Suggested Sequence of Study
The following suggested sequence of study is for new full-time students starting the program Fall 2024. Part-time students should visit with an academic advisor for a modified sequence of study.
When you’re ready to register for classes, visit Self-Service, Student Planning. This will show you your specific program requirements and how you’re doing so far.
Please note that course offerings and costs can change. See what’s included in the cost calculation.
Legend
- Course has a prerequisite and/or corequisite

- 8WK1 Course meets the first 8 weeks of the semester
- 8KW2 Course meets the second 8 weeks of the semester
Course Descriptions: Show All | Hide All
Semester 0 — Prerequisites
- Grade Requirement: You need to earn at least a B- grade in BIO-168 and BIO-173. You need to earn at least a C- grade in ENG-105 and HSC-168.
- If you've already completed BIO-168 or BIO-173, it must have been completed within five years of becoming eligible for the program.
- CNA Requirement: You can meet this requirement in one of the following ways:
- Take HSC-168 at Hawkeye or, if you’ve already completed HSC-168, submit an official transcript from an accredited college.
- Verify your CNA status by working with Admissions to confirm you're currently active on the CNA Registry.
Course |
Note |
Credits |
Cost |
BIO-168 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
The first of a two-semester sequence especially designed for students pursuing careers in allied health fields as well as any student desiring an in-depth undergraduate transfer course. The course focuses on the interdependent relationships between the structure and functions of body systems and the ways these parts interact (homeostasis) to insure the survival of the organism. Major topics addressed include levels of organization, the chemistry of life, support/movement, integration/control, and coordination. Coordinated laboratory exercises focus on anatomical knowledge and physiological functions.
Lecture Hours: 48
Lab Hours: 32
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|
4 |
$900.00 |
BIO-173 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
The second of a two-semester sequence designed for students pursuing careers in allied health fields or wishing an in-depth undergraduate transfer course in the biological sciences. The course focuses on interdependent relationships between the structures and functions of body systems and the way these parts interact (homeostasis) to insure survival of the organism. Major topics addressed include systems associated with circulation, maintenance, elimination and continuity. Coordinated laboratory exercises focus on anatomical knowledge and physiological functions.
Lecture Hours: 48
Lab Hours: 32
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in BIO-168.
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|
4 |
$900.00 |
ENG-105 |
Composition I
Composition I emphasizes fluency, thesis-driven organization, the use of supporting details, and research techniques. Writing is approached as a recursive process that includes prewriting strategies, drafting, revising, and editing. The course helps students shape writing to serve readers' needs and define a sense of purpose in their writing. It also gives students strategies for reading college-level material.
Lecture Hours: 48
Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement score or equivalent.
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|
3 |
$675.00 |
HSC-168 |
Nurse Aide
Required to meet the training requirements for nurse aides in long-term care facilities. Emphasizes achievement of a basic level of knowledge and demonstration of skills to provide safe and effective resident care. Integrates 30 hours of clinical, outside of normal class times, at a long-term care facility under the supervision of an RN. Requires your own transportation.
Lecture Hours: 32
Lab Hours: 16
Clinic Hours: 48
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|
3.5 |
$1091.50 |
Total Credits: 14.5
Total Tuition + Course Fees: $3,566.50
Semester 1
- Grade Requirement: You need to earn at least a B- in all Semester 1 courses.
Course |
Note |
Credits |
Cost |
MAT-110 |
Math for Liberal Arts
This is a one semester, liberal arts mathematics course that satisfies the minimum general education requirement for math. The course is designed to impart math skills which are helpful in everyday life as well as to expose students to areas of mathematics they may not have seen before. Topics include problem-solving skills, set theory, algebra, consumer mathematics, probability, and statistics. Other topics may be included.
Lecture Hours: 48
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D- in MAT-060 or MAT-063. Or equivalent placement score.
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|
3 |
$675.00 |
or MAT-102 |
Intermediate Algebra
This course will prepare the student for College Algebra and Trigonometry or other equivalent course work. Topics include properties of real numbers, linear and quadratic equations, graphs of polynomial functions, systems of equations, polynomial and rational expressions, inequalities, integral and rational exponents, radicals, and complex numbers.
Lecture Hours: 64
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-060 or MAT-063. Or equivalent placement score.
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4 |
$900.00 |
or MAT-121 |
College Algebra
This course provides an intensified study of algebraic techniques and prepares students for future study in mathematics. The central theme is the concept of functions, their properties, graphs and applications. Functions studied include polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic.
Lecture Hours: 64
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-102. Or equivalent placement score.
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|
4 |
$900.00 |
or MAT-128 |
Precalculus
This one-semester pre-calculus course is intended for the student with a solid algebra background who intends to take calculus. It is also beneficial (but not required) for the student to have a background in trigonometry. The course will emphasize functions using an analytical, numerical, and graphical approach. The student will study linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions along with their applications.
Lecture Hours: 64
Prerequisite(s): Appropriate Placement Test Scores: ACT Math Score of 25 OR Compass Score of 51-100 in the College Algebra Domain or 31-50 in the Trigonometry Domain.
