What to Expect in Nursing School
Deciding to go to nursing school is a big step, and one that means you’re ready to commit to a career of helping people, serving the public, and being a key member of an important medical team.
At HCI, there are multiple degree and diploma programs to get you started in your journey, based on what type of nursing you’d like to do or what kind of nurse you want to be, from a nursing assistant to a licensed practical nurse (LPN). So what can you expect during the journey toward becoming a nurse?
Here are a few pieces common to most nursing school curriculums:
In-class or Online Coursework
Health Career Institute offers you the option to complete some or all of this portion of schooling online, which is a great option for those who live far from campus, work full-time, or are responsible for child or elder care. This part of schooling precedes the practical portion and prepares you to effectively and safely work in a clinical setting. Coursework may include psychology, physiology, anatomy, nutrition, chemistry, statistics, and more. Depending on the length of study, coursework for some nursing degrees may include leadership and communication.
Laboratory Study
The next phase of nursing education takes place in or revolves around a laboratory. At HCI, these courses include Fundamentals of Nursing I, Lab, and Clinical; and Nursing II Lab, Clinical, and Lecture. These courses begin the hands-on approach to nursing education and, for some associate’s degree or diploma programs, may be the final stage of education before the nurse is able work.
Clinical Rotations
The final stage for many higher-level nursing degrees takes place in a hospital or other health care setting. These affiliations are made through the institute and offer students a chance to apply all of their knowledge gained through study to the working environment.
The Nursing Exam: NCLEX
All this work is to prepare you for the National Council Licensure Examination, which you must obtain to practice as a nurse. Learn more about the final steps before this exam here.
