Typical Classes in Nursing Programs
There are some differences in 1, 2, and 4+ year nursing programs but in addition to the core classes (literature, history, statistics, poetry, religion…etc.), here are a few points about the MAJOR classes in most nursing programs:
- Anatomy and Physiology: This class is usually done in two parts (2 semesters) or a full year because the anatomy portion includes a lab, where you must identify body parts and get checked off. Warning: this class may also include dissecting something and I was horrified (be prepared or brace for impact). The physiology component consists of knowing the functions of the body systems. This class is essential for learning about medical conditions (pathophysiology), assessing and communication skills so you will definitely need some tips for memorizing.
- Statistics/Algebra: Most people believe one of the best things about nursing is the limited math classes, which is true! However, the medication calculation test in your nursing program depends on some MATH skills and in most programs, you must pass your calculation test with a 95% or 3 strikes and you’re out the program because you’re definitely NOT heading to clinicals. I don’t mean to scare you but YES pass the class just don’t forget to practice your math skills. Also, be aware that some hospitals are now requiring calculation tests to get hired and yearly for competencies to remain hired.
- Microbiology/Biology: This course only made me think of bugs but it’s primarily about viruses and infections. I focused on sterilizing everything and of course when I took my boards, I had about questions on bio hazards, red zones, anthrax, and other terrorist events… therefore, you do have to focus on things that require isolation and how to handle certain patient populations.
- Chemistry: This class is HARD, chemistry one or the first semester is the basic elements and learning about H2O and chemistry two (or biochemistry) everything may go downhill. The key to this class, (like math) is to make sure you understand everything first before moving on to another layer of information. However, most chemistry teachers are so knowledgeable and helpful that they are usually available to guide you or know some great resources.
- Psychology: the average person may find this class boring but as a NURSE you must know what’s normal cognitive development versus a possible concern that could affect someone for the rest of their life. Sometimes early treatment and interventions can prevent complications or further deterioration, which is why giving attention the environment and development has recently became more important.
- English: self-explanatory but writing your life away in college is overwhelming…but English professors can help you in the process with proofreading, library research, and editing your papers or knowing somebody else who can. My English teachers always help me and they know the most interesting books to read, in other words be nice to them!
- In Summary Yes the core classes may seem tedious but overall the KEY to you’re success is understanding whatever class you are, find its relation to nursing or connection so you’re studying skills are stronger. Now let’s move on to your actual classes in the nursing program
…All these classes are heavy, incredibly stressful, but POSSIBLE!
- Theory: you’ll learn about the history of nursing and Florence Nightingale AKA the founder of nursing. YES you have to pay attention or pretend. If you plan on getting your masters, you’ll still need to know your nursing theories and it’s also discussed in your nursing research class. Keep your notes and APA book handy and don’t forget your English professor.
- Health Assessment: This class includes procedures, documentation, and, practicing skills. Always attend the lab and ask if extra lab time is available for common procedures or your specialty; IV, Foley, NG tubes…etc. Practice equals PASSING. This class also usually includes a final check-off of skills.
- Pathophysiology: This class is about everything related to diseases in a nutshell, you must remember expected signs and symptoms and when to call the doctor. Don’t forget your anatomy and physiology.
- Pharmacology: What’s good about pharmacology or most nursing classes, some information overlaps. Treatment should also be discussed in pathophysiology and vice versa but in more details. Once again memorization if your friend.
- Psychiatric: I enjoyed my psych class (hence the website and rambles) and I will use this class to make a quick point –In your nursing classes, try to find out what you want to specialize in as soon as possible. Mainly because it’s one less thing to worry about! and most importantly you can start networking and advancing your career a lot earlier.
- Pediatrics: Children are not small adults. This class REQUIRES you to pay attention because those little details make a HUGE difference in children and could possibly be fatal. So you must continuously improve your study skills. If you’re brain is fried or overwhelmed at this point or in any subject, what helped me was breaking up the lectures or my studying in small parts. Here are some helpful revision tips ♥️
- Obstetrics: I LOVE babies! but OB was not my best subject. It can be challenging to understand that you are taking care of 2 people and not just one thus like pediatrics, little things make a HUGE difference and many things are contraindicated unless you like lawsuits. Once again, memorization is your friend because even though you may not understand that much at least know about contraindicated medications and when to call the doctor.
- Research: This class utilizes all those rough English skills and APA nightmares in one great bundle. Warning: it’s not about discovering the cure for cancer or AIDS like I thought. I honestly don’t know what we discussed in this class but many people failed it… research use to be very black/white and did not consider the environment, genetics, and other influences that may affect our health other than diseases. HOWEVER, times are changing! There are exciting and new emerging fields like genomics and holistic or alternative therapy that made research become more flexible or realistic, which overall made it more tolerable.
- Clinical Nursing Courses: In addition to your classes, you also have clinical sites that you must attend where you will take care of patients, do procedures, write care plans, and participate in discussions. These clinical courses are supposed to supplemental, so it’s taken during your sit in classes of medical surgical (med surg), OB, pediatric, psychiatric…etc. In some 4-year programs, the last clinical is your desired choice or a specialty called preceptorship that’s supposed to prepare you for transitioning to your first job as an RN.
Are you still hanging in there? 🙂 almost done
Extra Considerations:
- Some schools may require you to do calculation tests/check offs before each clinical portion.
- You should expect all your classes to have a midterm and final or paper/project. Know your deadlines.
- I left out community class/clinical. To my understanding 2-year colleges don’t have that portion but four-year programs definitely have a community component. This may be the reason why only 4-year nurses can apply to certain jobs like school nursing, prison, community but of course they are exceptions…
- You are expected to attend ALL classes ON time. I had a teacher that will close the door and would lock it about 10 minutes at the beginning of class, even during test days and WILL give that late person a 0% with no makeup.
- My 4-year college ALSO required us to WORK as a student nurse, which was another clinical component and we needed a certain number of hours to graduate.
- We had to drug test several times and if there were any suspicions. Oh and just about everything costs. I’ll probably never know what financial aid covers but it’s NEVER hidden fees and books, which can cost hundreds of dollars. Always try to cut costs as often as possible…
As far as any advice about getting INTO college or if someone is in high school, it’s best to tell them to simply enjoy they’re life right NOW and don’t rush. Online resources will always be readily available and college professors will prepare you in the nursing program more than you’ll ever realize so it’ll be difficult to give or get advice to someone who’s not in that particular situation.
Overall, I hope that gave you some glimpse into the future although some parts may be outdated. Like healthcare, you + nursing will always try to adapt… but anyway I’m ROOTING for you and I know you’ll do GREAT! Thanks for reading. A resource to all nursing schools ♥️
