12 Nursing General Education Courses Required

As with other graduation requirements, there are 12 Nursing General Education Courses Required for a complete curriculum design. For a better educational pathway, and perhaps the first step to becoming a registered nurse by a pre-design educational along with sufficient no of general courses.

12 General Education Courses Required for Nursing

General education Courses form the foundation of nursing educational curriculum. This proper designed subject schemes equipping students with essential knowledge and skills that complement their specialized nursing coursework.

These Courses help future nurses develop critical thinking, effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and a broader understanding of the healthcare field.

The following general education courses are co-requisites of good educational design. Any courses not previously completed as part of the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree may be completed at the same time as BSN. There is also purpose and skills to be the part of courses for nursing education.

English Composition and Communication

Language focuses on developing fundamental reading and writing skills, including grammar. The writing process, effective communication, and critical thinking. Most of the time with an emphasis on academic essays and argumentation.

Purpose

To enhance writing, reading, and communication skills, which are crucial for clear documentation, patient education, and professional communication.

Skills Developed

Professional writing skills for developing, research papers, and patient care documentation are necessary. Nursing profession effective communication in both verbal and written forms is essential for patient interactions and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Course Examples
English Composition I & II
Public Speaking or Communication Skills

Mathematics

Nurses use basics math for accurate medication dosages, and patient mechanic monitoring. Not only mathematic knowledge but also requires proficiency in basic arithmetic, fractions, decimals, ratios, and conversions.

Purpose

Nurses frequently calculate medication dosages, medication administration, and fluid balance. A basic understanding of math is crucial for avoiding medication errors and machine handling parameters along with lab investigation analysis.

Course Examples

College Algebra
Statistics
Basic Math for Healthcare Professionals

Skills Developed

Mathematical calculations for drug dosages, statistical analysis for research, and problem-solving in clinical practice.

Sciences

The basic science courses are foundational to understanding the human body, diseases. Science courses provide the necessary background in biology, chemistry, and physics that apply in clinical practice.

Biology

Basic knowledge provides an understanding of the human body. It also enables them to provide effective and safe patient care.

Purpose

Biology makes the basis for understanding anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, which are critical to nursing care.

Course Examples

General Biology

Sic and Advance Human Anatomy and Physiology

Skills Developed

Structure and function of the human body, infectious disease processes, pathologies and infection control principles in health care setting and disease conditions

Chemistry

Chemistry knowledge plays a crucial role in nursing knowledge and care. Understanding medications, bodily functions, their reaction in the body, and disease processes.

Purpose

Understanding for the pharmacokinetics of drugs, metabolism, and fluid/electrolyte balance.

Course Example

General Chemistry

Organic and Biochemistry

Skills Developed

Knowledge of chemical reactions, understanding drug interactions, and calculating IV solutions and medications.

Physics

(optional in some programs)

Human biological functions or health care practices have the basis of principles of physics studied in biophysics. Therefore, nurses involved in providing nursing care must understand the physical principles and their applications.

Purpose

Physics helps in understanding fluid dynamics, electrical signals, and how medical equipment like ventilators or dialysis machines work.

Course Examples

General Physics
Biophysics

Skills Developed

Application of physical principles in medical technology and patient care equipment.

Psychology

It is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Psychological knowledge and applications are integral of nursing care It is also helpful to manage stress, promote health behavioral changes, provide effective patient education and counselling, support individuals with mental health issues, and enhance interdisciplinary collaboration.

Purpose

Nursing is based on the care for the mental, emotional, and social aspects of patient care. Human behavior and mental health conditions are necessary to know for holistic care.

Course Examples

General Psychology
Developmental Psychology (Lifespan Development)
Abnormal Psychology

Skills Developed

Understanding mental health issues, patient behavior, and developmental stages, which influence patient care and communication strategies.

Sociology

Sociology helps understand those forces and pressures which affect patients adversely. Sociology knowledge is necessary for the nurses to understand the behavior, conflicts, interpersonal relationships, hierarchy of different people working in hospitals or health institutions.

Purpose

Sociology based knowledge provides insights into societal factors that affect patient health, such as culture, socioeconomic status, family dynamics, and social determinants of health.

Course Examples

Introduction to Sociology
Cultural Diversity or Multicultural Studies

Skills Developed

Cultural competence, understanding the result of social factors on health, and the ability to deliver patient-centered care.

Humanities

Humanities are necessary for nursing profession, providing a humanistic lens to understand patients’ experiences, needs, and perspectives.

Purpose

Humanities Courses, broaden students’ perspectives on moral issues, human experiences along with the ethical dilemmas faced in nursing.

Course Examples

Ethics in Healthcare
Philosophy
Literature and Health

Skills Developed

Decision-making, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to engage while keeping ethical values with complex moral issues in healthcare.

Nutrition

In Nursing Care Plans nurses, prioritizing nutrition means staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, planning, incorporating superfoods, and practicing mindful eating to maintain energy levels. This knowledge is also necessary for all over support especially given the demands of their profession.

Purpose

Nurses need knowledge how nutrition affects health, recovery, and the management of chronic conditions.

Course Examples

Introduction to Nutrition
Nutrition in Healthcare

Skills Developed

Understanding healthy diets, managing patient nutrition, and education on dietary modifications for chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease and neurological issues.

Computer Science or Information Technology

Nurses need , both computer skills and information technology (IT) that offer valuable pathways to enhance patient care and advance the field, particularly through nursing informatics, which integrates nursing science with data and technology.

Purpose

Now a day healthcare becomes more digital, nurses must be proficient in using electronic health records (EHRs) and other digital tools to provide care.

Course Examples

Introduction to Computer Science
Health Information Technology

Skills Developed

Proficiency in using EHR systems, data entry, patient documentation, and understanding healthcare technology.

Ethics and Philosophy

Ethics and philosophy provide a framework for understanding and navigating the moral complexities for nursing practice.

Purpose

For the development of an ethical framework that guides decision-making in nursing practice.

Course Examples

Bioethics in Healthcare
Moral Philosophy

Skills Developed

Critical thinking in ethical dilemmas, understanding patient rights. It also navigates complex healthcare issues like end-of-life care.

History or Social Sciences

In history and social sciences offer valuable insights for nurses, helping them understand the context of patient care. It also helpful cultural influences, and the evolution of healthcare, ultimately improving their ability for holistic and effective care in healthcare setting.

Purpose

To provide nursing students with a broader understanding of historical, political, and social contexts that affect healthcare and policy-making.

Course Examples

U.S. History or World History
Political Science or Government

Skills Developed

Knowledge of healthcare policies, the evolution of nursing and medical practices, and advocacy for patient rights.

Foreign Language (optional)

Here are some of the best languages to consider: English (IELTS, OET), German for US, and Europe respectively.

Purpose

In some regions, especially areas with diverse populations, learning a second language (like Spanish or French) can be highly beneficial for communication with patients from different linguistic backgrounds.

Course Examples

Introductory Spanish or French
Medical Terminology in a Foreign Language
Skills Developed

Improved communication with non-English-speaking patients, enhancing patient care and comfort.

Critical Thinking or Logic (optional)

Critical thinking and logical reasoning are essential for nurses for making sound clinical judgments, solving problems, and delivering safe, effective patient care.

Purpose

For developing critical thinking and logical reasoning skills is essential for problem-solving in complex patient care scenarios or clinical settings.

Course Examples

Critical Thinking in Healthcare
Logic and Reasoning

Skills Developed

Analytical skills, ability to evaluate evidence, and make sound clinical decisions.