American Public University System Catalog
2026 - 2027 Catalog
Course Descriptions
NUR Nursing
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NUR1055 Introduction to Nursing
40 hours, 4 credits
In this course, students are introduced to the profession of nursing. Nursing theory, scope of practice, and standards of care provide the context for evidence-based nursing. Components of professionalism and communication are discussed. Students are introduced to various systems of measure and basic medical terminology.
Prerequisite: BSC2094C
NUR2063 Essentials of Pathophysiology
30 hours, 3 credits
This course provides an overview of pathophysiology. Emphasis is placed on regulatory and compensatory mechanisms necessary to maintain and restore homeostasis. A systems-based approach is used to explore etiology, clinical signs, and symptoms of disorders.
Prerequisite: BSC2094C
NUR2180 Physical Assessment
60 hours, 3 credits
This course focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary for holistic health assessment. Students learn to perform and accurately document a systematic health history and physical assessment of the adult client.
NUR2214 Nursing Care of the Older Adult
50 hours, 3 credits
NUR2214 Lecture (20 hours, 2 credits)
NUR2214LL Clinical (30 hours, 1 credit)
In this course, care models specific to the older adult are explored. Students examine perceptions of ageism and the impact of those attitudes on the healthcare of older adults. Resources to promote autonomy and safety with healthcare decisions as a client ages are discussed with an emphasis on ethical advocacy in gerontology. The clinical component provides students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in healthcare settings.
Pre- or corequisite: NUR2356
NUR2243 Professional Nursing Skills I
60 hours, 3 credits
This course introduces students to the skills necessary to provide basic care and comfort. Students demonstrate essential skills to care for clients with musculoskeletal, integumentary, and elimination needs. Accurate medication calculation and safe medication administration are required.
Pre- or corequisite: NUR2356
NUR2356 Multidimensional Care I
90 hours, 5 credits
NUR2356 Lecture (30 hours, 3 credits)
NUR2356LL Clinical (60 hours, 2 credits)
This course introduces students to principles of basic care and comfort. Students explore diverse multidimensional strategies for nursing practice specific to musculoskeletal, integumentary, sensory, perception, immunologic, infectious, and inflammatory disorders. The clinical component provides students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in healthcare settings.
Prerequisite: NUR2180
NUR2392 Multidimensional Care II
120 hours, 6 credits
NUR2392 Lecture (30 hours, 3 credits)
NUR2392LL Clinical (90 hours, 3 credits)
Students continue to explore diverse multidimensional strategies for nursing practice specific to cancer, fluid and electrolytes, acid-base balance, gastrointestinal, and endocrine system disorders. The clinical component provides students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in healthcare settings.
NUR2459 Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing
80 hours, 4 credits
NUR2459 Lecture (20 hours, 2 credits)
NUR2459LL Clinical (60 hours, 2 credits)
In this course, students explore internal and external factors that impact clients’ state of balance. Students examine the effects of stress and coping on the client and family, as well the complexities of caring for clients experiencing mental health disorders. The clinical component provides students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in mental healthcare settings.
NUR2474 Pharmacology for Professional Nursing
40 hours, 4 credits
This course introduces students to the pharmacological principles for safe medication administration. Emphasis is placed on the classifications of medications used in the body systems. Special considerations are examined for the effects of medications and nursing interventions on special populations.
Prerequisite: NUR2063; or a current, unencumbered Practical Nursing license that awarded LPN-RN Bridge course waiver
Pre- or corequisite: MAT1222
NUR2502 Multidimensional Care III
120 hours, 6 credits
NUR2502 Lecture (30 hours, 3 credits)
NUR2502LL Clinical (90 hours, 3 credits)
Students explore diverse multidimensional strategies for nursing practice specific to reproductive, respiratory, cardiovascular, hematologic, and urinary system disorders. The clinical component provides students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in healthcare settings.
NUR2513 Maternal-Child Nursing
80 hours, 4 credits
NUR2513 Lecture (20 hours, 2 credits)
NUR2513LL Clinical (60 hours, 2 credits)
The focus of this course is on the professional nurse’s role in providing safe, effective care for the mother, newborn, and child. This course examines relevant medication administration, pharmacology, nutritional principles, and cultural and spiritual diversity, as well as legal and ethical issues related to care of the maternal and pediatric client to promote health and safety. The clinical component provides students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in healthcare settings.
