Programs

Nursing

Associate Degree

Credits:

66.00

Financial Aid Eligible

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal for academic planning.

First Term

Course NameCourse NumberCredits

English Composition 1 Course: 801-136Credits:

Alternate course English Composition 1 (801-136), Technical Reporting (801-197) or another approved related course.

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Speech Course: 801-198Credits: 3.00

Alternate course Speech (801-198), Public Speaking (810-201), Oral/Interpersonal Comm (801-196) or another approved related course.

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Gen Anatomy & Physiology Course: 806-177Credits: 4.00

Alternate course Gen Anatomy & Physiology (806-177), Anatomy and Physiology I (806-207) or another approved related course.

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Intro to Psychology Course: 809-198Credits: 3.00

Alternate course Intro to Psychology (809-198), General Psychology (809-231) or another approved related course.

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Second Term

Course NameCourse NumberCredits

Nursing FundamentalsCourse: 543-101Credits: 2.00

This course focuses on basic nursing concepts that the beginning nurse will need to provide care to diverse patient populations across the lifespan. Current and historical issues impacting nursing will be explored within the scope of nursing practice. The nursing process will be introduced as a framework for organizing the care of patients with alterations in cognition, elimination, comfort, grief / loss, mobility, integument, and fluid / electrolyte balance.

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Nursing SkillsCourse: 543-102Credits: 3.00

This course focuses on development of clinical skills and physical assessment across the lifespan. Content includes mathematic calculations and conversions related to clinical skills, blood pressure assessment, aseptic technique, wound care, oxygen administration, tracheotomy care, suctioning, management of enteral tubes, basic medication administration, glucose testing, enemas, ostomy care, and catheterization. In addition, the course includes techniques related to obtaining a health history and basic physical assessment skills using a body systems approach.

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Nursing PharmacologyCourse: 543-103Credits: 2.00

This course introduces the principles of pharmacology, including drug classifications and their effects on the body. Emphasis is on the use of the components of the nursing process when administering medications.

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Nursing Intro Clinical PracticeCourse: 543-104Credits: 2.00

This introductory clinical course emphasizes basic nursing skills and application of the nursing process in meeting the needs of diverse clients across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on performing basic nursing skills, the formation of nurse - client relationships, communication, data collection, documentation, and medication administration.

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Adv Anatomy & PhysiologyCourse: 806-179Credits: 4.00

Advanced Anatomy and Physiology is the second semester in a two-semester sequence in which normal human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. Instructional delivery within a classroom and laboratory setting. Experimentation within a science lab will include analysis of cellular metabolism, the individual components of body systems such as the nervous, neuro-muscular, cardiovascular, and urinary. Continued examination of homeostatic mechanisms and their relationship to fluid, electrolyte, acid-base balance and blood. Integration of genetics to human reproduction and development are also included in this course.

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Third Term

Course NameCourse NumberCredits

Nursing Health AlterationsCourse: 543-105Credits: 3.00

This course elaborates upon the basic concepts of health and illness as presented in Nursing Fundamentals. It applies theories of nursing in the care of clients through the lifespan, utilizing problem solving and critical thinking. This course will provide an opportunity to study conditions affecting different body systems and apply therapeutic nursing interventions. If will also introduce concepts of leadership and management.

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Nursing Health PromotionCourse: 543-106Credits: 3.00

This course focuses on topics related to health promotion for individuals and families. We will cover nursing care of the developing family, which includes reproductive issues, pregnancy, labor and delivery, post partum, the newborn, and the child. Recognizing the spectrum of health families we will discern patterns associated with adaptive and maladaptive behaviors applying mental health principles. An emphasis is placed on teaching and supporting healthy lifestyle choices for individuals of all ages. Nutrition, exercise, stress management, empowerment and risk reduction practices are highlighted. Study of the family will cover dynamics, functions, discipline styles, and stages of development.

