Clinical experiences focus on situations that reflect an understanding of the nursing process and the nursing paradigm in health promotion and maintenance, illness care, and rehabilitation. The theoretical basis for practice is presented in the classroom and provides the scientific knowledge base needed to diagnose and treat human responses to actual or potential health problems. Non-clinical courses focus on the discipline of nursing in the areas of ethics, economics, politics, research, legal issues, health care delivery systems, and the heritage of nursing. The core courses focus on theory integration into advanced practice nursing, critical analysis of theoretical and research literature in the clinical problem-solving process, and understanding the health care environment. Specialty courses focus on advanced knowledge and skills in a given specialty area to equip graduates to function in complex situations and advanced practice roles, including those of nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, and nurse manager.
Electives provide the opportunity to select course work that complements the students' career goals.
Demonstrate skills in critical thinking, decision making, information management, and use of the nursing process with individuals, families, and groups experiencing complex health problems. Evaluate usefulness of and apply research findings to professional nursing practice. Teach and counsel individuals, families, communities, and other groups about health, illness, and health-seeking behaviors. Provide health care to culturally diverse populations in a variety of environments, both independently and in collaboration with other health care team members. Demonstrate leadership qualities in addressing professional nursing and health issues.