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4 |
$900.00 |
or MAT-134 |
Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry
The second course of a two-semester pre-calculus sequence. Topics include trigonometry and applications, vectors, analytic geometry, and polar and parametric equations.
Lecture Hours: 48
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-121. Or equivalent placement score.
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|
3 |
$675.00 |
or MAT-156 |
Statistics
This course is a study of descriptive statistics including graphical representation, central tendency, correlation and regression, intuitive treatment of probability and inferential statistics including hypothesis testing.
Lecture Hours: 48
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-060 or MAT-063. Or equivalent placement score.
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|
3 |
$675.00 |
or MAT-210 |
Calculus I
The first in a calculus sequence, this course covers topics including functions and their graphs, limits, derivatives, applications of the derivative, and integrals.
Lecture Hours: 64
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-128 or MAT-134. Or appropriate placement scores: ACT 27; COMPASS TRIGONOMETRY 51-100.
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4 |
$900.00 |
PNN-115 |
Introduction to Nursing
Introduction to Nursing is the initial course for the student entering the profession of nursing and begins with an introduction to the history of nursing and nursing as a profession. Components of the nursing process are described and utilized with implementation of nursing informatics. The student will learn aspects of infection control, hygiene, safety, body alterations, therapeutic communication, cultural competence, and healthcare prevention.
Lecture Hours: 64
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in BIO 168 and BIO-173. Minimum grade of C- in ENG-105.
Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in PNN-116 and PNN-122. Minimum grade of Pass in PNN-117.
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4 |
$900.00 |
PNN-116 |
Introduction to Nursing Skills Lab
This course provides students the opportunity to demonstrate the practical application of basic nursing skills. There is emphasis on the critical elements of nursing procedures and the scientific rationale for performing the procedures correctly.
Lecture Hours: 16
Lab Hours: 32
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in BIO-168 and BIO-173. Minimum grade of C- in ENG-105.
Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in PNN-115 and PNN-122. Minimum grade of Pass in PNN-117.
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|
2 |
$2300.00 |
PNN-117 |
Nursing Clinical I
This course provides students with an introduction to clinical nursing. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the nursing process as a basis for clinical decision-making. Nursing professionalism and basic nursing skills are introduced.
Clinic Hours: 48
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in BIO-168 and BIO-173. Minimum grade of C- in ENG-105.
Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in PNN-115, PNN-116, and PNN-122.
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8WK1 |
1 |
$325.00 |
PNN-118 |
Nursing Clinical II
This course provides students with a continuation of clinical nursing. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the nursing process as a basis for clinical decision making and development of critical thinking. Nursing professionalism standards are reinforced and basic essential nursing skills such as SBAR hand off report, data analysis and trends are introduced.
Clinic Hours: 48
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in PNN-115, PNN-116, and PNN-122. Minimum grade of P in PNN-117.
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8WK2 |
1 |
$225.00 |
PNN-122 |
Introduction to Pharmacology
This course introduces students to the basic principles of pharmacology and medication administration. The course will focus on the safe use, pharmacological principles, indications, and nursing implications related to drug therapy when caring for individuals and families across the life span. General characteristics of selected medications including pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomics, side effects, adverse effects, contraindications, administration, and client education will be discussed.
Lecture Hours: 32
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in BIO-168 and BIO-173. Minimum grade of C- in ENG-105.
Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in PNN-115 and PNN-116. Minimum grade of Pass in PNN-117.
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2 |
$600.00 |
PNN-216 |
Health Promotion & Maintenance Across the Lifespan
This course builds on concepts learned in previous coursework from bio/psycho/social sciences, humanities, and nursing as well as from current evidence-based literature. Exemplars from maternal-child nursing and mental health nursing will be used in demonstrating the integration of principles of the nursing process and healthcare agencies. Cultural, ethical, and legal challenges will be discussed.
Lecture Hours: 32
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-102, MAT-110, MAT-121, MAT-128, MAT-134, MAT-156, MAT-210, MAT-216, or MAT 219, or equivalent placement score.
Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in PNN-115, PNN-116, and PNN-122. Minimum grade of P in PNN-117 and PNN-118.
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|
2 |
$450.00 |
Total Credits: 15
Total Tuition + Course Fees: $5,475.00
Remaining course fees after the Last-Dollar Scholarship is applied: $2,100.00
Semester 2
- Grade Requirement: You need to earn at least a B- in all Semester 2 courses.
Course |
Note |
Credits |
Cost |
BIO-151 |
Nutrition
Principles of Nutrition will introduce students to the science of nutrition. The course will examine individual nutrients; their structure and function in the human body; nutrient composition of food; and selection of food to meet nutrient needs, maintain health and satisfaction. Students will understand and apply present day knowledge of nutrition to dietary patterns and needs of selected individuals and groups. The course is an advanced beginning course in human nutrition designed for students with a science background.
