 Description of Courses
| BIOM 2010 |
Human Anatomy (4 units) |
| This course is a systemic study of the anatomy and structure of the human body. Systems studied include microscopic and macroscopic structures, skeletal, muscular, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive, excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems of the human body. Lecture/Laboratory. |
| BIOM 2020 |
Human Physiology (4 units) |
| Students in this course study the function of the human body systems and the physiology at the cellular and molecular level. The course will emphasize the physiology of the following body systems: muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, renal, endocrine, and the reproductive system including genetics. |
| BIOM 2030 |
Microbiology (4 units) |
| This is a course that introduces the fundamental concepts of microbiology with an emphasis on bacteria. Topics presented include survey of microbial classification, morphology; physiology; and genetics; beneficial and pathological aspects; growth and control of microbes; virology; immunology; and host-microbe interactions. Important diseases including fungi, parasitic and protozoan infections of humans are studied. |
| CGN 5000 |
Communication and Information Managemen (1 unit) |
| This introductory course provides new College of Graduate Nursing advanced practice nursing students with a comprehensive introduction to Western University's distance learning programs. In addition to learning about Western University of Health Sciences and the College of Graduate Nursing, students will complete a series of assignments designed to prepare them for the technical and academic policy requirements of the College of Graduate Nursing. Emphasis will be placed on necessary computer skills and proficient use of the software required for use in the curriculum, and the academic writing skills necessary for successful completion of the program. |
| CGN 5101 |
Health Systems I (2 units) |
| This first course of the Health Systems courses provides an overview of the American Health Care System, with special emphasis given to the emergence of managed care and its subsequent impact on health care planning, delivery, and evaluation. Topics 1 and 2 introduce the various institutions and workforce segments that currently make up the American health care system, and compare them with healthcare institutions and professions in other industrialized countries. Topic 3 provides an overview of health care economics, with particular attention given to the impact of health insurance (private and government funded) on health care spending in this country. In Topic 4, managed care is presented as a major emerging force in health care decision making and delivery. The impact of managed care initiatives on the Family Nurse Practitioner role is emphasized. |
| CGN 5102 |
Health Systems II (2 units) |
This course is made up of four topical areas and introduces the need for and the tools currently available to measure the quality of health care in this country. Special emphasis is given to identifying and measuring nursing sensitive patient outcomes. This course also introduces case management and disease management as strategies for achieving desired patient outcomes through the coordination of care.
Topics 1 and 2 examine the multitude of means by which quality of health care is currently assessed and measured in this country. Research based quality initiatives such as standardized clinical practice guidelines, benchmarking, and report cards are emphasized. In Topics 3 and 4, case management and disease management are introduced and compared. The relationships between treatment options, resource usage, and patient outcomes are emphasized. |
| CGN 5103 |
Advanced Health Systems (3 units) |
| This course will focus on the microsystems of health care units and their interrelationship to the health care system. Patient safety, interdisciplinary teams, population health, disease management, and care delivery modules will be explored. |
| CGN 5104 |
Health Systems Overview (1 unit) |
| This independent study, web-based course is organized around four topical areas in the United States healthcare system. The first topical area introduces an overview of healthcare economics; how health care is financed in this country and basic fiduciary concepts related to insurance and reimbursement. The second topical area examines how healthcare in this country is paid for, with special attention given to Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care insurance options. Gaps and overlaps in coverage are examined. The third topical area examines the settings in which elderly receive long term health care in this country with special attention given to skilled nursing facilities, community care settings, and care within the home. The final topical area examines current health care policies and proposed legislation affecting an individual's access to and consumption of health care resources. Issues related to reimbursement for advanced practice nurses are examined. |
| CGN 5200 |
Nursing Theory (3 units) |
| This course explores the theoretical context of contemporary nursing practice which serve to guide nursing practice and primary health care that optimizes health and self-care in families. In addition, this course will integrate knowledge from the physical, biological, and behavioral sciences to systematically and critically apply selected conceptual frameworks to the development of nursing, family systems, and the response to illness. It is expected that the graduate nursing student will develop an appreciation of the process of theory development in nursing, compare and contrast various theoretical perspectives, and apply nursing theories critically. |
| CGN 5304 |
Nursing Research I (3 units) |
| Nursing Research I, provides a foundation for understanding research as an essential component of evidenced-based practice and core competency of graduate nursing practice. The historical, scientific, and theoretical context of research in nursing examined. During this course students complete Human Subjects Protection certification, and examine and critique the components of a research study including the research question, literature review, theoretical framework, methodology, analysis, and interpretation of findings for application to practice. In addition, students examine strategies to stay abreast of current research and changes in therapeutic management. This course provides the foundation for the design of a research study, or clinical project involving data collection, in Nursing Research II. |
| CGN 5305 |
