Curriculum Design for Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program - Essay Example

"Curriculum Design for Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program" is a wonderful example of a paper on care. A nursing degree in a program can be a challenging course; however, the rewards are always great to those who have made it through graduation irrespective of the extensive coursework (Indiana University, 2013). This paper presents a possible career design for a BSN academic program for prospective students, detailing the entry requirements, course outline, and career perspective.

Entry Requirements

According to the Open University (2013), any candidate wishing to pursue a career in nursing, especially at the university level, must meet the following entry criteria:

1. Satisfactory completion of O level with a minimum aggregate of C
2. Attainment of grade C in diploma in nursing or its corresponding grade from an academically recognized institution
3. Proof of academic excellence in a related field
4. Clearance of all the relevant fee for that particular course

As regards the course outline, most of the courses studied during the first year are basic in nature, largely encompassing the common units. The freshman courses may include Communication Skills, Introduction to Human Anatomy and Psychology, Finite Mathematics, and Comprehensive Health Assessment. During the first year, the coursework will be lighter, so most students will find ample time for other constructive engagements within their respective campuses (Indiana University, 2013).

The following table shows some of the major courses a freshman encounters from the first year through to the senior year. All nursing students have to conduct a research study in their junior year to supplement the theory work learned in class. When in their senior year, students may opt to major in Adult Nursing, Child Nursing, or Mental Health Nursing.

Sophomore year Courses

1st semester

2nd semester

Course

Units

Course

Units

Health Assessment

2

Introduction to Human Anatomy and Development

3

Introduction to Nursing Practice

3

Introduction to Pathophysiology

3

Pharmacology

3

Essentials of Nutrition

2

Elementary psychology

3

Introduction to Microbiology

3

Junior year Courses

1st semester

2nd semester

Course

Units

Course

Units

Adult Nursing I

3

Psychosocial Nursing

3

Nursing of Child-Bearing Families

3

Adult Nursing II

3

Alterations in Health

3

Public Health Science

2

The Developing Family

3

Nursing Research

3

Senior year Courses

1st semester

2nd semester

Course

Units

Course

Units

Public Health Nursing

2

Nursing Management

3

Pediatric Nursing

3

Research Utilization Seminar

3

Leadership in Nursing

3

Professional Growth and Empowerment

2

Issues in Professional Nursing

3

Clinical Nursing Practice Capstone

3

Source: Purdue University (2012)

Since the curriculum in the nursing profession is dynamic, the above outline may not be a reflection of the actual course titles in their preferred sequence. However, it is a good guide to help prospective nursing students have a glance at the scope of their study and the impending academic challenges. All BSN students normally prepare to sit a final exam every end of the semester with unseen assessment tests and term papers in between (Purdue University, 2012).

As far as the graduation of the BSN students is concerned, no student shall graduate without due completion of all the relevant courses as stipulated in the curriculum and course outline. Any student who fails an exam should re-sit for a supplementary exam in order to proceed to the next level. Most universities offering BSN have put in place proper scholarship arrangements for students who need them (Purdue University, 2012).

 

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