Accelerated BSN Courses
Prerequisites
24 Credit Hours Total
CHEM 106: Chemistry for Allied Health Services – 3 credit hours
The course covers the basic principles of general, organic, and biological chemistry. A central theme in the course involves the study of chemistry as it relates to life processes, including structure and function of biological macromolecules, with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students registered in MATH104 may not register for CHEM106. This course does satisfy the University Studies Physical Science requirement. This course does not count toward a major in Natural Science and does not satisfy entry requirements for Medical, Dental, or Pharmacy schools.
BIO 251: Anatomy & Physiology I – 3 credit hours & BIO 253: Anatomy & Physiology I Lab – 1 credit hour
Studies introductory human form and function. This course covers the hierarchical organization of the human body and an organ system approach. The following systems are typically covered: Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, and an introduction of the Nervous. Lab section: Studies human structures and functions in the laboratory with an emphasis on cells, tissues, and the following systems: Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, and Nervous. Includes use of the microscope, models, and specimens.
BIO 252: Anatomy & Physiology II – 3 credit hours & BIO 254: Anatomy & Physiology II Lab – 1 credit hour
Studies introductory human form and function as a continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. This course follows an organ system approach of the following systems: Nervous, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Digestive, Urinary, and Reproductive. Lab section: Studies human structures and functions in the laboratory as a continuation of Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I. The following systems are emphasized: Nervous, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Digestive, Urinary, and Reproductive. Includes use of the microscope, models, and specimens.
BIO 256: Introduction to Microbiology – 3 credit hours & BIO 257: Introduction to Microbiology Lab – 1 credit hour
Emphasizes biochemistry, biology, genetics, pathology, and epidemiology of microbial systems at an introductory level. Lab section: Stresses aseptic technique in the handling and transfer of microorganisms, as well as staining methods, biochemical tests used in identification, and the effects of chemical and environmental factors on the growth of microorganisms.
BIO 301: Pathophysiology – 3 credit hours
This course is designed to introduce mechanism and manifestation of different human diseases as related to changes in physiologic function. This basic science of pathology is concerned with the etiology and pathogenesis of disease. Essential information is provided for understanding the diagnosis of disease in the clinical setting.
PSY 103: Psychological Systems – 3 credit hours
Serves as an introduction to those systems of thought and selected bodies of data concerned with human behavioral systems. This level of system is seen as interfacing on the upper end of complexity with social systems and on the lower end of complexity with biological systems. Selected areas of study include scientific methodology, evolutionary bases of human behavior, sensation and perception, affect and motivation, learning and memory, intelligence and problem solving, personality and abnormal behavior.
HS 350: Becoming a Consumer of Evidence-Informed Research – 3 credit hours
Undergrad students are not expected to conduct research, but they are expected to become credible consumers of research. To become a consumer of scientific research, students need to learn how to evaluate the various research reports that they will encounter. Key elements of the course include developing a sense of inquiry, how to search the literature, determine good sources for ensuring authoritative and accurate information, and conducting research critiques. Students will complete a comprehensive search of the literature to determine the availability of evidence on a topic of interest and how to analyze research studies for its application to practice.
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NURS 322: Research & Evidence-Based Practices in Healthcare – 3 credit hours
This course stresses the role of the nurse as a researcher and a research consumer. It includes both quantitative and qualitative research. Skills necessary to critically read and evaluate nursing research and to use the results of research in practice are developed in this course. The historical, legal, and ethical aspects of nursing research are considered. This course also focuses on the evaluation and utilization of research and other sources of knowledge necessary to address the patient needs and provide quality care. Course content also covers methods, appraisal, and utilization of research findings toward the goal of implementing best practices. Barriers to the use of evidence-based practice as well as facilitating innovations within the workplace are addressed.
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equivalent research course previously earned during first Bachelor’s degree
Term 1
8 Credit Hours Total
NURS 305: Introduction to Nursing Concepts – 5 credit hours
Introduction to Nursing Concepts provides foundational knowledge and skills essential for professional nursing practice. This course explores the roles and responsibilities of the nurse, the nursing process, communication strategies, documentation, and principles of health promotion and safety. Emphasis is placed on basic care concepts such as hygiene, infection control, nutrition, elimination, pain management, fluid and electrolyte balance, and end-of-life care. Students engage in ethical and legal discussions, interprofessional collaboration, and therapeutic communication to support holistic, patient-centered care. Through hands-on skills labs, simulations, and reflective practice, students begin to develop a professional identity, prioritize patient needs, and apply evidence-based care across diverse populations.