Nursing Research II (1 unit) |
| Nursing Research II, builds on the foundation established in 5304. Students design a research study, or a clinical project involving data collection, which could be implemented as the student's culminating experience |
| CGN 5306 |
Biostatistics and Epidemiology (3 units) |
| This course focuses on the interpretation and use of biostatistics for graduate nursing practice including basic epidemiological concepts, quantitative methodology for evidence based practice, and statistical utility for decision making. The student is introduced to statistical analysis software; the process of instrument development, validity and reliability assessment, and pilot testing; decision theory; and the critical analysis and evaluation of the methods, results, and discussion sections of a research report. |
| CGN 5400 Series |
Primary Care Management (3 courses) |
| Primary Care Management integrates the basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology with an understanding of the pathologic changes in various body systems to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of clinical manifestations that characterize common, acute, chronic and complex health disorders. The student will apply their new understanding of pathophysiology and their evolving clinical decision making skills to the interpretation of assessment data and the diagnosis and treatment of primary care clients and their families across the life cycle. Each course will cover the various levels of acuity over the three semesters as they apply to the life cycle of adult, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric clients. |
| CGN 5401 |
Primary Care Management I: Common and Acute Conditions (2 units) |
| This first course in Primary Care Management will help students integrate basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology with an understanding of the pathologic changes and clinical manifestations that characterize common and acute disorders in adult, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric clients. Students will apply new understanding of pathophysiology and evolving clinical decision making skills to the interpretation of assessment data and the diagnosis and treatment of primary care clients and their families across the life cycle. |
| CGN 5402 |
Primary Care Management II: Chronic and Complex Conditions (2 units) |
| This second course in Primary Care Management continues to help students integrate their basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology with an understanding of the pathological changes and clinical manifestations that characterize common, chronic, and complex disorders in pediatric, adult, obstetric, and geriatric clients. Students will apply their new understanding of pathophysiology and their evolving clinical decision making skills to the interpretation of assessment data and the diagnosis and treatment of primary care clients and their families across the life cycle. |
| CGN 5403 |
Primary Care Management III: Application to Special Populations (2 units) |
| This third course in Primary Care Management enhances the student's ability to integrate a basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology with an understanding of the pathologic changes and clinical manifestations that characterize common, acute, chronic, and complex disorders in pediatric, obstetric, and geriatric clients. Students will apply their understanding of pathophysiology and their evolving clinical decision-making skills to the interpretation of assessment data and the diagnosis and treatment of primary care clients and their families across the life cycle within the special populations of pediatrics, obstetrics and geriatrics. |
| CGN 5500 Series |
Pharmacology Courses (2 courses) |
| This series emphasizes acquiring advance knowledge of pharmaceutical principles, physiology, pathophysiology, and practices to facilitate the ability to prescribe and monitor the effects of medications on the health and well being of clients with common, acute, chronic and complex health problems. Each module will cover these various levels of acuity sequentially over the two semesters as they apply to the life cycle of: pediatrics, adult/family, obstetrics and geriatrics. Successful completion of this course meets the BRN (CA) approval of obtaining a furnishing number. |
| CGN 5501 |
Pharmacology I: Common Conditions and Acute Conditions (2 units) |
| This is the first of two pharmacology courses that will focus on the pharmacotherapy of health care problems covered in the Primary Care Management series. In CGN 5401, students learned the pathophysiological basis of acute and common health care problems of patients seen in the primary care setting. In this course, students will continue to develop their primary care clinical management skills by learning and incorporating the pharmacotherapy of acute and common health care problems into the care of patients seen in this setting. |
| CGN 5502 |
Pharmacology II: Chronic Conditions and Complex Conditions (2 units) |
| This is the second of two pharmacology courses that will focus on the pharmacotherapy of health care problems covered in the Primary Care Management series. In CGN 5402 and CGN 5403, students learn the pathophysiological basis of chronic and complex health care problems of patients seen in the primary care setting. In Pharmacology II, students will continue to develop primary care clinical management skills by learning and incorporating the pharmacotherapy of chronic and complex health care problems into the care of patients seen in this setting. |
| CGN 5505 |
Advanced Pharmacology (3 units) |
| This advanced pharmacology course will provide students with an in-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical management of patients with complex conditions and illnesses. |
| CGN 5601 |
Advanced Physical Assessment (2 units) |
| This course examines the role of the Family Nurse Practitioner as a clinical decision maker in a sociocultural context. To help students transition to this advanced practice role, the course introduces skills that build on undergraduate education and experience with respect to basic physical assessment. These advanced skills, which draw on knowledge from nursing, medicine, and other disciplines, include recognition and interpretation of clinical assessment data, diagnostic reasoning and treatment decision-making, and medical record keeping. Over the course of the program, students will be expected to integrate these skills with knowledge of common, acute, chronic, and complex illnesses in order to assess and manage patients across the life cycle. |
