Practical Nurse
Certificate Program
Course Requirements
MAJOR COURSES
Qtr. hrs. credit
Clock hours
5 Credit Hours132 Clock Hours
132
Students learn the components of nursing and the application of techniques and procedures to provide care to patients. Topics include introduction to nursing skills, principles of basic nutrition, basic therapeutic techniques, assessment and communication skills, and advanced therapeutics. Hands-on demonstration, practice, and validation of skills are conducted in the nursing lab.
1 Credit Hour24 Clock Hours
24
Students are provided with an introduction of the evolution of nursing and the scope of nursing practice. Concepts of health-illness (a nursing concept), theoretical frameworks, healthcare delivery systems, legal and ethical issues, interpersonal relationships, and health instruction are explored. Review of basic mathematical skills required for accurate medication calculations, dose verification, and medication administration. Metric and apothecary systems as well as conversion units measurement are reviewed. Long-hand calculations to be utilized; calculator use not permitted. Hands-on demonstration, practice, and validation of skills are conducted during each class.
1 Credit Hour12 Clock Hours
12
Students study the integumentary system, including such topics as anatomy and physiology, assessment, diseases and disorders, diet therapy, pharmacology, special considerations across the life span, and the nursing process. Hands-on care and management of patients via the nursing process are conducted in the clinical setting.
Prerequisites: NUR100, NUR101, SOC225, SCI215
Prerequisite or Corequisite: NUR125
2 Credit Hours46 Clock Hours
46
Students study the different drug categories and the methods of administration, including oral and by injection. Includes the proper use of the Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR) and how to accurately read, prepare, and call in written prescriptions.
Prerequisite: SCI215
6 Credit Hours132 Clock Hours
132
Students study the needs and care of patients with cardiac and respiratory issues. Topics include anatomy and physiology, assessment, diseases and disorders, diet therapy, pharmacology, special considerations across the life span, and the nursing process. Hands-on care and management of patients via the nursing process are conducted in the clinical setting.
6 Credit Hours132 Clock Hours
132
Students study the needs and care of patients with musculoskeletal and nervous system issues. Topics include anatomy and physiology, assessment, diseases and disorders, diet therapy, pharmacology, special considerations across the life span, and the nursing process. Hands-on care and management of patients via the nursing process are conducted in the clinical setting.
Prerequisites: NUR100, NUR101, NUR125, SOC225, SCI215
1 Credit Hour12 Clock Hours
12
Students study the needs and care of patients with sensory system issues. Topics covered include anatomy and physiology, assessment, diseases and disorders, diet therapy, pharmacology, special considerations across the life span, and the nursing process. Hands-on care and management of patients via the nursing process are conducted in the clinical setting.
Prerequisites: NUR100, NUR101, SOC225, SCI215
Prerequisite or Corequisite: NUR125
5 Credit Hours118 Clock Hours
118
Students focus on the aging patient and diseases and disorders affecting them and their care. Topics include anatomy and physiology, assessment, diseases and disorders, elder abuse, ethical and legal issues, legislation, special considerations across the life span, and the nursing process. Hands-on care and management of patients via the nursing process are conducted in the clinical setting.
Prerequisites: NUR100, NUR101, SOC225, SCI215
Prerequisite or Corequisite: NUR125
5 Credit Hours108 Clock Hours
108
Students focus on acutely ill patients with gastrointestinal system issues and the management of their care. Topics include illness terminology, anatomy and physiology, assessment, diseases and disorders, response to illness, pre- and post-operative care, infection, special considerations across the life span, and the nursing process. Hands-on care and management of patients via the nursing process are conducted in the clinical setting.
Prerequisites: NUR100, NUR101, SOC225, SCI215
Prerequisite or Corequisite: NUR125
6 Credit Hours132 Clock Hours
132
Students study the needs and care of patients from conception through childhood. Topics include maternal newborn health, conception and embryology, antepartal period, intrapartal period, postpartum period, newborn, management of health problems, healthcare delivery settings, reactions to hospitalization, childhood illnesses/disorders, outpatient settings, and federal legislation. Hands-on care and management of patients via the nursing process are conducted in the clinical setting.
Prerequisites: NUR100, NUR101, NUR125, SOC225, SCI215
3 Credit Hours36 Clock Hours
36
Students study both male and female reproductive systems. Topics include anatomy and physiology, assessment, diseases and disorders, diet therapy, pharmacology, special considerations across the life span, and the nursing process. Hands-on care and management of patients via the nursing process are conducted in the clinical setting.
Prerequisites: NUR100, NUR101, NUR125, SOC225, SCI215
5 Credit Hours108 Clock Hours
108
Students study the needs and care of patients with endocrine system issues as well as patients with mental health issues. Topics include anatomy and physiology, assessment, diseases and disorders, diet therapy, pharmacology, mental and emotional disorders, special considerations across the life span, and the nursing process. Hands-on care and management of patients via the nursing process are conducted in the clinical setting.
Prerequisites: NUR100, NUR101, NUR125, SOC225, SCI215
4 Credit Hours96 Clock Hours
96
Students study the needs and care of patients with hematological/immunological conditions with a focus on the oncology patient. Topics include anatomy and physiology, assessment, diseases and disorders, diet therapy, pharmacology, special considerations across the life span, and the nursing process. Hands-on care and management of patients via the nursing process are conducted in the clinical setting.
Prerequisites: NUR100, NUR101, NUR125, SOC225, SCI215
8 Credit Hours204 Clock Hours
204
The case study approach is utilized to enhance the student’s transition to entry-level practical nursing. Emphasis is placed upon the integration of all aspects of patient care including legal, ethical, and current issues, as well as upon the development of leadership skills in the healthcare setting. Hands-on management and application of the nursing process to patients are conducted in the clinical setting.
Prerequisite: Completion of first four quarters
LIBERAL ARTS COURSES
8 Credit Hours96 Clock Hours
96
Study of the structure and function of the human body. Students are introduced to the various body systems including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, hematological/immunological, and cardiovascular. Course includes definitions, terminology, chemical basis of life, and energy as well as microbiology.
4 Credit Hours48 Clock Hours
48
An introduction to the basic principles of psychology and their direct application to the understanding of human behavior. Topics include human development, learning, memory, thinking, intelligence, creativity, motivation, emotion, adjustment, perception, abnormal behavior, and therapy.
BUSINESS COURSES
2 Credit Hours12 Clock Hours
12
Explores career development opportunities and strategies. Stresses entry-level job requirements and upward career paths. Covers resume writing skills, interviewing techniques, and the importance of professionalism. Continues the student's orientation to Berkeley College’s computer framework, which includes content collection and compiling a professional e-portfolio.
72 QUARTER CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION
(1448 total clock hours)
There are strict attendance requirements for completion of this program.
The minimum passing grade for a Nursing course (NUR) is a C+. Nursing students who receive a grade of C or below in any Nursing (NUR) course may repeat that course. If the student receives a grade of C or below for the repeated course, the student will be dismissed automatically from the Practical Nurse program. Nursing students who fail two Nursing (NUR) courses, whether in the same quarter or in different quarters, will be dismissed automatically from the Practical Nurse program.
In addition, the minimum passing grade required for Life Sciences (SCI215) and Psychology (SOC225) is a C+. Nursing students who receive a grade of C or below in either of these courses may repeat that course. A minimum grade of C+ on the repeated course is required.
