Program Overview

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Nursing

Bachelor of Science

The demand for qualified healthcare professionals increases every year.

Approval

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) require that the Board of Registration in Nursing review annually, each nursing program in the Commonwealth for compliance with the Board’s Regulations. The Division of Nursing has received approval status annually from the Board of Registration in Nursing since 1982.

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master’s degree program in nursing, and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at American International College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Division of Nursing Program Requirements

The American International College Division of Nursing identifies those functional abilities essential for success in the professional nursing education program, and ultimately for safe and effective nursing practice.

Program Outcomes for Nursing

• Demonstrate synthesis of practice theories and evidence-based concepts from nursing and the arts, sciences, and humanities to provide comprehensive nursing care in a variety of settings.
• Demonstrate leadership skills in evidence-based practice to promote continuous improvement in quality and safety of health care.
• Integrate nursing research findings in planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing practice and patient-centered outcomes.
• Incorporate knowledge and skills related to information management and patient care technologies to deliver safe and effective care.
• Incorporate legislative, regulatory, ethical and professional standards to define a professional identity and scope of nursing practice.
• Organize and facilitate the delivery of comprehensive, efficient and appropriate patient-centered care across the health care continuum.
• Communicate, collaborate and negotiate using effective communication as a member of the inter-professional health team.
• Demonstrate personal and professional responsibility and accountability for safe and effective nursing practice incorporating health promotion and illness prevention.
• Participate in the discipline of nursing to promote its contribution to society through professional organizations, political process, collegiality, collaboration and continual growth toward expert clinical practice.

National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) Pass Rates

Graduation Year	Number of Graduates	NCLEX First-Time Test Writers Pass Rate
2022	81	62%
2023	28	90%
2024	52	94%

What You'll Learn

The Division of Nursing at AIC prepares you to take an active, compassionate role in our increasingly complex healthcare system.

Future Studies

The program prepares you for graduate studies in a number of nursing specialties.

Career Opportunities

Grounded in nationally recognized nursing competencies, the nursing program at AIC provides you with skills you’ll need to be a leader in the field.

Degree Requirements

• BIO1200: Human Anatomy and Physiology I, with Laboratory
• BIO1210: Human Anatomy and Physiology II, with Laboratory
• BIO1300: Principles of Microbiology, with laboratory
• CHE1210: Chemistry for Nursing with Lab
• NUR2540: Introduction to Professional Nursing, with Laboratory
• NUR2755: Pathophysiology/Pharmacology I
• NUR2756: Pathophysiology/Pharmacology II
• NUR2840: Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice, with Laboratory
• NUR3740: Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing, with Laboratory
• NUR3540: Nursing Research
• NUR3940: Family Centered Nursing
• NUR3942: Family Centered Nursing Process
• NUR4340: Community Focused Nursing, with Laboratory
• NUR4351: Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, with Laboratory
• NUR4533: Senior Seminar
• NUR4540: Trends and Issues in Nursing
• NUR4940: Complex Medical-Surgical Nursing
• NUR4941: Nursing Leadership
• PSY1401: General Psychology I
• PSY2302: Statistics
• PSY2450: Developmental Psychology
• ENG1201: English Composition
• ENG1202: Analytical Writing
• SPA1100: Spanish for Health Professionals
• SOC1100: Introduction to Sociology

Course Descriptions

BIO1200 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I, with Laboratory (4)

This course presents the basic patterns and organizational theories of the human body, including topics of interest for students seeking careers in the health sciences, using a systems approach from cellular levels and support systems to control and regulation. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee.

BIO1210 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II, with Laboratory (4)

This course continues the systematic exploration of the human body, including clinical considerations of the endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee.

BIO1300 - Principles of Microbiology (4)

This course introduces the student to the biology of microorganisms and viruses. The course is geared toward students in the health science fields and covers human pathogens and their control and the immune response. Laboratory exercises cover microbial diversity and techniques used to identify bacteria. One 3 1/2-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee.

CHE1210 - Chemistry for Nursing with Lab (4)

This course provides the very basic principles of inorganic and organic chemistry and an in-depth understanding of the basic biological molecules that make up the cell and the biochemical reactions that allow it to function. General chemistry topics include ionic and molecular compounds, properties of liquids and solutions, and acids and bases. The organic chemistry material includes the basic principles of the major families of organic compounds, their properties, nomenclature and chemical reactions. The biological portion presents proteins and amino acids, enzyme and coenzyme chemistry, carbohydrates, and lipids. This is a one-semester course intended primarily for nursing majors. One three-hour laboratory per week with laboratory fee.

ENG1201 - English Composition (3)

English Composition 1201 is a writing-intensive course that prepares students for all levels of academic discourse. Emphasis is placed on the art of persuasion, on the development of students’ critical thinking skills, and on key rhetorical concepts such as audience, purpose, and voice. Students learn the various steps to the writing process, from brainstorming to final revision, and learn the importance of writing coherent, unified, and organized essays that are fundamentally and mechanically sound. Though primarily a writing course, English Composition 101 also helps students see the connection between reading and writing. In addition, students learn the art of academic research and documentation. ENG1201 is determined by performance on a placement test or by satisfactory completion of ENG1100.

ENG1202 - Analytical Writing (3)

ENG1202 is an advanced writing course and is designed to extend reading and writing skills developed in English 1201. Emphasis is placed on critical and analytical writing and the analysis and interpretation of texts. Students are exposed to a variety of texts from fields across the curriculum. They write essays in response to what they read by formulating and defending a thesis, by synthesizing sources, and by evaluating information and ideas from multiple perspectives. In addition, students demonstrate an ability to do research and to document their work in the major academic styles.

