How to Develop a Nursing School Curriculum

The scope of practice that governs Registered Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses includes patient education, treatment and medical advice. Licensed graduates of hospital diploma programs, associate degree programs and bachelor of science nursing degrees provide the educational foundation for entry-level nursing. Developing a nursing school curriculum involves two to four years of classroom instruction and supervised-clinical learning opportunities within hospitals, clinics and other nursing facilities for both children and adults. The nursing curriculum must cover basic nursing skills, as well as updated procedures that allow nurses to work within a variety nursing fields.

Instructions

• 1

  Develop a written curriculum overview that includes the building name and floor where nursing courses are held, the total number of courses needed to obtain a baccalaureate degree (or associates degree) in nursing and the total number of credits required for the nursing major. Explain any limitations for transfer credits. Describe the number of credits required for lower and upper division courses.

• 2

  Describe distance learning and online course opportunities. List nursing prerequisites, including a suggestion that students complete general education classes and required courses before attempting nursing courses. Describe the length of time it takes for most nursing students to complete their degree.

• 3

  Use course completion statistics (found at Internet sites for major universities that offer nursing degrees) to help you describe the general length of time required to complete study. Part-time students, for example, may complete a two-year nursing degree within three years, and full-time students may complete a four-year degree within three to five years. Describe any value-based focuses particular to your school.

• 4

  Describe the general scope of learning objectives for each year of your nursing program. For example, describe nursing foundation courses, key concepts and supporting course work students will need to take during their first year of nursing school. Describe curriculum objectives or goals in separate sections or paragraphs of your nursing curriculum.

• 5

  Include in this section a description of learning models such as nursing ethics and professional accountability; the teaching and learning process of health education; and antonymous and collaborative practices required for entry level nursing positions. List required core courses (all mandatory courses that must be completed to fulfill a major in nursing) needed to complete an associate or baccalaureate degree. Add core courses that include nursing research and theory, provider of care and management and principles of care.

• 6

  Show the abbreviated indication for nursing core courses, NURS, before each assigned course number. Include the full title of the core course to the right of the course number. Add the number of possible credits earned (in parenthesis) next to each core title.

• 7

  List supporting core courses (correlating courses with some flexibility from which one can choose in fulfilling a nursing major) using the same method as the nursing core course list. Add supporting courses such as gerontological nursing, psychosocial nursing and advanced health assessments. Describe how many of these courses are required to fulfill the degree requirements.

• 8

  As an alternative to creating a list, consider creating an organized graphic chart that explains details of core courses and supporting courses. Include such details as the course name, semester hours required for each course and the number of credits received upon course completion. Place these details at the top of the chart as headings, and place them within their own separate boxes.

• 9

  Place individual courses in separate descending rows. Give details for each course in boxes underneath the criteria headings. Provide a suggested semester-by-semester plan for full-time and part-time study that includes nursing core courses, supporting courses and general elective and general education courses that will help keep students on track for graduation.

• 10

  In a separate section or paragraph, describe the attributes of a typical graduate considering the field of nursing. Include characteristics such as being able to supervise others, being sympathetic and caring to patients, and being detailed oriented. Suggest that nurses should have a desire to aim for higher standards and certifications in nursing.

• 11

  Outline specific credentials that can be obtained through the American Nursing Credentialing Center, such as specializations in pediatrics, informatics or ambulatory care. Give each section of your curriculum a unique title that describes the content in a few words.