Please Note: We are a single entity FNP program, and all our courses are integrated and taught from a Family Practice Primary Care perspective. Each course in our curriculum builds on the next and directly informs the content in the downstream course. Because of this, students must take all courses as outlined below, in the sequence offered. We do not accept any courses in direct transfer from other Nurse Practitioner or Advanced Practice programs. However, if you have been admitted to the program and feel some of your previously-taken recent coursework substantially duplicates a course in our program, we may consider a challenge to an area of content. This is a consultative process based on working with the syllabus, the instructor of your previous coursework, and our Program Director. Because of the intensive work involved in a content challenge, our course fees would still be due even if credit is given for content.
Course Descriptions
First Semester: 11 units
NURS 501 Health Promotion: Righting Disparities: 4 units
Online course. Advanced concepts to assess and promote the behaviors that enhance the health of clients across the lifespan, taking into account the multiple dimensions of and the attendant risks unique to the dimension of Person. Principles and theories of the behavioral sciences, epidemiology, family health, psychology, sociology, genomics, and ethical decision-making are investigated.
NURS 509 Advanced Health Assessment: 4 units
This hybrid course reviews and expands upon concepts and skills of human assessment basic to advanced practice clinical decision-making and the caring process.
NURS 549 Health Promotion Practice in Primary Care: 3 units
This clinical course correlates with and supports the student in applying the theoretical concepts in NURS 501. The course provides the student with a comprehensive understanding of health promotion and disease prevention in clients across the life span. The course provides the students with the skills to evaluate the health status of a client, taking into account the unique dimensions of a person including culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, educational status, and religious and spiritual status when developing a health promotion plan.
Second Semester: 10 units
NURS 540A Pathophysiological Concepts in Primary Care I: 3 units
Hybrid course. Develops a foundation for the diagnosis and management of common acute and chronic illnesses in advanced primary care nursing practice. Research and theory from various disciplines are used to evaluate unique interaction patterns of person and environment as a basis for selecting strategies to promote health and minimize the effects of illness. Emphasizes interdisciplinary aspects of primary health care through partnerships with patients as a basis for collaboration, consultation, and referral.
NURS 552 Pharmacology in Primary Care: 3 units
This online course develops a foundation for safe and effective management of client’s pharmacological needs in the care of common acute and chronic illnesses. Research findings and theory-based knowledge are applied in assessing the needs of the individual client for medications and patient education. Parameters of legal practice, including the prescribing of schedule II drugs, and community standards of care are addressed. Meets state educational requirement for NP furnishing license.
NURS 550A Clinical Practice in Primary Care I: 4 units
Beginning clinical practice in primary care settings is implemented. Specialized knowledge and skills are utilized to assess physical, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual needs of patients. Concepts from various disciplines are integrated to provide a framework for developing and applying strategies for health promotion and illness management. Begin to develop advanced nursing role identity as FNP.
Third Semester: 7 units
NURS 540B Pathophysiologic Concepts in Primary Care II: 3 units
Hybrid course. Continue to develop a pathophysiological conceptual foundation for the diagnosis and management of common acute and chronic illnesses in advanced primary care nursing practice. Research and theory from various disciplines are used to evaluate unique interaction patterns of the person and environment as a basis for selecting strategies to promote health and minimize the effects of illness. Emphasized interdisciplinary aspects of primary health care through partnerships with patients as a basis for collaboration, consultation, and referral.
NURS 550B Clinical Practice in Primary Care II: 4 units
Continued implementation of clinical practice in primary care settings. Further develops and expands FNP clinical judgment and practice skills in family primary care. Research findings and theory-based knowledge are applied to formulating diagnosis and management plans. Personal and professional parameters of the nurse practitioner role are examined.
Fourth Semester: 8 units
NURS 550C Clinical Practice in Primary Care III: 4 units
Expanded clinical practice in primary and extended care settings. Facilitates the integration of nursing and other theories and research in providing health care to individuals, families, and groups. Conceptual perspectives are applied as a foundation for complex decision-making in advanced nursing practice. Professional identity is expanded to integrate the multiple aspects of the nurse practitioner role.
NURS 562 Advanced Practice in Primary Care Systems: 4 units
Online course. Nurse Practitioner practice issues are examined with a focus on quality assurance, safe delivery, and ethical patient care within the legal parameters of Nurse Practitioner practice from a local, state, and national perspective. Organization and management theory are analyzed in relation to primary care and Nurse Practitioner role and practice.
Optional Additional Coursework, Summer and/or Winter Intersession
NURS 555/595 FNP Expanded Clinical Practice: 2-4 units
To enhance and expand clinical decision-making skills via extended clinical practice in preceptorship for Family Nurse Practitioner students. To synthesize and concisely report clinical findings via written or dictated chart notes and verbal presentation to preceptor.