Graduate Course Descriptions

Focuses on the concepts of pathophysiologic disease processes and pharmacologic agents. Students will apply evidence-based practice, current pharmacologic treatments, preventive measures and integrative therapies to advanced nursing practice. Environmental, sociocultural, legal/political, ethical and developmental issues of pathopharmacology will be considered.

Students develop comprehensive and age-appropriate holistic health assessment knowledge and skills within the context of advanced nursing practice including collection of physical, psychological, cultural, functional, spiritual, and psychosocial data. Students develop diagnostic reasoning and clinical problem-solving skills including formulating differential diagnosis, ordering, and interpreting common diagnostic tests, and documenting findings. All participants engage in actual practice with fellow students, standardized patients, and simulation. (Course fee applies).

Focuses on the biological basis for altered function and disease at the cellular level across the lifespan. Students learn to differentiate between normal variations and pathology with emphasis given to recognizing changes in patient status and interpreting physiological data. This in-depth knowledge will become the foundation for clinical reasoning and clinical decision making related to diagnostic testing and the initiation and evaluation of effectiveness of therapeutic regimens.

Builds upon prior knowledge and clinical experience to integrate and apply pharmacotherapeutic concepts with pharmacogenetics and pathophysiologic status in patients across the lifespan. Pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenetics will be emphasized as well as the effects of psychosocial issues and polypharmacy on drug regimens. Focus is on the comprehensive knowledge and application of evidence-based drug regimens for the purpose of prescribing, monitoring, and educating patients, families, and caregivers about the effects of drug therapy on health and well-being. Legal and ethical aspects of medication prescribing, dispensing, selling, and acquiring in the U.S. will be covered. This course meets the requirements for prescriptive authority for the advanced practice nurse.

Focuses on issues impacting population health using Healthy People 2030 and the Social Determinants of Health as frameworks for analysis of health interventions. Epidemiologic principles related to individual, family, and population health are examined with consideration given to vulnerable populations. Evidence-based communication strategies to enhance population health are explored.

Expands on the research competencies developed in GEN 502, this course focuses on the nursing research process and evidence-based practice. The historical, scientific, and theoretical context of nursing research is examined and current issues are analyzed. The use of scientific evidence to improve nursing practice and patient outcomes is emphasized. Ethical issues involved in the conduction of research are also explored. Pre-requisite: GEN 502.

Introduces the student to contemporary nursing education. Students will focus on curriculum development, program outcomes, students as learners, evaluation of learning and program development and improvement. Teaching strategies are explored. Philosophical, social, political, economic, and professional issues are examined. Ethical and legal considerations of nursing education are considered.

Continues with contemporary nursing education and introduces the concepts and theories of measurement and evaluation. Techniques for constructing and analyzing appropriate testing measures are explored. Learning theories and teaching strategies will be explored. Ethical, social, cultural, and legal issues related to evaluation are discussed. Pre-requisite: NURS 660

Using professional standards and competencies as a framework, examines the roles, functions and responsibilities of a nurse administrator. Content focuses on principles of leadership and management, health care organizations and systems, and human resource management. Research related to administrative practice and contemporary issues that affect practice and roles of nurse administrators are examined.

Examines the financial management of health care organizations. Issues related to budgeting, accounting, reimbursement, information systems, and other supportive functions are explored. Fiscal responsibility and accountability for nurse administrators are addressed.