NURS FPX 6107 Assessment 1 Curriculum Overview, Framework, and Analysis

Curriculum Overview, Framework, and Analysis

In this assessment, we will evaluate the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum offered by the School of Nursing, University of Michigan. This paper presents the organization’s and the curriculum’s context, mission, and course description. Next, we will discuss the professional guidelines on which this curriculum is based and the connection of these standards with student learning outcomes. The last section of the paper will discuss how the curriculum is grounded in theoretical frameworks and how the body of knowledge supporting the curriculum can be updated. 

Organization and Program Context, Learner Population, and the Need

The University of Michigan School of Nursing, established in 1893, is a notorious institution that provides excellent education, research, and nursing practice. The school is committed to preparing future nursing leaders to progress in the healthcare industry and improve patients’ well-being. The school aims to train students and create a highly skill nursing workforce that can deliver care in complex situations and flourish in all clinical settings. The BSN program is built upon 1000+ clinical hours and the theoretical concepts of global health issues.

Internationally renowned researchers and nursing practitioners develop and teach the curriculum courses to facilitate student connections with other like-minded learners and mount their career options (University of Michigan School of Nursing, n.d.). Two segregated programs are offered under the BSN curriculum – first-year applicants and sophomore transfers. This paper focuses on the program offered for first-year applicants. The learner population for this subcategory is diverse students from various cultural backgrounds, demonstrating a genuine interest in contributing to advancing the healthcare sector.

NURS FPX 6107 Assessment 1 Curriculum Overview, Framework, and Analysis

The students must have a solid academic background, and it is endorsed that candidates have completed four years of math and science coursework in high school, with a focus on chemistry and biology. For extracurriculars, students with experience in the healthcare setting, such as volunteering for blood drives and health camps, are encouraged (University of Michigan School of Nursing, n.d.). The BSN program is needed for several reasons. One of which is the increasing demand for nurses in healthcare practices. Such a need requires standard educational requirements for entry into nursing practice through well-known and credible institutions.

Secondly, the BSN program at the University of Michigan equips students with the necessary clinical skills. It emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills essential for success in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Finally, the program must align with the organization’s mission to establish a competent workforce and prepare future leaders. 

Mission Statement, Course Descriptions, and Content Critique

The University of Michigan School of Nursing’s mission is to enhance community healthcare by establishing future leaders in nursing and other professions. They aim to fulfill this mission by providing excellent education to nursing students. This education will help them create and utilize their knowledge to deliver effective care to individuals, groups, and communities. The university has a vision of becoming one of the world’s leading institutions for high-quality research and education that will produce an efficient workforce to address existing and potential healthcare challenges (University of Michigan School of Nursing, n.d.). 

The program is divided into four years, with various digital, face-to-face, and hybrid courses. The description of these courses is presented in appendices, table 1. A student must acquire at least 128 credits to graduate, and 12 elective credits are required to complete the program successfully. A critical analysis of the program’s content reveals that it successfully amalgamates theoretical concepts with clinical experience, enabling students to develop the clinical competencies to handle complex situations and difficulties during their nursing practice (Ama et al. Enyan, 2022).

The main goals of the curriculum are to strengthen communication, leadership skills, and critical thinking abilities among the students. The program’s emphasis on cultural competence and conformity to changing healthcare standards helps to create a compassionate and well-trained nursing workforce. However, some students have articulated concerns about the program’s higher costs and expenses that lead to redu