[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN students take core courses like anatomy, pharmacology, ethics, and health assessment, which students will be tested on during the NCLEX-RN.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Specialized classes include mental health, nursing informatics, and hospice care.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinicals are included in RN programs and provide the hands-on training necessary for licensure.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are you interested in becoming a nurse and curious about typical courses in a registered nurse (RN) program? Whether you’re considering an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/best-adn-programs/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link], you’ll take courses in physiology, health assessment, and lots more. Nursing students may also choose electives based on their desired specialty, such as pediatrics, oncology, or geriatrics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Our list of 15 common nursing courses draws from the curricula of top accredited nursing schools. Explore the list to learn more about what to expect as a nursing student.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]15 Common Courses in Registered Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Nursing Fundamentals[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN programs often begin with a course on nursing fundamentals. Students explore healthcare systems, the professional role of nurses, and patient care. This foundational course can help undecided majors determine whether nursing fits their interests and skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The course develops fundamental nursing skills through lectures and lab requirements and builds a framework for making clinical decisions. It also prepares nursing majors for advanced coursework and clinical practicums.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Anatomy and Physiology[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In anatomy and physiology courses, nurses strengthen their understanding of human anatomy and how the human body functions. Topics include cell processes, organ systems, and homeostasis. The class builds the medical terminology nurses need to record medical records while introducing specialized terminology related to illnesses and injuries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anatomy and physiology are often [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/prerequisites-for-nursing-school/”]prerequisites for more advanced nursing courses[/hen-ui-link]. They help nursing students develop the communication skills and patient care knowledge required for the profession.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Lifespan Growth and Development[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In lifespan growth and development courses, nursing students learn about developmental stages. This nursing course covers cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development across the lifespan. Coursework also examines the role of genetics, culture, and gender in development.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While examining individual growth and development, nursing students also consider family growth and the impact of the social environment on health and wellness. In addition, students develop an understanding of health promotion and disease prevention for different age groups.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Health Assessment[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing students learn how to assess patients using interviews and physical examinations. The class covers health assessment practices for patients of different ages, including children, adults, and aging adults. Comprehensive approaches emphasize the importance of mental health, health education, and cultural aspects of health.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health assessment courses build clinical nursing skills through lab experiences and simulations. These hands-on components develop critical patient care abilities. Learners also strengthen their communication, health promotion, and disease prevention skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]5. Gerontology[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Gerontology is the study of aging. RN classes in gerontology cover conditions associated with aging, the psychology of aging, and how to effectively communicate with aging adults. Nursing programs may offer geriatric nursing courses as electives or upper-division courses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/geriatric-nurse/”]geriatric nursing[/hen-ui-link] is a foundational course for nurses who plan to specialize in gerontology, it is also vital for all nurses due to the aging US population. Older adults comprise a large proportion of general and specialty care patients, so training in common acute and chronic conditions for aging patients benefits nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]6. Mental Health Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Classes on [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/mental-health-nurse/”]mental health nursing[/hen-ui-link] prepare RNs to provide psychiatric and mental healthcare. Learners examine mental health conditions and their treatment, as well as the special legal and ethical considerations associated with caring for patients with mental health conditions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physical and mental health are closely related, making mental health nursing courses vital to understanding patient well-being. Because nurses provide direct care and are a critical communications link for patients, their ability to understand mental health directly affects the quality of their nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]7. Pharmacology[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacology is the study of medications. Nursing courses in pharmacology focus on the safe administration of medications, including opioids and other substances with the potential for abuse. Students learn different methods for administering medications, how to watch for medication errors, and potential drug interactions. In addition to covering medications and how they work, the course introduces the major pharmacology reference sources, including databases and texts.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While RNs do not prescribe medications, they must understand the fundamentals of pharmacology in order to ensure patient safety and answer patients’ questions. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/how-to-master-nclex-style-test-questions/”]NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link] also tests candidates on pharmacology.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]8. Women and Infant Health[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Classes on women’s and infant health cover women’s health, reproductive health, pregnancy, delivery, and infant development. Nursing school classes in this subject emphasize the nurse’s role in patient education and communication and duties when providing direct patient care. RN programs may offer this topic in two courses, one in reproductive health and the other in infant health.