2015 - 2016 Combined Catalogs of the Colleges

Course Descriptions for Vocational Nursing


Course Description Index | Degree Plans

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These Course Descriptions include updates that were added after the original publication on June 11, 2015.
New students who are entering the college for the first time should follow this version when selecting courses.

Show me the June 11, 2015, web published version.
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HPRS 1202 (2 Credit Hours)
Offered at ECC

Wellness and Health Promotion
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: Must be Texas Success Initiative (TSI) met in Reading and Writing.
Course Description: This course provides an overview of wellness theory and its application throughout the lifespan with a focus on attitude development, impact of cultural beliefs, and communication of wellness. (2 Lec.)


HPRS 1203 (2 Credit Hours)
Offered at BHC

End of Life Issues
This is a WECM Course Number.
Course Description: The course facilitates discussion of grief, loss, and end of life issues. Prepares caregivers to function in setting where communication skills are utilized to provide psychosocial support to persons and their families. This course is also intended to help the student understand the nature of death and dying as well as enable the student to come to grips with one’s own personal feelings about death. (1 Lec., 2 Lab.)


HPRS 1204 (2 Credit Hours)
Offered at ECC, NLC

Basic Health Profession Skills
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: Must be Texas Success Initiative (TSI) met in Reading and Writing.
Course Description: This course includes a study of the concepts that serve as the foundation for health profession courses, including client care and safety issues, basic client monitoring, and health documentation methods. (1 Lec., 3 Lab.)


HPRS 1205 (2 Credit Hours)
Course not offered this year at any colleges of DCCCD.

Essentials of Medical Law/Ethics for Health Professionals
This is a WECM Course Number.
Course Description: Introduction to the relationship between legal aspects and ethics in health care with emphasis on responsibilities of health care professionals. (2 Lec.)


HPRS 1206 (2 Credit Hours)
Course not offered this year at any colleges of DCCCD.

Essentials of Medical Terminology
This is a WECM Course Number.
Course Description: A study of common medical terminology, word origin, structure, and application. (2 Lec.)


HPRS 1271 (2 Credit Hours)
Course not offered this year at any colleges of DCCCD.

Basic Health Profession Skills II
This is a Local Need Course.
Prerequisite: HPRS 1204.
Course Description: This course builds on previously acquired knowledge and skills relevant to the professional development of the student. Lecture and simulated laboratory experience prepares the student to perform patient care utilizing critical thinking and advance clinical skills. Competency must be demonstrated on effective level of practice and knowledge. Skills achieved include EKG, phlebotomy, finger sticking, physical assessment, IV's. (1 Lec., 3 Lab.)


HPRS 1291 (2 Credit Hours)
Course not offered this year at any colleges of DCCCD.

Special Topics in Health Professions and Related Sciences, Other
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: HPRS 1204.
Course Description: Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledge, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. This course builds on previously acquired knowledge and skills. Lecture and simulated laboratory experience prepares the student to perform patient care utilizing critical thinking and advanced clinical skills. Competency must be demonstrated on effective level of practice and knowledge. Skills achieved include EKG, finger sticking, physical assessment, IV's. This course may be repeated if topics and learning outcomes vary. (1 Lec, 4 Lab.)


HPRS 1310 (3 Credit Hours)
Offered at BHC

Introduction to Pharmacology
This is a WECM Course Number.
Course Description: A study of drug classifications, actions, therapeutic uses, adverse effects, and routes of administration. Does not include dosage calculations. (3 Lec.)


HPRS 2201 (2 Credit Hours)
Offered at ECC

Pathophysiology
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite Required: SCIT 1407 or BIOL 2401 and/or approval of the HOCC Coordinator.
Course Description: This course includes the study of pathology and general health management of diseases and injuries across the life span. Topics include etiology, symptoms, and the physical and psychological reactions to diseases and injuries. (2 Lec.)

* Note: This Course Description includes updates that were added after it was originally published on June 11, 2015. (Original) | (Changes)


HPRS 2210 (2 Credit Hours)
Offered at ECC

Basic Health Profession Skills II
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: HPRS 1204 with a grade of “C” or better.
Course Description: This course builds on previously acquired knowledge and skills relevant to the professional development of the student. Lecture and simulated laboratory experiences prepare the student to perform patient care utilizing critical thinking and advanced clinical skills. (1 Lec., 3 Lab.)


HPRS 2231 (2 Credit Hours)
Offered at ECC

General Health Professions Management
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite Required: Must be Texas Success Initiative (TSI) met in Reading and Writing.
Course Description: This course will cover the exploration and application of management concepts necessary for effective health profession operations. (1 Lec., 2 Lab.)

* Note: This Course Description includes updates that were added after it was originally published on June 11, 2015. (Original) | (Changes)


HPRS 2300 (3 Credit Hours)
Offered at ECC

Pharmacology for Health Professions
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite Required: SCIT 1407 or BIOL 2401 or MDCA 1409 and/or approval of the HOCC Coordinator.
Course Description: This course includes a study of drug classifications, actions, therapeutic uses, adverse effects, routes of administration, and calculation of dosages. (3 Lec.)

