Practical Nursing/Associate Degree Nursing
Recommended High School Level Background Courses
- *Biology
- *Basic Math
- *Psychology
- *Anatomy
- *Introductory Algebra
- *Sociology
- Human Physiology
- *Intermediate Algebra
- Speech
- *Health
* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center
Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job
Reading
Students must meet a minimum proficiency score on a reading assessment prior to admission into the nursing program. Students must meet a minimum proficiency score on a math assessment prior to admission into the nursing program. Textbooks are the primary reading materials used in the program. Students will also read professional journals and use various health reference books, encyclopedias, and dictionaries. Textbooks are generally written at the upper college level. Written tests are based primarily on applications of textbook and classroom materials. Skills tests are given to test students' abilities to demonstrate specific procedures.
On the job, required reading includes medical reports, charts, policy/procedure manuals, and patient-education booklets.
View more information on reading skills in the Nursing program.
Language
Interpersonal communication skills, including conversational English, are essential both in the program and on the job, dealing with other professionals, patients, family members, and members of multi-cultural groups. The ability to interpret and explain health information to lay persons is also necessary.
A variety of writing tasks are required: completing chart documents, developing care plans for patients, summarizing observations and evaluations of individual patients, and writing professional papers. Accurate grammar and spelling are essential.
In the Practical Nursing program, students will take Composition I (ENG 105). In the Associate Degree Nursing program, they will take Interpersonal and Small Group Communication (SPC 126).
View more information on language skills in the Nursing program.
Math
Students must meet a minimum proficiency score on a math assessment prior to admission into the nursing program. Basic math and algebraic skills are required both in the program and on the job. Math skills include calculating ratio/proportion problems utilizing various systems of measurement.
Required Math course: NONE
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Learning
The ability to be self-directed while using the scientific method is essential both in the program and on the job in order to solve various patient-related situations.
View more information on learning skills in the Nursing program.
Computer
In the program and on the job, basic computer skills (including keyboarding, word processing, e-mail, and use of internet resources) are required.
View more information on computer skills in the Nursing program.
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