PSY2302 - Statistics (3)

This course is an introduction to statistical methods as they are used in the social sciences. Both descriptive and inferential statistics are covered, including sampling, probability, and hypothesis testing. Specific parametric and non-parametric analyses include analysis of variance, the t-test, Chi-square, and correlation.

PSY2450 - Developmental Psychology (3)

The purpose of this course is to examine the concepts of human development, from conception to old age. Specifically, the course looks at how physical, cognitive, and socioemotional factors interact to influence learning, intelligence, language development, and the growth of personality. Major theories and the research that supports or refutes them are examined.

SPA1100 - Spanish for Health Professionals (3)

This course provides students with a basic knowledge of the terms and expressions used in the field of health care.

SOC1100 - Introduction to Sociology (3)

This course is designed to acquaint the student with working knowledge of the concepts used by sociologists and with the well-established generalizations in the field. Topics include socialization, primary groups, stratification, population, and bureaucracy. This course is a prerequisite for all other sociology courses.

NUR2540 - Introduction to Professional Nursing, with Laboratory (3)

Introduces the components of the organizing framework of the nursing major. Explores the history, definition, philosophy and role of professional nursing. Environmental forces, e.g., socioeconomic and cultural, that impact on nursing practice are presented. Selected ethical and legal aspects of nursing practice are identified.

NUR2755 - Pathophysiology/Pharmacology I (3)

This course will examine the concept of human disease states and discuss their clinical management with an emphasis on nursing interventions. Major body systems addressed in this course include cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurologic, renal, hematologic, and endocrine systems. In addition, appropriate pharmacological interventions for select disease states are also discussed. Drugs will be presented by classification, groups, and prototypes. Principles of drug action, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, nursing considerations and client teaching for each prototype will be emphasized.

NUR2756 - Pathophysiology/Pharmacology II (3)

This course will examine the concept of human disease states and discuss their clinical management with an emphasis on nursing interventions. Major body systems addressed in this course include gastrointestinal/genitourinary, renal, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. In addition, appropriate pharmacological interventions for select disease states are also discussed. Drugs will be presented by classification, groups and prototypes. Principles of drug action, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, nursing considerations and client teaching for each prototype will be emphasized.

NUR2840 - Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice, with Laboratory (6)

Introductory concepts of the art and science of professional nursing practice are presented and integrated into clinical practice. Gordon’s Functional Health Pattern is introduced as the fundamental assessment tool. All aspects of the nursing process and the three levels of prevention (primary, secondary and tertiary) are discussed and used as a basis for nursing practice to facilitate adaptive responses to stressors affecting physiological and safety needs.

NUR3740 - Adult Medical Surgical Nursing, with Laboratory (9)

This course provides students with the opportunity to continue application of the nursing process. Emphasis is placed on assessment and diagnosis, expansion of planning and implementation and beginning use of evaluation. In acute care settings, students provide health care to adults experiencing stressors affecting biophysical needs. Students apply the nursing process in primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention.

NUR3940 - Family Centered Nursing (10)

This course focuses on the role of the professional nurse in assisting the family and its individual members to adapt to stressors of the childbearing and childrearing phases of the life cycle. Students learn to apply the nursing process to meet the needs of families along the health-illness continuum. Clinical experiences include nursing care of the antepartal, intrapartal and postpartal woman and her newborn, well and hospitalized children and their families. Health teaching activities occur in various healthcare settings.

PSY1401 - General Psychology I (3)

This course covers the basic principles of behavior, that make up the foundation of psychology. Emphasis is placed on the biological basis of behavior, sensation, perception, learning, language, memory, thinking, infancy, and childhood. The methods of inquiry used in psychology are also emphasized.

NUR3942 - Family Centered Nursing Process (2)

In this course, the family system is analyzed as it responds to stressors throughout the life cycle. A variety of approaches to family analysis are considered throughout the course. Students apply the nursing process in studying the roles, functions, values and communication patterns within the family. Teaching-learning principles are implemented in completing a health teaching project in the community. Students apply the nursing process in primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention.

NUR4340 - Community Focused Nursing, with Laboratory (6)

In this course, nursing and public health principles are synthesized and applied to assessing, promoting and preserving the health of populations. Learning experiences assist students to conceptualize the complexities of community dynamics (cultural, economic, political and social) as they impact on the health of the community. Students apply the nursing process in primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention.

NUR4351 - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, with Laboratory (6)

This course focuses on developing knowledge and skills in applying the nursing process with individuals and families experiencing stressors affecting psychosocial needs. Students expand previous knowledge of human behavior and interpersonal relationships. Behavior is viewed on a continuum from healthy, adaptive responses to unhealthy, maladaptive responses. Therapeutic use of self as a nursing approach is emphasized in providing care in day treatment and inpatient settings. Students investigate selected mental health issues and analyze professional roles within the context of primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention.

NUR4533 - Senior Seminar (3)

A continuation of Senior Seminar I. Students will complete the content modules and take culminating exit exam.

NUR4540 - Trends and Issues in Nursing (3)

In this course, students will continue to develop their ability to synthesize knowledge, skills, concepts, and theories essential for effective professional nursing practice. Students examine issues that affect clients and healthcare systems. Consideration is given to the impact of cultural, economic, ethical, legal, political, professional and social issues upon nursing practice.

NUR4940 - Complex Medical Surgical Nursing (8)

This course provides a framework for the student to assist individuals, families and groups in adapting to complex stressors. Emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking and critical judgment while using the nursing process to assist clients to meet their biophysical and psychosocial needs. Health teaching activities and research findings are incorporated into nursing care.

NUR4941 - Nursing Leadership (3)

Focus on the leadership process and development of the leadership role of the professional nurse. Students apply the nursing process in primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention. Students analyze leadership and management functions, characteristics, styles and roles. Interpersonal communication, staff development, change theory and assertiveness skills are applied.