Return to Nursing | Courses Index
[1] Graduate Courses in Nursing (NURS)
5310 NURSING ETHICS An elective course designed primarily for nursing students. A study of ethical principles and reasoning applied to particular issues and cases related to health care and especially to nursing concerns. The course will examine standard theoretical approaches to health care/nursing ethics with an emphasis on the application of those theories to the needs of specific providers, clients, individuals, and institutions. The course will include lecture and discussion in an online format.
5325 GUIDE TO ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY HEALTH CARE Overview of alternative/complementary/holistic health care philosophies and therapies and their role in health care decision making. Addressees issues of self-treatment, safety, effectiveness, and resources. Examples include nutritional supplements, massage, aromatherapy, and herbal therapy. Open to all majors, not restricted to nursing majors.
5330 CULTURAL AND HUMAN DIVERSITY IN NURSING Examines the influences of culture on client responses to wellness, health challenges, and health care. The effects of cultural diversity on concepts such as time, health, food, and end-of-life rituals will be investigated. Cultural assessments and the use of these assessments in planning and implementing culturally congruent nursing care will be explored.
6V15 GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES OF NURSING: STUDY ABROAD This course provides graduate nursing students with the opportunity to explore global health issues through an immersive, study-abroad experience. Students will examine the social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors that influence health and healthcare delivery in the host country. This experiential learning allows for direct observation and participation in diverse healthcare settings, fostering a deeper understanding of global nursing practices and health challenges. This course is variable credit from 1-3 credit hours.
6V43 INDEPENDENT STUDY (Variable credit: 1-3 credit hours.) Nursing topic of special interest to the student who wishes to conduct an in-depth concentrated study with faculty guidance.
6V64 CLINICAL IMMERSION FOR FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER (Variable credit: 1 or 2 credit hours.) A clinical course that builds on and expands the clinical competencies developed in the Family Nurse Practitioner track. It requires 90 clinical clock hours of supervised direct patient care per credit hour. Pre-/co-requisite: NURS 6511 or APRN license.
6V99 CONTINUED STUDIES (Variable credit: 1-4 credit hours.) Credit/non-credit course required in subsequent semester(s) when an X-grade is awarded and until course requirements are met. Allows access to faculty guidance and university resources. Does not count toward degree.
6206 EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT This course builds on knowledge students obtained in NURS 6306 Research Methods. The course focus is on foundational principles and models of evidence-based practice and quality improvement, equipping students to design, implement, and evaluate initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare safety, effectiveness, and efficiency. Prerequisite: NURS 6306 Research Methods. This course is delivered online.
6232 HEALTH POLICY The course focus is on influencing health policy as it relates to health care regulations, advanced nursing professional practice issues, ethics, advocacy, and equal distribution of health resources. Emphasis is on health care delivery and health outcomes at systems, local, regional, national, and global levels. Prerequisite: Admission to the School of Nursing graduate program. This course is delivered online.
6270 ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS AND CLINICAL REASONING The course focus is on developing the advanced diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills essential for family nurse practitioners. Students will explore systematic, evidence-based approaches to problem-solving, differential diagnosis, and decision-making in the primary care setting. Emphasis is placed on integrating pathophysiology, physical assessment, and diagnostic data to evaluate common patient presentations. Students will refine their ability to synthesize subjective and objective data, recognize illness patterns, and prioritize diagnostic possibilities. Prerequisites: NURS 6320, 6325 and 6315; Admission to the School of Nursing graduate program. This course is delivered online.
6306 RESEARCH METHODS FOR ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE This course focuses on learning the research process, identifying a clinical question, accessing research evidence, appraising research evidence for scientific merit and clinical relevance, and synthesizing evidence. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate nursing program.
6313 PRIMARY CARE OF ADULTS II The course focus is on the continued development of the nurse practitioner as a primary care provider, emphasizing person-centered, evidence-based diagnostic reasoning and treatment planning. Students continue to demonstrate clinical judgement using a systematic approach to disease recognition, prevention, and health promotion while engaging patients as partners in care decisions. Further differentiation of the NP role is included. The course requires 70 direct patient care clinical hors under the supervision of an approved preceptor. Prerequisites: NURS 6411, NURS 6412, or permission of the graduate program coordinator. The course is a combination of online and on-campus instruction.
