Nursing Curriculum: Courses and Structure
Nursing curricula are built around core clinical subject areas plus electives or concentrations. All nursing programs include supervised clinical hours – this is a distinguishing feature compared to many other online degree programs. Course titles vary by school, but the topics below are common across CCNE and ACEN accredited programs.
Quick Answers
What is included in a nursing curriculum?
Nursing programs typically start with a shared clinical core (pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment) and add electives or concentration courses. Clinical hours are integrated throughout.
How does the curriculum change by degree level?
Associate programs emphasize foundational clinical skills and NCLEX preparation. Bachelor’s programs add community health, research, and leadership. Master’s programs focus on advanced practice, specialization, and clinical practicum.
Do online programs use the same curriculum?
Most online programs follow the same curriculum requirements as on-campus programs, with differences in delivery. Clinical hours are completed in person regardless of format.
At a Glance
- Core subjects: Pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, clinical rotations
- Distinguishing feature: All programs require supervised clinical hours
- Degree progression: Foundational (ADN) to advanced practice (MSN/DNP)
- Accreditation standards: CCNE and ACEN set curriculum requirements
Curriculum by degree level
| Course Area | Associate (ADN) | Bachelor’s (BSN) | Master’s (MSN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anatomy & Physiology | Core prerequisite | Core prerequisite | Assumed knowledge |
| Fundamentals of Nursing | Core | Core | N/A |
| Health Assessment | Introductory | Comprehensive | Advanced |
| Pharmacology | Basics | Intermediate | Advanced prescribing |
| Medical-Surgical Nursing | Core | Core + advanced | Specialty-focused |
| Mental Health Nursing | Introductory | Core | Specialty track option |
| Community/Public Health | Limited | Core | Population health focus |
| Evidence-Based Practice | Introductory | Core | Research methods |
| Leadership/Management | Limited | Core | Advanced leadership |
| Clinical Hours | ~400-800 hours | ~600-1000 hours | ~500-1000+ hours |
Core subject areas
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Pathophysiology | Disease mechanisms, body system dysfunction |
| Pharmacology | Drug categories, interactions, dosing, patient safety |
| Health Assessment | Physical examination, history taking, diagnostic reasoning |
| Medical-Surgical Nursing | Care of adult patients with acute and chronic conditions |
| Maternal & Pediatric Nursing | Care across the lifespan from pregnancy through adolescence |
| Mental Health Nursing | Psychiatric conditions, therapeutic communication |
| Community & Public Health | Population health, epidemiology, health promotion |
| Evidence-Based Practice | Research methods, quality improvement, clinical application |
Skills you can compare across programs
Programs vary, but common skill areas include:
- Clinical assessment and patient care across settings
- Medication administration and pharmacology application
- Safety, ethics, and professional standards
- Care planning, documentation, and critical thinking
- Team communication and interprofessional collaboration
- Clinical decision-making and prioritization
How curriculum differs by degree level
Associate (ADN)
- Focus on foundational clinical skills and general education
- Prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN examination
- Clinical hours at community and acute care settings
- Typically 60-70 credits over 2 years
Bachelor’s (BSN)
- Adds depth in community health, research, and leadership
- Broader clinical rotation settings
- Prepares for a wider range of nursing roles
- Typically 120 credits over 4 years (or 1-2 years for RN-to-BSN)
Master’s (MSN)
- Advanced practice, specialization, and clinical practicum
- Prepares for NP, educator, or leadership roles
- Significant clinical practicum hours in specialty area
- Typically 36-48 credits over 2-3 years
For degree-level options, see: Associate | Bachelor’s | Master’s
Example assignments and assessment types
Depending on the program, you may see:
- Clinical skills demonstrations and competency checks
- Patient case studies and care plan development
- Simulation exercises and virtual patient scenarios
- Evidence-based research papers
- Proctored pharmacology and pathophysiology exams
- Clinical preceptor evaluations
- Capstone projects or thesis (graduate level)