Lecture Hours: 48
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|
3 |
$675.00 |
PNN-214 |
Basic Health Alterations A
This course builds on concepts learned in previous coursework from bio/psycho/social sciences, humanities, and nursing as well as from current evidence-based literature. Emphasis is placed on applying the nursing process to clients and families across the life span in a variety of settings. The content is organized according to body systems, focusing on nursing implications for clients with predictable health problems as well as related health promotion and disease prevention strategies. Systems included in this course are cardiovascular, hematology/oncology, fluids/ electrolytes, integumentary, gastrointestinal, and urinary/male reproductive.
Lecture Hours: 48
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in PNN-115, PNN-116, and PNN-122. Grade of P in PNN-117. Complete one of the following math courses with grade of C- or transfer equivalent: MAT-102, MAT-110, MAT-122, MAT-128, MAT-134, MAT-156, MAT-210, MAT-216, or MAT-219.
Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in BIO-151. Grade of P in PNN-218.
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8WK1 |
3 |
$675.00 |
PNN-215 |
Basic Health Alterations B
This course builds on concepts learned in previous coursework from bio/psycho/social sciences, humanities, and nursing as well as from current evidence-based literature. Emphasis is placed on applying the nursing process to clients and families across the life span in a variety of settings. The content is organized according to body systems, focusing on nursing implications for clients with predictable health problems as well as related health promotion and disease prevention strategies. Systems included in this course are respiratory, endocrine, musculoskeletal, neurological, sensory, pain, and immune disorders.
Lecture Hours: 48
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in PNN-115, PNN-116, and PNN-122. Minimum grade of P in PNN-117 and PNN-118.
Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in PNN-319. Minimum grade of P in PNN-221.
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8WK2 |
3 |
$675.00 |
PNN-218 |
Nursing Clinical III
This clinical course provides opportunities for students to incorporate concepts from course work in bio/psycho/social sciences, humanities, nursing and current evidence-based literature to provide safe, competent care of adult clients experiencing common basic alterations in body systems. The course utilizes the nursing process in order to achieve best practice outcomes in a medical/surgical setting. Particular emphasis is placed on concepts of holistic care, client education and critical thinking for cardiovascular, hematology/oncology, fluids/electrolytes, integumentary, gastrointestinal, urinary/male reproductive health alterations.
Clinic Hours: 48
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in PNN-115 and PNN-116. Minimum grade of P in PNN-117.
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8WK1 |
1 |
$225.00 |
PNN-219 |
Foundations of Nursing Skills Lab
This course provides practical application of basic nursing skills while incorporating concepts learned in previous coursework from bio/psycho/social sciences, humanities, and nursing as well as from current evidence-based literature. Students learn, practice and demonstrate basic nursing skills competency in skills. Emphasis is on the critical elements of nursing procedures and the scientific rationale for performing the procedures correctly.
Lecture Hours: 16
Lab Hours: 32
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in PNN-115, PNN-116, and PNN-122. Minimum grade of P in PNN-117.
Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in PNN-214. Minimum grade of P in PNN-218.
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|
2 |
$550.00 |
PNN-221 |
Nursing Clinical IV
This clinical course provides opportunities for students to incorporate concepts from course work in bio/psycho/social sciences, humanities, nursing and current evidence-based literature to provide safe, competent care of adult clients experiencing common basic alterations in body systems. The course utilizes the nursing process in order to achieve best practice outcomes in a medical/surgical setting. Particular emphasis is placed on concepts of holistic care, client education and critical thinking for respiratory, endocrine, musculoskeletal, neurological, sensory, pain, and immune disorders health alterations.
Clinic Hours: 48
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in PNN-115, PNN-116, and PNN-122. Minimum grade of P in PNN-117 and PNN-118.
Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in PNN-219. Minimum grade of P in PNN-215.
|
8WK2 |
1 |
$225.00 |
PNN-319 |
Issues and Trends in Practical Nursing Leadership
This course is an overview of the role of the licensed practical nurse and introduces students to legal and ethical requirements, scopes of practice, career opportunities, and job searches. Preparation for the licensing exam is also included.
Lecture Hours: 32
Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in PNN-115, PNN-116, and PNN-122. Minimum grade of P in PNN-117 and PNN-118.
Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of B- in PNN-214, PNN-215, PNN-216, and PNN-219.
|
8WK2 |
2 |
$483.00 |
Total Credits: 15
Total Tuition + Course Fees: $3,508.00
Remaining course fees after the Last-Dollar Scholarship is applied: $133.00
Cost Calculations
The cost calculations are based on 2024–2025 resident tuition, fees, and any additional course fees. These are for informational purposes only and not a guarantee of what you'll be charged.
- Course Cost: The course cost is calculated by multiplying resident tuition and fees per credit hour by the number of credits for the course, then adding any applicable course fees.
- Total Tuition + Course Fees: This is the total tuition and course fees for all courses during the semester. If there are multiple courses that can fulfill the same requirement, we’ll use the first one listed for the calculation.
Additional Costs to Consider
When budgeting for your program, be sure to include the cost of books.
Keep in mind that some programs may have additional expenses, like tools, equipment, supplies, uniforms, exam fees, and background checks. Check with your faculty advisor for more details.