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This foundational course covers general nursing concepts and prepares nurses who [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/ob-gyn-nurse/”]specialize in women’s and infant health[/hen-ui-link] for advanced courses, which can include pediatrics, gynecology, or obstetric nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]9. Nursing Leadership[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typically offered as an upper-division or BSN course, nursing leadership develops the clinical decision-making and management skills required for administrative roles in nursing. Topics include staff leadership and motivation, legal and ethical aspects of nursing leadership, nursing strategic planning, and healthcare administration. The curriculum combines management theory and case studies of how that theory applies to real-life nursing situations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/what-does-it-take-to-become-an-effective-charge-nurse/”]preparing nurses for leadership roles[/hen-ui-link], these nursing school classes also cover organizational behavior and management theory.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]10. Ethics in Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing ethics is a core class for RN programs because nurses face many ethical situations regardless of where they practice. RN ethics classes cover topics such as professional conduct, conflicts of interest, health equity, diversity and inclusion, and appropriate responses to unethical behavior. Like leadership classes, ethics classes combine theory and practice, encouraging learners to analyze ethical issues critically.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses will face [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-code-of-ethics/”]ethical dilemmas[/hen-ui-link] throughout their careers. Ethics in nursing classes build the mental framework to reason through dilemmas and find the best resolution.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]11. Community and Environmental Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A branch of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/public-health/”]public health[/hen-ui-link], community and environmental nursing examines the impact of communities and the environment on health. Nursing students strengthen their education and health promotion skills by examining social determinants of health. Typically offered at the BSN level, this nursing course covers community safety, pollution and its impact on health, and community design for health.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As frontline health workers, nurses are among the first to communicate health risks to the public. Understanding the influence of community and environmental factors on health gives nurses critical skills for working with at-risk or underserved populations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]12. Nursing Research[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing research classes introduce students to the research methods used to assess patient health outcomes and nursing practice. Students examine research studies, data collection methods, and research ethics. The course also develops critical analysis skills as learners evaluate research.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typically offered as a BSN nursing course, the class prepares nurses to evaluate research and translate it into evidence-based practices. Nurses considering graduate-level programs also benefit from a strong background in nursing research.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]13. Nursing Informatics[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As nurses and other healthcare professionals increasingly rely on technology to improve patient care, an understanding of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-informatics/what-can-you-really-do-with-a-nursing-informatics-degree/”]nursing informatics[/hen-ui-link] benefits RNs. Nursing informatics courses build the skills needed to use informatics to improve the safety and efficiency of nursing practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This course introduces the best practices for using electronic health records, database management, and clinical information systems to store and access patient information. It also prepares nurses to use informatics techniques for quality improvement and patient safety.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]14. Hospice and Palliative Care[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs strengthen their end-of-life care practices in courses on [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/palliative-care-nurse/”]hospice and palliative care[/hen-ui-link]. Nursing students learn how to care for patients with chronic or terminal illnesses. The course emphasizes the nurse’s role in providing comprehensive care, including pain management and supporting patients and families at the end of life.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospice and palliative care courses also examine ethical issues, cultural aspects of death, and symptom management, preparing RNs for roles in hospice units, home care, long-term care, and acute care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]15. Clinical Practicum[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN programs incorporate clinical training to strengthen clinical skills and meet state licensure requirements. While more like an internship than a traditional course, clinicals are a vital part of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn/”]becoming an RN[/hen-ui-link]. Learners complete clinical hours in a setting such as a hospital, health clinic, or another healthcare facility.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Under the supervision of an experienced RN, nursing students develop their skills and explore different nursing specialties. In addition to preparing learners for the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link] and licensure, clinicals develop the skills that early-career RNs need to treat patients.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Common Nursing Courses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the nursing curriculum?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The nursing curriculum includes courses in physiology, health assessment, lifespan development, and more to build the foundational knowledge nurses need. Nursing students also take specialty courses and study nursing research, nursing leadership, and clinical practice. Programs vary, so check with your program officials to learn more about your school’s specific curriculum.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What kinds of classes do you take in nursing school?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school includes core classes in nursing practice, physiology, and health assessment. Students also take courses in microbiology, chemistry, and math. After meeting core requirements, nursing students often choose electives to prepare for nursing specialties.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What are the best courses in nursing school?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best courses in nursing school include lectures and experiential learning requirements that develop clinical judgement. In these courses, nursing students apply their knowledge of anatomy, nursing research, and health assessment to treat patients. By developing hands-on nursing skills, students prepare for licensure and RN jobs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the most common nursing degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN is the most common nursing degree, with 73% of RNs holding a BSN or higher, according to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(25)00047-X/fulltext” target=”_blank”]2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey[/hen-ui-link]. BSN-prepared nurses also represent the greatest share of new RNs, making up 46% of RNs in 2024 compared to 34.2% of RNs with an ADN when licensed.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]