Pathway Description

This pathway prepares individuals for admission to a professional program in nursing. This pathway focuses on caring for residents in a long-term care facility. ***Pathway courses cannot be taken before sophomore year***

For a list of example careers and salaries in Pre-Nursing, click here!

Suggested Course Progression

Course Descriptions

Principles of Health Science

Principles of Health Science is an orientation and foundation for occupations and functions in any health care profession. The course includes broad health care core standards that specify the knowledge and skills needed by the vast majority of health care workers. The course focuses on exploring health career options, history of health care, ethical and legal responsibilities, leadership development, safety concepts, health care systems and processes, and basic health care industry skills. This introductory course may be a prerequisite for additional courses in the Health Science program.

Emergency Procedures (1/2 Credit)

This course will focus on potential emergency situations. It is designed to promote an understanding of standard precautions necessary for personal and professional health maintenance and infection control. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will demonstrate the necessary skills in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and will be given the opportunity to take the completion examination as outlined by the sponsoring agency.

Medical Terminology (1/2 Credit)

Medical Terminology is designed to develop a working knowledge of language in all health science major areas. Students acquire word-building skills by learning prefixes, suffixes, roots and abbreviations. Students will learn correct pronunciation, spelling, and application rules. By relating terms to body systems, students identify proper use of words in a medical environment. Knowledge of medical terminology enhances the student’s ability to successfully secure employment or pursue advanced education in health care.

Medicaid Nurse Aide

This course is an instructional program that prepares individuals to perform routine nursing-related services to patients in long-term care facilities under the training and supervision of an approved registered nurse. State Registry is available upon successful completion of state written and performance examination. Prior to offering this course, the instructor and health science program must be approved for meeting state requirements set by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.