6315 ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT The course focus is on advanced health assessment techniques and data collection that promotes diagnostic reasoning and comprehensive decision making in patient-centered care. Core content includes normal versus abnormal physical exam findings, health promotion, and disease prevention across varied populations. Students will apply evidence-based age-related preventive health screenings to patients across the life span. This course is a combination of online and on-campus instruction. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate nursing program.
6316 ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT FOR NURSE EDUCATORS This course builds upon the student’s previous health assessment knowledge, offering more advanced health assessment content to provide the foundation for the advanced-professional nursing role of the nurse educator. Teaching methodologies will facilitate the development of skills in conducting comprehensive and systematic assessments of patients throughout the lifespan. This course emphasizes knowledge of health assessment, including physical, psychosocial, risk assessment, and functional assessment in diverse populations in the promotion of health and prevention of disease.
6320 ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY The course focus is on the etiology, pathogenesis, and functional consequences of various disease states through an understanding of normal physiologic function and pathologic mechanisms that impact health status. Students will establish a foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and disease management. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate nursing program. This course is delivered online.
6325 ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY The course focus is on the pharmacotherapeutics and pharmacokinetics of broad categories of pharmacologic agents. Students will gain the knowledge necessary to assess, diagnose, and prescribe pharmacologic agents in a safe and cost-effective manner. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate nursing program. This course is delivered online.
6327 HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND LEADERSHIP This course explores and applies concepts related to healthcare quality and improvement. Content will also include organization and systems leadership principles necessary to assure quality and safety of patient care.
6332 HEALTH POLICY FOR ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE This course focuses on influencing health policy with a focus on health care law, regulation, professional practice issues, and ethics. Emphasis is on the effect of health policy on health care delivery and population health outcomes at the state and national levels. This course requires 45 hours of fieldwork. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate nursing program.
6334 HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS AND INFORMATICS The focus of this course is on healthcare systems and informatics technologies that support advanced nursing practice. Key concepts include organizational theories and structures, systems, and ethical practice. Students analyze complex healthcare systems, data management, cost-effectiveness, and develop strategies for optimizing system effectiveness through innovation and evidence-based practice. In addition, students explore how nurses can lead healthcare transformation by leveraging systems knowledge and information technologies to improve patient outcomes and provide health fairness. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Nursing graduate program. This course is delivered online.
6340 CLINICAL SPECIALTY IMMERSION FOR THE NURSE EDUCATOR The course focus is on the incorporation of the advanced core competencies for professional nursing in a clinical specialty area under the supervision of approved clinical preceptor/facilitators in a variety of settings. Clinical options include community/population health, family, geriatric, maternal newborn and women’s health, adult, pediatrics, and psychiatric mental health nursing. The student is required to complete 210 clinical hours. Prerequisites: NURS 6206, 6232, 6306, 6315, 6320, 6325, 6334, 6345, 6348, 6350, 7240 and 7365. This course is delivered online and will be taken in the seventh semester of study.
6345 EVALUATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION The course focus is on the theory, construction, evaluation, and current evidence of assessment instruments. It addresses classroom, clinical, online, and simulation assessment/evaluation. Emphasis is on the role of assessment in instruction, developing instructional objectives and learning outcomes based on professional standards, developing and critiquing assessments; interpreting item and test analysis results, and appraising ethical/social/legal issues in educational and clinical settings. This course is delivered online.
6348 INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND TEACHING STRATEGIES The course focus is on the philosophical, theoretical, and empirical foundations of the nurse educator role for student education, continuing education, and staff development, or patient/client education. Core content includes principles of teaching-learning, learner assessment, developing/selecting instructional materials, preparing teaching plans, and classroom, laboratory/simulation, and online instruction strategies. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program or permission of the department chair. This course is delivered online.