Prerequisites: DEP2004; NUR2392; NUR2474
Pre- or corequisite: NUR2648
NUR2648 Professional Nursing Skills II
40 hours, 2 credits
This course introduces students to higher-level skills necessary to provide care for diverse clients across the lifespan. Students learn to care for clients with respiratory, gastrointestinal, hematological, and fluid balance disorders. Specific skills covered during this course are evaluated and validated in a supervised laboratory setting. Students have the opportunity to demonstrate medication administration for newborn and pediatric clients in a safe environment.
NUR2755 Multidimensional Care IV
120 hours, 6 credits
NUR2755 Lecture (30 hours, 3 credits)
NUR2755LL Clinical (90 hours, 3 credits)
Students explore diverse multidimensional strategies for nursing practice specific to clients with neurological disorders and trauma. Students integrate prioritization, critical thinking, and higher-order problem solving to plan and provide care for patients in complex, specialized settings, including critical care, medical emergencies, and disasters. The clinical component provides students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in healthcare settings.
NUR2832 Leadership and Professional Identity
80 hours, 4 credits
NUR2832 Lecture (20 hours, 2 credits)
NUR2832LL Clinical (60 hours, 2 credits)
This course examines the professional nursing leadership and management responsibilities. Students use evidence-based practice to guide decision-making and support clinical judgment to improve client outcomes. Students demonstrate principles of professional identity, and examine the regulatory standards of nursing practice within the legal and ethical underpinnings that improve healthcare. The clinical component provides students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in healthcare settings.
Pre- or corequisite: NUR2755
NUR2989 Associate Degree in Nursing Capstone
30 hours, 3 credits
This capstone course serves as a culmination of previous learned content and experiences in the Associate Degree in Nursing program. Students apply critical-thinking skills to synthesize principles of physiological and psychosocial integrity, health promotion and maintenance, and quality improvement to deliver safe, collaborative healthcare. Students demonstrate clinical reasoning and engage in reflection and self-analysis as they prepare for transition to practice.
Prerequisite: Must be completed in student’s final quarter
Pre- or corequisites: NUR2755; NUR2832
NUR3055 Professional Nursing Role Transition
50 hours, 5 credits
This course supports registered nurses in transitioning to the baccalaureate professional role. Students will examine the scope and standards of nursing practice while applying evidence-based principles, clinical reasoning, and critical thinking to deliver patient-centered care. Emphasis is placed on developing a professional identity, accountability, and a lifelong learning mindset through self-reflection and strategies for personal and professional growth in today’s dynamic healthcare environment.
Prerequisite: Must be taken in first quarter
NUR3306 Integration of Genetics and Genomics into Ethical Nursing Practice
40 hours, 4 credits
In this course, students explore the multidimensional components of genetics and genomics in nursing practice. Student design an evidence-based plan of care inclusive of findings from a focused genetic and genomic assessment. Influences of legal and governmental policies are integrated into the pursuit of ethical advocacy for at-risk individuals and populations.
NUR3455 Professional Communication in Nursing
50 hours, 5 credits
This course focuses on developing advanced communication skills essential for professional nursing practice. Students will learn strategies for advocacy, patient engagement, and collaboration within diverse healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed on using evidence-based techniques and tools to enhance oral and written communication, including the dissemination of scholarly findings. Learners will practice conveying data and information in clear, practice-ready language tailored to varied audiences, supporting evidence-informed decision-making and quality patient care.
NUR3472 Emerging Healthcare Technologies and Innovation
40 hours, 4 credits
In this course, the numerous roles of the Nurse Informaticist are explored, including social, legal, and ethical components. Strategies to integrate principles of quality and safety with innovative technology are compared. Innovative technology to inform data-driven, valid decisions is integrated into healthcare delivery based on the technology life cycle.