| CGN 5602 |
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (1 unit) |
| This course is designed to transition the Family Nurse Practitioner student from building physical assessment skills to an application of preventive health concepts and health promotion across the life span, using the Health People 2010 guidelines as a resource. Students will learn how to apply health promotion lifestyle changes, disease prevention concepts and genetics screening options in the primary care patient population. Clinical preventive services and health promotion concepts that will be examined include: health screening, counseling, immunization / chemoprevention in pediatric and adult clients, genetic risk identification, and evidence based medicine practice applications. Methods for counseling clients in lifestyle behaviors such as nutrition, physical activity, smoking cessation, and violence prevention will also be explored. |
| CGN 5603 |
Societal and Ethical Issues (1 unit) |
| This course focuses on the social and ethical issues that often arise when providing primary health care to clients over the life span. The interdependence of these social and clinical issues mandate that the health care provider become aware of the relevant legal, ethical, and medical implications of physical and sexual child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, underage pregnancy, substance abuse, and elder clients at risk for polypharmacy, dementia, depression and/or homelessness. It is expected that the student will critically reflect on and analyze the ethical challenges and societal factors that influence the provider-patient relationship. |
| CGN 5605 |
Advanced Human Diversity (1 unit) |
| In this role development course, students will examine the skills used to be culturally competent and sensitive to human diversity. The graduate nursing student will begin by gaining an understanding of the principles of delivering culturally sensitive care. The course requires that students open their minds and examine their own cultural and humanistic beliefs and values, and explore the impact of those beliefs and values on clinical practice as a health care professional. Students will also explore strategies for successful patient-provider relationships when the patients' culture, race/ethnicity, prejudice and lifestyle beliefs conflict with the health models used in medicine and nursing science. |
| CGN 5606 |
Complementary & Alternative Therapies (1 unit) |
| This course focuses on the practices of alternative or complementary therapy utilized by the consumers of health care in this country. Among the complementary therapies students will consider in this course are acupuncture, yoga, biofeedback, chiropractic, dietary supplements, exercise, herbs, homeopathy, hypnosis, imagery, massage, relaxation, meditation, spiritual healing, symbols and rituals, folk medicine and energy work. |
| CGN 5610 |
Professional Role (3 units) |
| This course focuses on professional roles traditionally assumed by registered nurses including care giver, communicator, problem solver, change agent, client advocate, educator, leader, manager, researcher and coordinator. Role theory is presented as a framework for examining how nursing roles overlap and at times conflict. Advanced practice roles of nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist are also examined. Population and workforce demographics as well as trends in health care are explored in terms of their impact on these roles as well as future nursing roles. Finally, the need for nurses to develop interdisciplinary role relationships is emphasized. |
| CGN 5620 |
Advanced Health Assessment (3 units) |
| This course will address advanced health assessment using a systematic process of diagnostic thinking, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based research to enhance patient outcomes. Emphasis will be on knowledge, skills, risk assessment, and health promotion essential for management of high acuity patients in a variety of health settings. |
| CGN 5631 |
Advanced Pathophysiology I (1 unit) |
| This first course in a three part series builds on basic pathophysiology principles and explores the principles of normal body functions and pathophysiological changes that occur as a result of disease, lifestyle, and homeostatic changes in the body. Altered pathophysiological health is explored at the genetic, cellular and organ system level. Epidemiology, pathophysiological processes and related system interaction are examined. Disease processes across the life span are explored and case studies are used to demonstrate the clinical assessment approach for the advanced practice student. This first course focuses on common and acute pathophysiological processes. |
| CGN 5632 |
Advanced Pathophysiology II (1 unit) |
| This course is the second in the series of pathophysiology principles and explores the principles of normal body functions and pathophysiological changes that occur as a result of disease, lifestyle, and homeostatic changes in the body across the lifespan. Disease processes across the life span are explored and case studies are used to demonstrate the clinical assessment approach for the advanced practice student. This second course focuses on chronic and complex pathophysiological processes. |
| CGN 5633 |
Advanced Pathophysiology III (1 unit) |
| This course is the third in the series of pathophysiological principles and explores the principles of normal body functions and pathophysiological changes that occur as a result of disease, lifestyle, and homeostatic changes in the body across the lifespan. This third course enhances the student's ability to integrate a basic knowledge of pathologic changes and clinical manifestations that characterize common, acute, chronic, and complex disorders in pediatric, obstetric, and geriatric clients. Students will apply their understanding of pathophysiology and their evolving integration across the life cycle within the special populations of pediatrics, obstetrics and geriatrics. |
| CGN 5640 Series |
Clinical Applications (3 courses) |
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| CGN 5641 |
Clinical Applications I: Clinical Reasoning & Diagnostics (2 units) |
This course is designed to enhance the student nurse practitioner's physical assessment, diagnostic reasoning and diagnostic procedure interpretation skills. Building on the practitioner's knowledge and skills to identify and distinguish normal from abnormal findings, basic health assessment often moves from a general survey of a body system to specific observations or tests of function.