6349 TEACHING IMMERSION FOR THE NURSE EDUCATOR The course focus is on the integration of the nurse educator role by demonstrating the required competencies as a leader and change agent, incorporating teaching and learning strategies, measurement of outcomes, and curriculum design under the supervision of approved preceptors/facilitators. The student is required to complete 210 clinical hours. Prerequisites: Admission to the graduate program, NURS 6306, 6320, 6325, 6315, 7365, 6345, 6206, 6334, 6232, 6348, 7240, 6350, 6340. This course is delivered online and will be taken in the final semester of study.
6350 CURRICULUM IN NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS The course focus is on professional, societal, health care, and educational influences on curriculum development in the health care environment. Students participate in curriculum design and evaluation of program outcomes to promote quality improvement. Prerequisite: NURS 6345, 6358, or permission from the Graduate Program Coordinator. This course is delivered online.
6360 PHILOSOPHICAL AND THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE This course focuses on critique, evaluation, and use of philosophical and theoretical perspectives foundational to nursing and other disciplines. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate nursing program.
6371 CLINICAL NURSE LEADER IMMERSION The second of two seminar/practicum courses in the Clinical Nurse Leader track. Advanced competencies for the Clinical Nurse Leader role. Students complete 300 hours of supervised clinical experiences. Prerequisites: NURS 6327 and 6470.
6390 STATISTICAL METHODS AND DATA ANALYSIS FOR ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE This course focuses on developing knowledge of and skills for using statistical methods, matching statistical methods to research designs, and data analysis. Computer software will be used to conduct appropriate statistical analyses and reporting findings. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate nursing program and NURS 7350.
6411 INTRODUCTION TO PRIMARY CARE The course focus is on the introduction of the nurse practitioner as a primary care provider, emphasizing person-centered, evidence-based diagnostic reasoning and treatment planning. Students will develop beginning procedural skills competency and demonstrate clinical judgement using a systematic approach to disease recognition, prevention, and health promotion while engaging patients as partners in care decisions. This course introduces foundational elements of the nurse practitioner role, including its evolution, scope of practice, and core competencies. The course requires 140 direct patient care clinical hours under the supervision of an approved preceptor. Prerequisites: NURS 6320, 6325, 6315, 6270. The course is a combination of online and on-campus instruction.
6412 PRIMARY CARE OF ADULTS I The course focus is on the continued development of the nurse practitioner role as a primary care provider, emphasizing person-centered, evidence-based diagnostic reasoning and treatment planning. Students will further develop procedural skills competency and demonstrate clinical judgement using a systematic approach to disease recognition, prevention, and health promotion while engaging patients as partners in care decisions. Continued focus on the development of the nurse practitioner role and practice management. The course requires 140 direct patient care clinical hours under the supervision of an approved preceptor. Prerequisite: NURS 6411. The course is a combination of online and on-campus instruction.
6418 PRIMARY CARE OF CHILDREN The course focus is pediatric primary care practice, emphasizing person-centered, evidence-based diagnostic reasoning and treatment planning. Students will further develop procedural skills competency and demonstrate clinical judgement using a systematic approach to disease recognition, prevention, and health promotion while engaging pediatric patients and families as partners in care decisions. Students will integrate the nurse practitioner role within pediatric primary care settings. The course requires 140 direct patient care clinical hours under the supervision of an approved preceptor. Prerequisites: NURS 6411, 6412, 6313, or permission of the graduate program coordinator. The course is a combination of online and on-campus instruction.
6420 INTEGRATED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY FOR ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE This course focuses on the etiology and pathogenesis of common disease states with an integration of advanced pharmacotherapeutics and pharmacokinetics of broad categories of drugs. The course targets the relationship between pharmacologic agents and physiologic/pathologic responses. Prerequisite: Admission to the Graduate Nursing program.
6470 CLINICAL NURSE LEADER PRACTICE The first of two seminar/practicum courses in the Clinical Nurse Leader track. This course provides the theoretical and clinical foundation for beginning graduate nursing roles and competencies as a clinical nurse leader. Students complete 100 hours of supervised clinical experiences. Prerequisites: NURS 6301, 6304, 6329, 6347.