* Note: This Course Description includes updates that were added after it was originally published on June 11, 2015. (Original) | (Changes)


SCIT 1307 (3 Credit Hours)
Course not offered this year at any colleges of DCCCD.

Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I
This is a WECM Course Number.
Course Description: In-depth coverage of the structure and function of the human body. Topics include cell structure and function; tissues; body organization; and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Emphasis on homeostasis. This course is cross-listed as SCIT 1407. The student may register for either SCIT 1307 or SCIT 1407 but may receive credit for only one of the two. (2 Lec., 4 Lab.)


SCIT 1308 (3 Credit Hours)
Course not offered this year at any colleges of DCCCD.

Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology II
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: SCIT 1307.
Course Description: A continuation of Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I designed for students considering a career in the health field. The following body systems are included: digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, renal/excretory, and reproductive. Emphasis is on homeostasis. (2 Lec., 4 Lab.)


SCIT 1407 (4 Credit Hours)
Offered at BHC, CVC, EFC, ECC, MVC, NLC

Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite Required: One of the following must be met: (1) DREA 0093 AND DWRI 0093; (2) English as a Second Language (ESOL) 0044 AND 0054; or (3) Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Reading and Writing standards AND the college Writing score prerequisite requirement.
Course Description: An applied systematic study of the structure and function of the human body designed for students considering a career in the health field. Includes anatomical terminology, cells, tissues, and the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine. Emphasis on homeostasis. This course is cross-listed as SCIT 1307. The student may register for either SCIT 1407 or SCIT 1307 but may receive credit for only one of the two. This course is intended for students seeking to complete an Applied Science Degree. (3 Lec., 3 Lab.)

* Note: This Course Description includes updates that were added after it was originally published on June 11, 2015. (Original) | (Changes)


SCIT 1408 (4 Credit Hours)
Offered at BHC, CVC, EFC, ECC, MVC, NLC

Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology II
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite Required: SCIT 1407.
Course Description: A continuation of Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I designed for students considering a career in the health field. The following body systems are included: digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, renal/excretory, reproductive, and an expansion of endorine function. Emphasis is on homeostasis. This course is intended for students seeking to complete an Applied Science Degree. (3 Lec., 3 Lab.)

* Note: This Course Description includes updates that were added after it was originally published on June 11, 2015. (Original) | (Changes)


VNSG 1138 (1 Credit Hours)
Offered at ECC

Mental Illness
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: VNSG 1204, VNSG 1509, VNSG 1360, VNSG 1327.
Course Description: Study of human behavior with emphasis on emotional and mental abnormalities and modes of treatment incorporating the nursing process. Focuses on application of a systematic problem solving approach utilizing the nursing process, critical thinking skills and evidence-based policies to provide safe, competent, compassionate care to the individual with mental health problems. (1 Lec.)


VNSG 1204 (2 Credit Hours)
Offered at ECC

Foundations of Nursing
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: Admission to the program and "C" grade or better in SCIT 1407 or BIOL 2401, ENGL 1301, and SPCH 1311 or SPCH 1315.
Course Description: Introduction to the nursing profession including history, standards of practice, legal and ethical issues, and role of the vocational nurse. Topics include mental health, therapeutic communication, cultural and spiritual diversity, nursing process, and holistic awareness. This course introduces the role of the vocational nurse as a provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate, member of the health care team, and member of the profession within a legal/ethical framework. (2 Lec.)


VNSG 1227 (2 Credit Hours)
Course not offered this year at any colleges of DCCCD.

Essentials of Medication Administration
This is a WECM Course Number.
Course Description: General principles of medication administration including determination of dosage, preparation, safe administration, and documentation of multiple forms of drugs. Instruction includes various systems of measurement. (2 Lec.)


VNSG 1323 (3 Credit Hours)
Course not offered this year at any colleges of DCCCD.

Basic Nursing Skills
This is a WECM Course Number.
Course Description: Mastery of basic nursing skills and competencies for a variety of health care settings using the nursing process as the foundation for all nursing interventions. (2 Lec., 2 Lab.)


VNSG 1327 (3 Credit Hours)
Offered at ECC

Essentials of Medication Administration
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: Admission to the program and "C" grade or better in SCIT 1407 or BIOL 2401, ENGL 1301, and SPCH 1311 or SPCH 1315.
Corequisite/Concurrent: VNSG 1360, VNSG 1509.
Course Description: General principles of medication administration including determination of dosage, preparation, safe administration, and documentation of multiple forms of drugs. Instruction includes various systems of measurement. Focus is on providing safe, competent pharmacotherapeutic care to culturally, ethically, and socially diverse patients with predictable health care needs. (2 Lec., 3 Lab.)


VNSG 1330 (3 Credit Hours)
Course not offered this year at any colleges of DCCCD.

