What do you learn in nursing school? Accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing programs, like the ABSN track at Harding University in Arkansas, have several common components. These include online coursework, skills and simulation labs and clinicals. Explore what each of these entails here.
There is a continued demand for registered nurses, and more patients need the lifesaving care that nurses provide. Now is the perfect time to answer the call to nursing and earn your Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.
If you have more than 64 college credits or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you could be eligible for Harding University’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program in Arkansas. If so, you could complete your nursing degree in as few as 16 months.
What do you learn in nursing school? Nursing program curriculum typically includes the following:
- Coursework on nursing concepts
- Skills labs
- Simulation labs
- Clinical experiences
Prerequisites and Nursing Courses
The Harding University ABSN curriculum starts by introducing you to key nursing concepts through online classes. Prior to embarking on your ABSN coursework, you’ll complete prerequisite courses.
Which courses you take depends on your previous education. Prerequisite courses set you up with a solid foundation in math, science and English that will help you succeed in your nursing education.
Once you complete the prerequisites and begin nursing school, you’ll transition to the ABSN required courses and nursing theory courses, including:
- Adults/Chronic Health & Rehab Concerns
- Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing
- Christian Faith and Vocation
- Community Health Nursing
- Fundamental Math for Nurses
- Gerontological Nursing
- Health Assessment
- Introduction to Nursing
- Maternity & Women’s Health
- New Testament Survey
- Nursing Adults with Acute Health Concerns
- Nursing Capstone Experience
- Nursing Leadership & Management
- Nursing Practice Interventions
- Old Testament Survey
- Pediatric & Child Health Nursing
- Pharmacology & Nursing
- Professional Nursing
- Psychiatric & Mental Health
- Research in Nursing
These online classes each have a comprehensive course curriculum designed to prepare you to step into the nursing field with a strong knowledge of many practice areas.
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Nursing Skills
While you are learning nursing concepts, you will put that knowledge into action during hands-on skills labs.
You will use modern medical supplies and equipment in our accelerated BSN skills laboratories, which are designed to resemble a hospital atmosphere. Additionally, you will practice authentic medical manikins, so you will not have to be concerned about hurting a real patient while you are learning.
You will practice nursing skills and apply the theoretical knowledge you gain in the online section of our ABSN curriculum. Some of your tasks in our skills labs include:
- Blood pressure and heart rate monitoring
- Catheterization
- Holistic head-to-toe assessment
- Nasogastric tube insertion
- Wound care
Alongside your peers in the program, you will hone these skills and more to prepare you for the day-to-day duties of a registered nurse.
Simulation Labs
Simulation labs are the next step in your ABSN education. They will challenge you to respond to changing and sometimes urgent situations.
The biggest piece of the simulation lab is mock clinical scenarios, where you will take on the role of a patient, family member, doctor or nurse. Communication is vital in nursing, and these exercises will challenge you to do just that.
While these labs will challenge you, simulation labs offer a risk-free environment where you should feel comfortable exploring patient care scenarios and even making mistakes.
Following exercises, you will debrief with your peers and instructor, so you can learn from your performance and hone your critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
Clinicals: Where You Will Build a Nursing Career
To be prepared to step into the health care field, you will need to train with real patients. Clinical placements are where you will put your skills to the test in a real-world health care environment.
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During clinicals, you will get a look at what it is like to provide exceptional patient care to a variety of patient demographics. You will work with medical professionals in a range of disciplines, including:
- Adult health
- Community health
- Mental health
- Obstetrics
- Pediatrics
Harding University ABSN clinical placements also give you the great opportunity to find out where you fit in the profession post-graduation.
The clinical setting allows you to try specialties and find the one that interests you most.
Our clinical partners include:
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- Mercy Hospital Northwest
- Vantage Point Behavioral Health Hospital
Clinicals help you discover what makes you passionate about nursing and where you fit into this ever-changing industry.
Start Today
Now that you know what you will learn in nursing school, there is no better time to pursue your dream career as a nurse. Contact Harding University’s admissions team today and ask about our 16-month ABSN program.