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Nursing Clinical Care Across the LifespaCourse: 543-107Credits: 2.00

This clinical experience applies nursing concepts and therapeutic interventions to clients across the lifespan. It also provides an introduction to concepts of teaching and learning. Extending care to include the family is emphasized.

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Intro to Clinical Care ManagementCourse: 543-108Credits: 2.00

This clinical experience applies nursing concepts and therapeutic nursing interventions to groups of patients across the lifespan. It also provides an introduction to leadership, management, and team building.

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MicrobiologyCourse: 806-197Credits: 4.00

This course examines microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, growth and the relationship between humans and microorganisms. Disease production, epidemiology, host defense mechanisms and the medical impact of microbes in the environment, industry, and biotechnology are also addressed.

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Fifth Term

Course NameCourse NumberCredits

Nursing Complex Health Alterations ICourse: 543-109Credits: 3.00

Complex Health Alterations I prepares the learner to expand knowledge from previous courses in caring for clients across the lifespan with alterations in cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and hematologic systems as well as clients with fluid / electrolyte and acid base imbalance, and alterations in comfort.

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Mental Health & Community ConceptsCourse: 543-110Credits: 2.00

This course will cover topics related to the delivery of community and mental health care. Specific health needs of individuals, families, and groups will be addressed across the lifespan . Attention will be given to diverse and at risk populations. Mental health concepts will concentrate on adaptive / maladaptive behaviors and specific mental health disorders. Community resources will be examined in relation to specific types of support offered to racial, ethnic, economically diverse individuals and groups.

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Nursing Intermediate Clinical PracticeCourse: 543-111Credits: 3.00

This intermediate level clinical course develops the Registered Nurse (RN) role when working with clients with complex health care needs. A focus of the course is developing skills needed for managing multiple clients and priorities. Using the nursing process students will gain experience in adapting nursing practice to meet the needs of clients with diverse needs and backgrounds.

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Nursing Advanced SkillsCourse: 543-112Credits: 1.00

This course focuses on the development of advanced clinical skills. Content includes advanced IV skills, blood product administration, chest tube systems, basic EKG interpretation and nasogastric / feeding tube insertion.

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Developmental PsychologyCourse: 809-188Credits: 3.00

Developmental Psychology is the study of human development throughout the lifespan. This course explores developmental theory and research with an emphasis on the interactive nature of the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that affect the individual from conception to death. Application activities and critical thinking skills will enable students to gain an increased knowledge and understanding of themselves and others.

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Sixth Term

Course NameCourse NumberCredits

Nsg: Complex Health Alterat 2Course: 543-113Credits: 3.00

Complex Health Alterations II prepares the learner to expand knowledge and skills from previous courses in caring for clients across the lifespan with alterations in the immune, neuro sensory, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, renal / urinary and the reproductive systems. The learner will also focus on management of care for clients with high risk perinatal conditions, high risk newborns and the ill child. Synthesis and application of previously learned concepts will be evident in the management of clients with critical life threatening situations.

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Nursing Management & Professional ConcepCourse: 543-114Credits: 2.00

This course covers nursing management and professional issues related to the role of the Registered Nurse (RN). Emphasis is placed on preparing for the RN practice.

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Nursing Advanced Clinical PracticeCourse: 543-115Credits: 3.00

This advanced clinical course requires the student to integrate concepts from all previous courses in the management of groups of clients facing complex health alterations. Students will have the opportunity to further develop critical thinking skills using the nursing process in making clinical decisions. Continuity of care through interdisciplinary collaboration is emphasized.

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Nursing Clinical TransitionCourse: 543-116Credits: 2.00

This clinical experience integrates all knowledge learned in the previous courses in transitioning the role of the graduate nurse. The course promotes relatively independent clinical decision, delegation, and works collaboration to achieve client and organizational outcomes. Continued professional developments fostered.

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Intro to Sociology Course: 809-196Credits: 3.00

Alternate course Intro to Sociology (809-196), Principles of Sociology (809-203) or another approved related course.

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