6511 INTRODUCTION TO PRIMARY CARE FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS This course introduces the role of the nurse practitioner primary care provider. This course focuses on disease identification based on diagnostic reasoning, treatment supported by evidence-based practice, common procedural skills, and health promotion, prevention, and disease management. Students complete 135 contact hours of approved supervised direct patient care clinical experiences. The course is a combination of online and on-campus instruction. Prerequisites: NURS 6315, 6320, and 6325; or APRN license/NP certification.
6512 CARE OF ADULTS ACROSS THE LIFESPAN I This course continues to develop the nurse practitioner as a primary care provider. The course focuses on disease identification based on diagnostic reasoning, treatment supported by evidenced-based practice, common procedural skills, and health promotion, prevention, and disease management. The course expands on practice management principles for the nurse practitioner. Students complete 135 contact hours of approved supervised direct patient care clinical experiences. The course is a combination of online and on-campus instruction. Prerequisite: NURS 6511 or APRN license/NP certification.
6525 CLINICAL IMMERSION FOR THE FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER The course focus is on the synthesis of the primary care nurse practitioner role through evidence-based, safety-focused ethical clinical practice. Students will refine their systematic approach to disease recognition, treatment, prevention, and health promotion. Through immersion in all aspects of the nurse practitioner role, students will demonstrate advanced practice competencies of professional practice, interprofessional collaboration, and person-centered care. The course requires 280 direct patient care clinical hours under the supervision of an approved preceptor in the final semester of study. Prerequisites: NURS 6411, 6412, 6313, 6418 or permission of the graduate program coordinator. The course is a combination of online and on-campus instruction.
7V15 DNP CLINICAL INTERNSHIP (Variable credit: 1-4 credit hours) The course focus is on the understanding and application of doctoral nursing competencies through a variety of clinical practice activities. In addition, students will be guided in project design and innovation that influences healthcare outcomes, systems, and/or populations. This course is required for students who need additional clinical practice hours. Each credit hours requires 90 clinical practice hours. This course is repeatable up to 4 credit hours. The course is delivered online.
7V20 RESIDENCY FOR DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE (Variable credit: 1-2 credit hours) This clinical residency focuses on meeting the competencies of the DNP prepared APRN. The DNP Residency course is designed to meet the individual needs of DNP students through collaboration with healthcare mentors. The course requires students to integrate evidence-based practice, comprehensive assessment, advanced diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and evaluation in a variety of sites and conditions. Each credit hour requires 90 supervised, direct patient care hours. Prerequisites: NURS 6306, 6315, 6320, 6325, 6332, 6360, 6390, 6511, 6512, 7110, 7315, 7320, 7325, 7330, 7340, 7350, 7365, 7513, and 7514.
7105 INTRODUCTION TO DNP PROJECT The focus of this course is to introduce the DNP project by identifying potential populations or phenomenon of interests, clinical problem within the selected population of interest, and determine feasibility of project sites where the DNP project can be implemented. Students will be guided in scholarly writing and problem identification. Prerequisites: NURS 6306, 6511, 6512.
7110 DNP PROJECT PLANNING The focus of this course is developing the scholarly DNP project. Students will be guided in project design and innovation that influences healthcare outcomes, systems, and/or populations. This course is repeatable as needed. Prerequisite: NURS 6306 or admission to the post-master’s DNP track.
7120 DNP PROJECT This course facilitates the completion of the DNP scholarly project. The DNP scholarly project is an evidence-based practice initiative focused on improving health outcomes. Students implement and disseminate the project across 2 semesters. Students must complete two DNP Project courses to complete the degree. This course is repeatable as needed. Each course requires 45 fieldwork hours. Prerequisites: NURS 6306, 6315, 6320, 6325, 6332, 6360, 6390, 6511, 6512, 7110, 7315, 7320, 7325, 7330, 7340, 7350, 7365.
7230 ADVANCED CLINICAL DECISION MAKING I This course integrates clinical knowledge and experiences from previous courses with complexities seen in primary care settings. Core content includes extensive application of advanced pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics and reinforcement of health promotion and disease prevention. The course is a combination of online and on campus instruction. This is part one of a two-part course. Prerequisites: NURS 6511, 6512, 7513, and 7514; or APRN license/NP certification.