NUR3475 Healthcare Technology and Informatics in Nursing
50 hours, 5 credits
This course examines the integration of technology and informatics in contemporary nursing practice, with the goal of enhancing patient care and improving health outcomes. Students will analyze the impact of emerging technologies on clinical judgment, safety, and quality improvement, as well as their role in supporting interprofessional collaboration. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, professional standards, and the use of patient data and information systems in healthcare delivery. Learners will evaluate innovations that have transformed processes or products, preparing them to leverage technology for evidence-based decision-making and population health management.
NUR3565 Nursing Policy, Ethics, and Law
50 hours, 5 credits
This course examines the ethical, legal, and policy frameworks that shape professional nursing practice. Students will explore ethical theories, principles, and their impact on healthcare decisions, as well as the interplay between innovation, ethics, and patient care. Emphasis is placed on analyzing current healthcare policies, legal standards, and economic principles influencing nursing practice. Learners will develop strategies to mitigate legal risks associated with negligence and malpractice, while promoting ethical and evidence-informed decision-making in diverse healthcare settings.
NUR3643 Research and Theory
50 hours, 5 credits
This course provides an introduction to nursing theory development and research along with an emphasis on the works of selected prominent nursing theorists. Additionally, students examine principles of the research process to support the evaluation and utilization of nursing research. Associations between nursing research, theory, and evidence-based practice are explored. Students propose a solution to integrate evidence-based findings into nursing practice.
Prerequisite: STA3215
NUR3645 Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
50 hours, 5 credits
This course emphasizes the integration of research, theory, and evidence-based practice (EBP) to improve patient outcomes and advance nursing care. Students will explore the components of the research process, ethical considerations, and the application of EBP principles in clinical decision-making. The course focuses on differentiating research, outcomes research, EBP, and quality improvement, while developing skills to synthesize evidence and propose solutions to clinical practice questions. Learners will apply evidence-based strategies to influence patient care and drive organizational change within diverse healthcare settings.
NUR3738 Integrative Nursing
40 hours, 4 credits
This course contributes to the development of knowledge regarding holistic health, with an emphasis on nursing practice and research for the advancement of healthcare. Students gain an authentic expression of holistic knowledge they can apply to their practice and personal health. This course examines holistic principles and evidence-based approaches to promote patient-centered care. Students explore the role of science in promoting holistic care while exploring the safety and efficacy of complementary and integrative therapies.
NUR3835 Quality Improvement in Nursing
50 hours, 5 credits
This course prepares nurses to lead quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient safety and healthcare outcomes. Students will identify gaps in care, analyze processes, and use evidence- based strategies to design and implement innovative solutions. Emphasis is placed on data analysis, outcome evaluation, and principles of change management within complex healthcare systems. Learners will develop and disseminate proposals that integrate best practices to drive continuous improvement in clinical settings.
NUR3894 Contemporary Issues in Nursing
40 hours, 4 credits
This course explores current issues affecting nursing practice. Focus is placed on how healthcare concerns shape and guide nursing practice. Topics discussed in this course reflect a dynamic healthcare environment inclusive of communicable diseases, healthcare policy, ethical concerns, cultural and social issues, information technology, and nurse staffing.
NUR3907 Scholarly Communication in Nursing
40 hours, 4 credits
This course prepares students to develop professional scholarly communication in the context of nursing. This course focuses on effectively communicating scholarly information in various formats, including written, visual, and verbal, to prepare for dissemination to the community.
NUR4153 Clinical Reasoning and Clinical Judgment
50 hours, 5 credits
In this course, the processes involved in transformation of learned knowledge and skills into active nursing practice are examined. Situated cognition is integrated with multiple modes of inquiry to support modification of clinical judgment. Students determine lifelong strategies to refine assimilation of external and internal cues as precursors to reliable transition from knowing to doing.
NUR4244 Public Health Nursing
90 hours, 5 credits
NUR4244 Lecture (30 hours, 3 credits)
NUR4244LL Clinical (60 hours, 2 credits)
In this course, students examine the foundations of community and public health nursing. The impacts of cultural influence, health determinants, and governing policy for public health are explored. Students collaborate with community partners to identify needs and design solutions. The clinical component provides students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge and practice population-based care.
