Nurse Practitioner Courses and Classes Overview
Before beginning nurse practitioners programs, students usually must have already earned a bachelor's degree and registered nurse credentials. Coursework for nurse practitioner programs are often taken in master's degree programs, but may be taken in dual bachelor's and master's degree programs.
Pathophysiology Course
This course examines pathophysiology, which is used to diagnose and treat illness in primary health care contexts. Students examine factors affecting the health and illnesst. Students learn about disease origination, development and symptoms. They also learn how to treat common health conditions. Pathophysiology courses can be taken at the beginning of a nurse practitioner program as a foundation for future courses.
Roles and Responsibilities Course
This course covers the roles and responsibilities of the nurse practitioner in augmenting client health and health services. Students examine the history of nurse practitioners, client relations and legal and ethical considerations. Aspiring nurse practitioners learn about interdisciplinary teams, health policy formation and political strategies. This course can sometimes be incorporated into other courses in the program.
Pharmacology Course
Taken towards the end of a nurse practitioner program, students learn about the therapeutic uses and effects of drugs for primary health care. Students learn about common medications and explore adverse effects and alternatives to drug therapy. Students learn how to write prescriptions that meet state and federal standards.
Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Course
Nurse practitioners assume many of the duties of a physician, including assessing and diagnosing health issues. The course places emphasis on assessment procedures, including history taking, physical assessment and diagnostic testing. Students use pharmacology, anatomy and physiology knowledge in this course.
Integrative Practicum Course
In the practicum, aspiring nurse practitioners practice the skills they learned in didactic courses in clinical settings. Students discuss and apply theories about the management of patients and practice taking a leadership role in healthcare settings. All nurse practitioner program courses must be successfully completed before taking this course; completion of the practicum is the final component of the nurse practitioner program.
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