The student nurse practitioner will learn how to apply this new level of understanding to build on basic health appraisal using clinical cases including common, acute, chronic and complex health conditions. Through these cases, students will learn to gather further evidence and analyze this evidence to arrive at a hypothesis that will lead to a further narrowing of differential diagnoses in order to manage patients across the life cycle. Clinical diagnostics will be incorporated into the assessment process and these will include: laboratory diagnostics, radiology diagnostics and cardiovascular monitoring and diagnostics. Students will also refine documentation and medical record-keeping skills. The skills gained in this course will provide the basic foundations of diagnostic reasoning that will guide students through other courses throughout the program including Primary Care Management, Pharmacology, and Clinical Experience. |
| CGN 5642 |
Clinical Applications II (2 units) |
| In this second course in the Clinical Applications series, students will continue to learn diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and skills critical to the advanced practice nurse. The area of focus in this course is Women's Health diagnostics and therapeutics across the lifespan. These procedures and skills include: the clinical breast examination and practicum; gynecologic procedures and diagnostics [e.g. endometrial biopsies, inserting/removing IUDs, and cervical cancer diagnostics & therapeutics; sexually transmitted infection diagnostics; infertility diagnostics and therapeutics; contraceptive technology; obstetric surveillance and diagnostics (e.g. obstetric ultrasonography, stress tests, Triple Marker testing, etc.)]. |
| CGN 5643 |
Clinical Applications III (2 units) |
| In this third course in the Clinical Applications series, students will continue to learn diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and skills critical to the advanced practice nurse. The area of focus in this course is pediatric, adult and geriatric health diagnostics and therapeutics across the lifespan. These procedures and skills include: microscopy; office orthopedic appliances and treatment techniques; dermatologic diagnostic/therapeutic procedures; local anesthesia use and suturing techniques; eyes, ears, nose and throat diagnostic/therapeutic procedures; gastrointestinal examination techniques and therapies; and techniques for clinical emergencies and other urgent conditions. |
| CGN 5690 |
Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation I (1 unit) |
| This course provides an opportunity for students to synthesize concepts, skills and techniques from previous courses and apply their learning toward assessing and managing case studies across the life span. The student will participate in various methodologies for assessing their application of knowledge learned. To assess clinical performance and knowledge, students will engage in observed structured clinical examinations (OSCE), with the assistance of standardized patients with common and acute conditions; create written clinical case management evaluations ("Day in the Clinic") of common and acute conditions; and begin certification review by taking initial evaluation assessment examination and preliminary modules. |
| CGN 5691 |
Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation II (1 unit) |
| This course provides an opportunity for the advanced practice nursing student who is nearing completion of studies to synthesize concepts, skills and techniques from previous courses and apply learning toward assessing and managing case studies across the life span. The student will participate in various methodologies for assessing application of knowledge learned. To assess clinical performance and knowledge students will: engage in observed structured clinical examinations (OSCE), with the assistance of standardized patients with chronic and complex conditions; create written clinical case management evaluations ("Day in the Clinic") of chronic and complex conditions; and complete certification review by taking final evaluation assessment. The certification review provides prospective graduates with an opportunity to validate the knowledge they have acquired throughout the program, and assess their readiness for the national certification exam. |
| CGN 5702 |
Management Principles and Leadership Theories (3 units) |
| This course builds upon CGN 4801 and introduces learners to the directing and controlling phases of the management process. Emphasis is given to issues common to first and middle level managers including motivation, communication, delegation, conflict management, unions and employment laws, quality control, performance appraisal, discipline, and advocacy. Accountability for legal and ethical management practice is emphasized. Various modes of inquiry, including nursing process, problem-solving models, and decision making tools are emphasized. Motivation theory, communication theory, conflict theory, management theories, leadership theories, behavioral theories, ethical theory, legal concepts, and communication strategies are emphasized. |