Maternal/Neonatal Nursing
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: VNSG 1510, VNSG 2460.
Course Description: A study of the biological, psychological, and sociological concepts applicable to basic needs of the family including childbearing and neonatal care. Utilization of the nursing process in the assessment and management of the childbearing family. Topics include physiological changes related to pregnancy, fetal development, and nursing care of the family during labor and delivery and the puerperium. Application of a systematic problem solving approach utilizing the nursing process and critical thinking skills to provide safe, competent, compassionate nursing care to the culturally, ethically, and socially diverse child bearing family. (3 Lec.)


VNSG 1334 (3 Credit Hours)
Offered at ECC

Pediatrics
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: VNSG 2510, VNSG 2460, VNSG 1138.
Course Description: Study of the care of the pediatric patient and family during health and disease. Emphasis on growth and developmental needs utilizing the nursing process. Application of a systematic problem solving approach utilizing the nursing process and critical thinking skills to provide safe, competent, compassionate nursing care to the culturally, ethically, and socially diverse pediatric patient and their family. (3 Lec.)


VNSG 1360 (3 Credit Hours)
Offered at ECC

Clinical - Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: Admission to the program and "C" grade or better in SCIT 1407 or BIOL 2401, ENGL 1301, and SPCH 1311 or SPCH 1315.
Corequisite/Concurrent: VNSG 1509.
Course Description: A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Application of a systematic problem solving approach utilizing the nursing process and critical thinking skills to provide safe, competent, compassionate nursing care to the culturally, ethically, and socially diverse adult patient with predictable health care needs. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. (9 Ext.)


VNSG 1509 (5 Credit Hours)
Offered at ECC

Nursing in Health and Illness II
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: Admission to the program and "C" grade or better in SCIT 1407 or BIOL 2401, ENGL 1301, and SPCH 1311 or SPCH 1315.
Corequisite/Concurrent: VNSG 1360.
Course Description: Introduction to health problems requiring medical and surgical interventions. Application of a systematic problem solving approach utilizing the nursing process, critical thinking skills and evidence-based policies to provide nursing care to culturally, ethically and socially diverse adult patients with predictable health care problems and needs. (4 Lec., 3 Lab.)


VNSG 2161 (1 Credit Hours)
Offered at ECC

Clinical - Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: VNSG 1330.
Course Description: A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Application of a systematic problem solving approach utilizing the nursing process and critical thinking skills to provide safe, competent, compassionate nursing care to the culturally, ethically, and socially diverse maternal and newborn patient. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. (3 Ext.)


VNSG 2162 (1 Credit Hours)
Offered at ECC

Clinical - Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: VNSG 1334.
Course Description: A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Application of a systematic problem solving approach utilizing the nursing process and critical thinking skills to provide safe, competent, compassionate nursing care to the culturally, ethically, and socially diverse pediatric patient and their family. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. (3 Ext.)


VNSG 2163 (1 Credit Hours)
Offered at ECC

Clinical - Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: VNSG 2161 and VNSG 2162.
Course Description: A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Continued application of a systematic problem solving approach utilizing the nursing process and critical thinking skills to provide safe, competent, compassionate nursing care to culturally, ethically, and socially diverse adult patients. Focus in on the integration of the role of the vocational nurse as a provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate, member of the health care team, and member of the profession within a legal/ethical framework while providing individualized, goal directed nursing care to multiple patients with predictable health care needs. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. (3 Ext.)


VNSG 2460 (4 Credit Hours)
Offered at ECC

Clinical - Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: VNSG 1509, VNSG 1204, VNSG 1360.
Corequisite/Concurrent: VNSG 2510.
Course Description: A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Application of a systematic problem solving approach utilizing the nursing process and critical thinking skills to provide safe, competent, compassionate nursing care to culturally, ethically, and socially diverse adult patients. Focus is on the use of clinical reasoning and evidence based policies in the care of multiple patients with predictable health care needs providing individualized, goal directed nursing care. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. (24 Ext.)


VNSG 2510 (5 Credit Hours) New course added April 17, 2015
Offered at ECC

Nursing in Health and Illness III
This is a WECM Course Number.
Prerequisite: VNSG 1509, VNSG 1204, VNSG 1327, VNSG 1360.
Corequisite/Concurrent: VNSG 2460.
Course Description: Continuation of Nursing in Health and Illness II. Further study of medical-surgical health problems of the patient including concepts of mental illness. Incorporates knowledge necessary to make the transition from student to graduate vocational nurse. Continued application of a systematic problem solving approach utilizing the nursing process, critical thinking skills along with evidence-based policies to provide nursing care to culturally, ethically and socially diverse adult patients with predictable health care needs. (4 Lec., 3 Lab.)



Academic Courses
Designated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for transfer among community colleges and state public four year colleges and universities as freshman and sophomore general education courses.

WECM Courses
Designated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as workforce education (technical) courses offered for credit and CEUs (Continuing Education Units). While these courses are designed to transfer among state community colleges, they are not designed to automatically transfer to public four-year colleges and universities.


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