also explores the roles and responsibilities of the professional nurse, legal and ethical principles, cultural competence, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Laboratory and clinical experiences provide opportunities for hands-on application of theoretical concepts with a focus on health promotion, hygiene, mobility, and vital signs across the lifespan.
Prerequisites: successful completion of AAS nursing program prerequisites
NURS 101D: Pathophysiology
3A didactic course that builds upon knowledge gained in Anatomy and Physiology courses to introduce and discuss pathophysiology in relation to the nursing process throughout the lifespan. This course content will enable the nursing student to utilize the n
NURS 102: Introduction to Nursing Care in Non
Credits 3This course introduces students to the scope and practice of nursing care in non-acute medical settings. Emphasis is placed on foundational nursing skills, communication techniques, and care coordination in environments such as long-term care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, hospice organizations, and ambulatory surgical centers. Students will explore the unique roles, responsibilities, and interdisciplinary collaboration involved in providing patient-centered care outside the hospital setting. Topics include chronic disease management, health promotion, functional assessment, safety, documentation, and regulatory considerations relevant to non-acute care. This course supports the development of clinical reasoning, empathy, and adaptability in diverse community-based healthcare environments.
Prerequisites: NURS 101, NURS 101 C, NURS101D
NURS 102C: Introduction to Nursing Care in Non
6Provides students with hands-on instruction and practice with nursing skills utilized in non-acute medical settings, including, but not limited to: long-term care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, medical clinics, home health agencies, hospice agenc
NURS 102D: Pharmacology
3Allows students to draw on knowledge from Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology in order to build a foundation of knowledge in the pharmacodynamics of medications from a variety of drug classifications for treatment of illness, and promotion and mainte
NURS 103: Advanced Nursing Care in Non-AcuteSettings
Credits 4This course builds upon foundational nursing knowledge to deepen students' understanding of complex nursing care in non-acute medical environments. Emphasizing clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and advanced nursing skills, students will explore the management of chronic illnesses, complex patient needs, and multidisciplinary care coordination in settings such as long-term care facilities, skilled nursing centers, outpatient clinics, home health, hospice, and ambulatory surgical centers. Students will examine evidence-based approaches to assessment, treatment planning, medication management, symptom control, and psychosocial support tailored to non-acute care populations. The course also highlights ethical considerations, regulatory requirements, and leadership roles in promoting quality care and patient safety. Clinical experiences or simulations provide practical application of advanced nursing concepts to support safe, compassionate, and holistic care.
Prerequisites: NURS 101, NURS 101 C, NURS101D, NURS 102, NURS 102 C, NURS 102 D
NURS 103C: Advanced Nursing Care in Non-AcuteSettings: Application
6Provides students with additional hands-on practice with nursing skills utilized in non-acute medical settings, including, but not limited to: long-term care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, medical clinics, home health agencies, hospice agencies,
NURS 201: Introduction to Nursing Care in Acute Care Settings
Credits 4This course introduces students to the principles and practices of nursing care in acute medical settings, with a focus on developing foundational skills for safe, entry-level generalist nursing practice. Students will learn to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient-centered care while prioritizing safety, critical thinking, and effective communication. Core content includes infection prevention, vital signs, mobility, hygiene, basic pharmacology, documentation, and collaboration within the interprofessional healthcare team. The course provides an overview of various areas of acute care nursing, including but not limited to medical-surgical (med-surg), orthopedics, intensive care (ICU), emergency department (ED), and outpatient services. Through lecture, laboratory, and clinical practicum, students will gain exposure to the types of nursing roles that reflect the scope of care offered in local healthcare communities. Emphasis is placed on preparing students to function competently and compassionately within diverse acute care environments.
Prerequisites: NURS 101, NURS 101 C, NURS101D, NURS 102, NURS 102 C, NURS 102 D, NURS 103, NURS 103C, NURS 103D
NURS 201C: Introduction to Nursing Care in Acute Care Settings: Application
6Provides students with hands-on instruction and practice with nursing skills utilized in various types of nursing found in an acute medical setting, including, but not limited to: Medsurg, orthopedics, ICU, ED, Oncology. The focus is on developing student
NURS 201N: NCLEX-RN Readiness II
3Second course in a series of four that implements a test preparation plan from Kaplan to prepare students for successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Students will gain a beginner level of unde
NURS 202: Advanced Nursing Care in Acute Care Settings
Credits 4This course builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in NURS 201 and prepares students to care for patients experiencing advanced disease processes and complex health conditions in acute care environments. Emphasis is placed on applying clinical reasoning, prioritization, and evidence-based nursing interventions across diverse acute care specialties, including medical-surgical, orthopedics, intensive care (ICU), emergency department (ED), and outpatient. Students will deepen their understanding of acute pathophysiology, advanced assessment techniques, pharmacologic management, and collaborative care planning. The course focuses on refining the student's ability to deliver safe, patient-centered care as an entry-level generalist nurse, capable of responding to the evolving needs of individuals in high-acuity and fast-paced hospital settings. Clinical and simulation experiences provide opportunities for students to integrate knowledge, manage multiple patients, and function effectively within interdisciplinary teams. This course supports the development of workforce-ready nurses prepared to complement the scope and complexity of medical services in the local healthcare community.
Prerequisites: NURS 101, NURS 101 C, NURS101D, NURS 102, NURS 102 C, NURS 102 D, NURS 103, NURS 103C, NURS 103D, NURS 201, NURS 201C, NURS 201N
NURS 202C: Advanced Nursing care in Acute Care Settings: Application
6rovides students with hands-on practice with nursing skills utilized in various types of nursing found in an acute medical setting, including, but not limited to: Medsurg, orthopedics, ICU, ED, Oncology. The focus is on developing students to build the sk
NURS 202N: NCLEX-RN Readiness III
3Third course in a series of four that implements a test preparation plan from Kaplan to prepare students for successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Students will gain an intermediate level of
NURS 203: Nursing Care of Specialized Populations
Credits 2This course prepares nursing students to transition confidently into professional entry-level Registered Nurse roles within the healthcare workforce. Emphasizing the development of leadership and management skills, students will explore key concepts including nursing management principles, collaboration with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, and strategies for promoting high-quality patient outcomes. The course addresses contemporary nursing issues in professional settings, focusing on effective communication, conflict resolution, ethical decision-making, and professional accountability. Critical distinctions between assigning and delegating nursing tasks will be discussed to ensure safe and legal delegation practices. Through interactive discussions and case-based learning, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to function as competent nursing professionals and emerging leaders in diverse healthcare environments.
Prerequisites: NURS 101, NURS 101 C, NURS101D, NURS 102, NURS 102 C, NURS 102 D, NURS 103, NURS 103C, NURS 103D, NURS 201, NURS 201C, NURS 201N, NURS 202, NURS 202C, NURS 202N
NURS 203C: Nursing Care of Specialized Populations: Application
6Provides students with hands-on instruction and practice with nursing skills utilized in various types of nursing found in an acute medical setting, including, but not limited to: obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health, drug treatment, and the elderly. All
NURS 203N: NCLEX-RN Readiness IV
4Fourth course in a series of four that implements a test preparation plan from Kaplan to prepare students for successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Students will gain an advanced level of und