7235 ADVANCED CLINICAL DECISION MAKING II This course integrates clinical knowledge and experiences from previous courses with complexities seen in primary care settings. Core content includes extensive application of advanced pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics and reinforcement of health promotion and disease prevention. The course is a combination of online and on campus instruction. This is part two of a two-part course. Prerequisites: NURS 6511, 6512, 7513, 7514, and 7230; or APRN license/NP certification and NURS 7230.
7240 LEADERSHIP The course focus is on applying fundamental leadership principles to complex interprofessional teams and health systems. The emphasis is on leadership theories, leadership qualities, effective communication skills, and change management strategies needed to transform healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes. Students will analyze systems-based approaches to leadership, develop skills in managing organizational change, and explore ethical considerations in healthcare leadership roles. Prerequisite: Admission to the School of Nursing graduate program. This course is delivered online.
7315 HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEMS FOR ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE This course focuses on application of systems theory to organizations and performance improvement initiatives. Emphasis is on methodologies to improve quality of care, safety, and outcomes within the health care environment. This course includes 45 hours of fieldwork. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate nursing program.
7320 HEALTHCARE ECONOMICS AND FINANCE FOR ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE This course examines principles of economics and finance as they relate to the role of the DNP within contemporary healthcare environments. The course explores healthcare economic theory, market drivers and restraints, finance and reimbursement, cost analysis, budgeting, entrepreneurism, and business principles. Prerequisite: NURS 7315.
7325 ETHICS FOR ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE This course presents an overview of ethical and legal issues facing the health care industry. It provides a basic knowledge of health law and ethics. A realistic knowledge of health law and ethics, and their application to the real world is emphasized. This course includes 45 hours of fieldwork. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate nursing program.
7330 HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS FOR ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE Presents an overview of informatics, the transformation of data into information, knowledge, decisions and actions to improve outcomes. In addition, students will be prepared to use available technology tools to present, interpret, and organize data. This course requires 45 hours of fieldwork. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate nursing program.
7340 LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES FOR ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE This course will focus on organizational and systems leadership qualities, communication and collaborative skills, and change management strategies needed to transform service delivery and improve health outcomes in complex healthcare delivery systems. The course includes 45 hours of fieldwork. Prerequisites: Admission to graduate nursing program.
7350 TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH METHODS FOR ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE Explores the science of research translation. Emphasis is on analysis, evaluation, and use of evidence. Students will examine methods to promote the systematic uptake of science into routine practice to improve quality and effectiveness of health care. Prerequisites: NURS 6390 and NURS 7110; or admission to the post-master’s DNP track.
7365 POPULATION HEALTH The course focus is public health theory, epidemiology, theories of health promotion, and nursing theory to enable students to identify health concerns and promote health and wellness. The impact of current practices, policies, and laws on population health will be addressed. Basic principles and methods of epidemiology will be introduced, with emphasis on critical thinking, analytic skills, and application to clinical practice and research. This course is delivered online.
7513 CARE OF ADULTS ACROSS THE LIFESPAN II This course further develops the nurse practitioner as a leader in primary care management. The course focuses on disease identification based on diagnostic reasoning, treatment supported by evidenced-based practice, common procedural skills, and health promotion, prevention, and disease management. Topics include the aging population, transitional care services, palliative care, and end-of-life care. The course is a combination of online and on campus instruction. Students complete 180 contact hours of approved supervised direct patient care clinical experiences. Prerequisites: NURS 6511 and 6512; or APRN license/NP certification.
7514 PRIMARY CARE OF CHILDREN FOR FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONERS This course develops the nurse practitioner as a primary care provider in the pediatric population. The course focuses on disease identification based on diagnostic reasoning, treatment supported by evidenced based practice, common procedural skills, and health promotion, prevention, and disease management in the pediatric population. Core content includes normal and abnormal growth and development, anticipatory guidance, and life stage transitions. The course is a combination of online and on-campus instruction. Students complete 180 contact hours of approved supervised direct patient care clinical experiences. Prerequisites: NURS 6511, 6512, and 7513; or APRN license/NP certification.