Healthcare Pathway

Associate in Pre Nursing

Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA)/Major Related Program (MRP)

You understand the importance of health and peace of mind—whether you're tending to a patient, studying diseases, providing dietary counsel, or documenting important medical information, our Healthcare Pathway will set you on a course to making a difference every day.

General education introduces students to the content and methodology of the major areas of knowledge – communication, the humanities and fine arts, the natural sciences, mathematics and the social sciences – and helps them develop the intellectual skills that will make them more effective life-long learners. The College’s general education program is intended to meet the transfer requirements of the four-year colleges and universities as outlined in the Intercollegiate Relations Commission Handbook. South Puget Sound Community College prepares recipients of the Associate in Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP to:

  • Communicate effectively
  • Think logically and critically
  • Evaluate and process quantitative and symbolic data
  • Understand themselves in relation to others in a multicultural world
  • Understand ethical responsibilities and consequences

This degree transfers to four-year colleges and universities in Washington State, but it may not meet all university requirements; students need to work closely with their Educational & Career Planner.

Quarter Plan

Search Schedule

Quarter 1

Students have several options for their starting point. Some students may start in our Transition Studies programs: Adult Basic Education, ESL, High School+, and Basic Computer Skills.

Quarter 2

MATH092 5cr Mathematical Reasoning
Introduces operations with rational numbers, applications, problem solving skills, expressions, solving linear equations, and graphing linear relationships.

CCS101 3cr Pathways to Success
Cultivates the mind-set and skills necessary for students to become confident, reflective, self-directing, and successful learners.

CMST&220 5cr Public Speaking
Introduces oral communication theory and public speaking/listening practice as applied to a variety of settings and audiences. Students will learn to verbally inform and persuade an audience using a variety of speech types. Prerequisite: None. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
Choose One

ENGL090 5cr Integrated Reading and Writing I
Introduces students to college-level reading and writing. Focuses on reading strategies, critical thinking, and writing unified paragraphs. ENGL 090 classes are combined with ENGL 095 classes, and students who demonstrate ENGL 095 proficiency may earn ENGL 095 credit. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or an �S� in ABE 054, ABE 055, ESL 065, ESL 066, IE 065, or IE 066.
-OR-
ENGL095 5cr Integrated Reading and Writing II
Prepares students for entry into college-level writing courses. Focuses on reading analytically, thinking critically, and writing coherent, well-supported texts. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement based on Reading & English CPT scores or transition test.

Quarter 3

CMATH146 7cr Clippers Introduction to Statistics
Gives students the opportunity to complete MATH& 146 in one quarter with prerequisite support, as needed. Covers basic probability and descriptive and inferential statistics. Students will earn credit for either MATH 095 and MATH 096 or MATH 096 and MATH& 146 at the conclusion of the course. CLIPPERS courses combine the prerequisite courses with the college-level course and are taught with a focus on video-based instruction. . Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee

NUTR&101 5cr Nutrition
Surveys the nutritional needs for individuals ranging from infants to adults. Emphasis is placed on the basic principles of nutrition. Particularly suitable for health occupation students. Prior high school chemistry or biology course or equivalent strongly recommended. Prerequisite: None. Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
Choose One

ENGL098 5cr Transitional English Composition
Introduces strategies and techniques writers use to convey ideas and participate in multiple discourse communities. Focuses on both the process and product of composing. English 098 classes are combined with English 101 classes, and students who demonstrate English 101 proficiency may earn ENGL& 101 credit. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement OR a 'C' or better in ENGL 095. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
ENGL&101 5cr English Composition I
Develops strategies and techniques writers use to convey ideas and participate in multiple discourse communities. Focuses on both the process and product of composing. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee

Quarter 4

CHEM&121 5cr Introduction to Chemistry
Introduces fundamentals of chemistry for those interested in nursing/allied health and those pursuing a non-science degree. Study of the classification, composition, calculations, and properties (both chemical and physical) of matter at the macroscopic, atomic and subatomic levels. Includes measurements and conversions, atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, molar stoichiometry, and acid/base chemistry. Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee

BIOL&160 5cr General Biology W/Lab
Introduces foundational biological concepts including cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, biotechnology, biological diversity, evolution, and ecology. Preparatory for further studies including BIOL& 211 and BIOL& 241. Prerequisite: None. Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural and Applied Sciences Course Fee
Choose one course from these program recommended electives:

