Academic Advising
in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in Nursing?
The nursing major is a science/health oriented program requiring chemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology and liberal education courses in addition to specialized courses in the nursing major. Students apply concepts of nursing theory, scientific principles and critical thinking in nursing practice to restore, maintain, and promote optimal health in individuals, families, and communities.
The department offers two degrees both offered on the regional campuses: Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a two-year program designed specifically for the registered nurse graduates of diploma and associate degree nursing programs. The Associate Degree in Applied Science in Nursing is a two-year program which prepares the individual for licensure as a registered nurse. The Nursing courses for both degrees are offered on the Hamilton and Middletown campuses.
Interests
This course of study is excellent for students interested in a health oriented profession, who enjoy problem-solving, data collection, data interpretation and evaluation, as well as human interaction.
Competencies
- Communication
- Recording observations
Reporting information
Informing/explaining
Collaborating with others
Interpersonal communication
Patient education
Preparing patient reports
Interpreting records
Writing plans for patient care
Inter-agency communication - Management
- Decision making
Organizing nursing care
Prioritizing nursing care
Supervising nursing care
Evaluating nursing care
Coordinating health services
Accountability for practice - Investigative
- Collecting data
Analyzing data
Identifying problems
Defining outcomes
Resolving problems
Clinical investigation
Comparing responses - Analytical
- Reviewing research
Applying research findings
Applying theories
Clarifying problems
Interpret test results - Mathematical
- Formula conversion
Medication calculations
Problem solving
Opportunities - Careers
The nursing major opens the door for flexible career options in the health care field with attractive salaries. Associate degree graduates accept employment in entry-level registered nurse positions in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health care. Many receive employer tuition reimbursement for completion of the bachelor of science degree requirements. Bachelor degree graduates accept positions in nursing management, government and military installations, wellness centers, community health or assume more responsibility and independence in their existing practice roles.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Many baccalaureate degree graduates continue to pursue graduate level education to meet requirements for clinical specialist and nurse practitioner positions in maternity, gerontology, critical care, pediatrics, and community health, or a role in nursing administration, nursing research, or nursing education.
Opportunities - Experiential
Registered nurse students entering the bachelor degree program will build on their previous nursing education and work experience. Clinical learning experiences assist the registered nurse to expand skills in patient assessment, community health assessment, and nursing leadership in a variety of settings. Students may negotiate clinical sites in selected courses. Most experiential learning occurs in Hamilton, Dayton, Cincinnati, Middletown, and Oxford health care settings.
Sources of Additional Information
- Nursing Department
(Hamilton Campus, 1601 University Blvd., 785-7772) or
(Middletown Campus, 4200 E. University Blvd., 727-3266) - * Associate Degree Program
* Baccalaureate Degree Program
* Individual Advising - Office of Student Services
(Hamilton Campus, 130 Rentschler Hall, 785-3211) or
(Middletown Campus, 001 Johnston Hall, 727-3440) - * Learning Assistance and Advising (785-3139)
* Career Counseling (785-3211)
* Career Exploration and Testing Center (785-3113)
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - School of Engineering & Applied Science (106 Benton Hall, 529-0700)
- * Miami Plan Requirements
* General Information - * Career Decision Making
- Co-op, Internship and Placement Office
(Hamilton Campus, 122 Rentschler Hall, 785-3113) or
(Middletown Campus, 001 Johnston Hall, 727-3431) - * CO-OP Placement
* Career Advising
* Career Resource Center
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook
Developed by the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.