| CGN 5703 |
Information Technology (3 units) |
| This course focuses on the use of the computer and computer technology to access and manage information related to nursing practice, telehealth, and clinical management. Topics will also include system processes, flowcharts, databases, statistical programs, and documentation techniques. |
| CGN 5704 |
Accounting and Finance (3 units) |
| This course introduces financial concepts, financial management and accounting methods applied within the context of contemporary integrated health systems. Analysis of cost, quality and outcomes as factors in delivery of health care will be explored. |
| CGN 5705 |
Strategy and Analysis of Organizational Process (3 units) |
| This course focuses on organizational structure and behavior. Organization strategies, culture, motivation, conflict and change will be examined. The impact of regulatory agencies on the health care organization is also examined. |
| CGN 5800 Series |
Practice Issues (3 courses) |
| This series of courses presents a variety of topics designed to prepare the prospective Nurse Practitioner for practice issues related to management, professional role and business concepts. |
| CGN 5810 |
Management Practice Issues (2 units) |
| This course presents a variety of role-related topics designed to prepare the prospective Nurse Practitioner for management practice. Additionally, this course will help prepare the student for the CGN 5900 Collaborative Project in the next semester and the CGN 5990 Culminating Project in the last semester. The course will explore fundamental business principles related to: management and leadership theory, effective decision making, project management, business planning, financial risk assessment and management, creating and using financial information, grant writing, business ethics, employee relations and supervision management, and marketing and sales. |
| CGN 5820 |
Professional Practice Issues (2 units) |
| This course presents a variety of role-related topics designed to prepare the prospective Nurse Practitioner for professional practice. Beginning with a historical overview of the NP profession, the course will examine some of the critical issues that determine the practitioner's scope of practice, career options, peer review, protocols and standardized procedures, practice profiling, leadership and political involvement. In addition, the course presents guidelines for resolving professional legal and ethical issues that are often confronted by the NP. Students will also be introduced to valuable tools for ongoing professional development such as professional organizations and journals. |
| CGN 5830 |
Business Practice Issues (2 units) |
| This course presents a variety of role-related topics designed to prepare the prospective Nurse Practitioner for business practice. The business practice concepts explored will prepare the nurse practitioner graduate to enter the business of health care with the tools needed to be successful. The areas of focus will include: reimbursement (Medicare, Medicaid, indemnity insurance, fee for service, managed care organizations and business contracts for special services); billing and coding; evaluation and management codes; state regulations; federal regulations; office laboratory evaluations under CLIA; malpractice; employment law; facility access to disabled persons; HIPPA; credentialing and privileging; entrepreneurial issues and strategies; business ethics; and business management and fundamentals. |
| CGN 5900 |
Collaborative Project (2 units) |
| The CGN 5900 collaborative exercise is based on a health care project. The graduate student learns to approach, evaluate and design an intervention for a community health care project with the assistance of colleagues in a group effort. The skills learned in this collaborative project will help prepare the student in developing the independent culminating project for the CGN 5990 course. |
| CGN 5990 |
Culminating Project (2 units) |
| The Culminating Project provides the prospective graduate with a final opportunity to demonstrate his or her ability to integrate and apply concepts learned throughout the master's program in the practice setting. The culminating course requires the student to develop a health care improvement project, which is broad in scope and has implications for community or practice settings. The project should offer insight into the unique contributions nurse practitioners make for a specified population(s). |
| CGN 5999 |
Senior Project (Independent) (3 units) |
| The senior project requires comprehensive integration of all facets of the nursing process in the form of a feasibility study, business plan, or change project to improve patient care, patient outcomes, or work design. As such, students are responsible for identifying the need for the project, driving and restraining forces for the project, an implementation plan, a budget, a timeline, and evaluation criteria to assess project outcomes. |
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