NURS 315: Health Assessment – 3 credit hours
This course focuses on comprehensive health assessment skills. Using a lifespan approach, students examine the components of health. Physical, cultural, psychosocial, spiritual and nutritional variables are examined through the use of health history and health assessment. Students apply knowledge of pathophysiology of each body system during health assessments. Emphasis is placed on physical examination, diagnostic reasoning and the use of nursing process to document findings appropriate to nursing.
Term 2
18 Credit Hours Total
NURS 325: Nursing I – 7 credit hours
This course builds on concepts related to nursing care from NURS-305 and NURS-315. Students will utilize both the nursing process and clinical judgement model while caring for the adult population. Students will apply clinical judgement skills to promote optimal client outcomes in acute care settings. (90 Clinical Hours)
NURS 385: Population Health – 4 credit hours
This course introduces students to the principles and practices of population and community health nursing, emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, health policy, and health equity across diverse populations. Students examine the impact of social determinants of health, economic and environmental influences, and global health trends on individuals, families, and communities. Key topics include epidemiology, communicable disease control, health teaching, care of vulnerable populations, substance use disorders, and community violence. Through didactic instruction, active-learning strategies, community-based clinical rotations, and high-fidelity simulation experiences, students apply nursing process, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based strategies to address population health needs. Emphasis is placed on ethical and professional values, cultural competence, and the development of leadership and advocacy skills in community settings. (67.5 Clinical Hours)
NURS 362: Nursing Pharmacology – 3 credit hours
This course introduces students to pharmacotherapeutics, safe administration of medications, and medications related to the care of patients across the lifespan. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and principles of safe medication administration are discussed. Drug classifications, actions, side effects, nursing implications of medication administration and principles of patient education are presented.
NURS 347: Nursing Care of Children – 4 credit hours
Emphasizes family-centered nursing care of the child-rearing family through a combination of preventative, maintenance, and restorative nursing measures. Students apply nursing knowledge and skills in the care of child-rearing families through classroom learning and supervised clinical experiences. Emphasis is placed on family-centered care across developmental stages, integrating growth and development concepts, family dynamics, and current research findings. Clinical experiences provide opportunities for students to implement nursing care for children and families in a healthcare settings. (67.5 clinical hours)
Term 3
18 Credit Hours Total
NURS 330: Nursing II – 7 credit hours
This course builds on concepts related to nursing care from NURS-325 and NURS-362. Students will utilize both the nursing process and clinical judgement model while caring for the adult population. Students will apply clinical judgement skills to promote optimal client outcomes in acute care settings. (90 Clinical Hours)
NURS 346: Maternal-Newborn Nursing – 4 credit hours
Emphasizes family-centered care of the childbearing family. Through a combination of preventative, maintenance, an restorative nursing measures, the needs of the childbearing family are met. Students apply nursing knowledge and skills in the care of childbearing families through classroom learning and supervised clinical experiences. Emphasis is placed on family-centered care, normal and high-risk pregnancy, and developmental and physiologic changes associated with childbearing. Students integrate family dynamics, community context, and current research findings while implementing nursing care for childbearing families in the clinical setting. (67.5 Clinical hours)
NURS 470: Nurse as a Leader – 3 credit hours
This course is designed for the pre-licensure student to analyze the role of the professional nurse as a leader in the profession and health care delivery. Students will have the opportunity to apply leadership concepts to contemporary health care issues that impact professional practice. Topics to be included: evidence-based practice, informatics, legal and ethical issues, national health care trends and changes, and quality improvement.
NURS 482: Dimensions of Mental Health – 4 credit hours
This course is designed for the pre-licensure student to analyze the role of the professional nurse as a leader in the profession and health care delivery. Students will have the opportunity to apply leadership concepts to contemporary health care issues that impact professional practice. Topics to be included: evidence-based practice, informatics, legal and ethical issues, national health care trends and changes, and quality improvement.
Term 4
12 Credit Hours Total
NURS 425: Nursing III – 7 credit hours
This course builds on concepts related to nursing care from NURS-325, NURS-362 and NURS-330. Students will utilize both the nursing process and clinical judgement model while caring for the adult population. Students will apply clinical judgement skills to promote optimal client outcomes in acute care settings. (90 Clinical Hours)
NURS 495: Transition to Professional Nursing Practice – 5 credit hours
This course serves as a capstone experience for pre-licensure students in the final term of the nursing program. During the course, students will explore the role of the nurse in the health care delivery system, prepare for the transitioning into the nursing profession, and complete an integrated practicum as required per Kentucky Board of Nursing regulations. (120 Clinical Hours)