Pre- or corequisite: NUR2502
NUR4245 Population and Public Health Nursing
50 hours, 5 credits
This course examines the principles and practices of population health and public health nursing, with a focus on systems thinking and the social determinants of health. Students will analyze the cultural, socioeconomic, behavioral, environmental, and policy factors that influence health outcomes at local, state, national, and global levels. The course focuses on designing evidence-based strategies for community care and preventive approaches for vulnerable populations. Students will apply epidemiological methods to address chronic and emerging health conditions through collaborative, population-focused interventions.
NUR4327 Influence of Policy, Finance, and Law on Healthcare
40 hours, 4 credits
In this course, students examine the dynamics of health policy, economics, and legal influences on nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on political action, policy creation, economic considerations, regulatory environments, and legal implications. Students select and appraise strategies to reduce risk of litigation related to errors in judgment and practice.
Prerequisite: NUR2356
NUR4590 Professional Identity of the Nurse Leader
80 hours, 5 credits
NUR4590 Lecture (35 hours, 3.5 credits)
NUR4590LL Clinical (45 hours, 1.5 credits)
In this course, components of leadership and management are examined. Students integrate leadership and management principles into data-driven decisions impacting complex microsystems and macrosystems of healthcare delivery. Innovative strategies to facilitate meaningful change are examined with a focus on outcomes aligned with quality improvement processes. Students explore the evolution of professional identity inclusive of integrity, advocacy, leadership, and commitment to safe, effective, evidence-based nursing practice. The clinical component provides students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in healthcare settings.
Pre- or corequisite: NUR4153
NUR4595 Nursing Leadership and Management
50 hours, 5 credits
This course prepares nurses to assume leadership and management roles within complex healthcare systems. Students will examine organizational structures, systems-based practices, and strategies that promote quality care, patient safety, and the well-being of the workforce. Emphasis is placed on leadership attributes, decision-making, and principles guiding the supervision of nursing care. Learners will integrate innovative approaches to change management, interprofessional collaboration, and advocacy to advance nursing practice and sustain improvements in healthcare delivery.
NUR4681 Global Health
40 hours, 4 credits
In this course, students explore the foundations of global health, including the components of epidemiology. The impact of global disease surveillance processes is examined, and strategies to control emerging healthcare concerns are developed. A critique of access to global healthcare is discussed, with an emphasis on high-risk and vulnerable populations. Students gain perspective regarding methods to integrate social determinants and human rights concerns into global health planning.
Pre- or corequisite: NUR4244
NUR4756 Transition to Practice
90 hours, 5 credits
NUR4756 Lecture (30 hours, 3 credits)
NUR4756LL Clinical (60 hours, 2 credits)
In this course, students collaborate within intraprofessional and interprofessional teams, integrating principles of leadership and professional identity to provide comprehensive, evidence- based, multidimensional nursing care. Complex medical surgical cases are examined from multiple perspectives as students integrate assessment data to design innovative solutions. Students apply principles of clinical reasoning and clinical judgment to demonstrate benchmarks associated with preparation for the NCLEX-RN®. The clinical component provides students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in healthcare settings.
NUR4922 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Capstone
40 hours, 4 credits
In this course, students synthesize concepts of professionalism, ethics, research, quality and safety, leadership, emerging technologies, healthcare policies, and population and global health into strategies supporting practice excellence and sound clinical judgment. Emphasis in this culminating course is on the creation of a therapeutic environment for self and client. Evidence-based findings support decisions and inform nursing practice.
Prerequisite: Must be completed in student’s final quarter
NUR4926 RN-BSN Capstone
60 hours, 6 credits
This culminating course integrates knowledge, skills, and professional values acquired throughout the RN-BSN program. Students will apply theoretical, empirical, and evidence-based principles to deliver safe, high-quality, and person-centered care across diverse healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed on leadership, interprofessional collaboration, population health strategies, and professional accountability aligned with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards. As the final course, students will complete a comprehensive capstone project and portfolio demonstrating achievement of program outcomes and readiness for professional nursing practice.
Prerequisite: Must be taken in final quarter
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