NURS100 7cr Nursing Assistant
Prepares students to become nursing assistants in convalescent centers, hospitals, home, and community settings. Covers the nursing assistant's role and responsibilities on the health care team. Meets Washington State and federal requirements for nursing assistant education. Prerequisite: None. Fees: $35.00 Nursing Program Course Fee; $18.00 WSP Background Check; $20.00 Student MalPractice Insurance Fee
-OR-
MED103 3cr Medical Terminology I
Explores medical terminology by combining word roots, suffixes, and prefixes. Emphasizes definitions, pronunciation, spelling, and usage in various health care professions. Prerequisite: None.
-OR-
KINS150 5cr Intro to Adaptive Physical Activity: Diversity
Explores the purpose, design, development and use of adaptive physical activities that benefit people with disabilities. Includes a culminating hands-on project to develop an adapted physical recreation device in partnership with local physical and/or occupational therapists. Prerequisite: None. Fees: $35.00 Natural Applied Science Lab Fee
-OR-
ENGL201 5cr Women in Literature: Diversity
Explores the literary productions of women from diverse race and ethnic groups. Uses the fundamentals of literary analysis to envision and interpret diverse cultural, social, and historical contexts that shape gendered identities and experience in American or global contexts. Prerequisite: 'C-' or better in ENGL& 101 or concurrent enrollment. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
ENGL250 5cr American Ethnic Literature: Diversity (RETIRED)
Explores the literary production of various race and ethnic groups in the United States. Employs the fundamentals of literary analysis to envision and interpret the diverse cultural, social, and historical contexts that shape American identities and experience. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
HUM121 5cr Multicultural America: Diversity
Explores the history, cultures, and contributions of race and ethnic groups in the United States and the complex notion of an 'American' identity. Analyzes the impacts of power, privilege, and socialization on our understanding of race and ethnicity. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee

Quarter 5

BIOL&241 5cr Human A & P 1
Introduces study of the structure and function of the human body. Topics include cellular organization, metabolism, histology, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural and Applied Sciences Course Fee

ENGL&102 5cr Composition II
Develops reading, writing and critical thinking skills at the advanced level. Teaches how to write academic papers by conducting research; analyzing, evaluating and constructing arguments; documenting sources and using appropriate writing conventions. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
Choose One Humanities course (Or Any Language) (5cr)

ART120 5cr Beginning Drawing
Introduces the basic elements and principles of observational drawing, using traditional and experimental media. Prerequisite: None. Fees: $12.00 Humanities Course Fee; $65.00 Art Course Fee
-OR-
ENGL&111 5cr Introduction to Literature
Introduces the literary genres of poetry, prose fiction, and drama. Teaches foundational vocabulary and analytical strategies used when reading literature and writing critical interpretations. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
ENGL&244 5cr American Literature I (RETIRED)
Surveys American literature from its beginnings to 1865 through the exploration of literary, cultural, political, and social histories as they impact the growth and emergence of American society, identity, and literature. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
PHIL103 5cr Science, Technology, and Human Values
Explores the nature of scientific thinking and technology, and an assessment of their impact on human life and values. Includes the role of the role of theory and explanation in science and the effect of specific technologies on our understanding of the person, nature, and value. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
PHIL&120 5cr Symbolic Logic
Introduces the principles of deductive inference with a focus on proofs in both sentence logic and predicate logic with quantifiers. Includes a study of semantic methods for testing validity. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee

Quarter 6

BIOL&242 5cr Human A & P 2
Continues study of structure and function of the human body from BIOL& 241. Topics include endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, urinary (including fluid and electrolytes), and digestive systems. Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural and Applied Sciences Course Fee

PSYC&100 5cr General Psychology
Introduces the science of psychology and the application of psychological concepts as they relate to everyday life. Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
One of the following recommended Humanities courses:

ENGL250 5cr American Ethnic Literature: Diversity (RETIRED)
Explores the literary production of various race and ethnic groups in the United States. Employs the fundamentals of literary analysis to envision and interpret the diverse cultural, social, and historical contexts that shape American identities and experience. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
HUM121 5cr Multicultural America: Diversity
Explores the history, cultures, and contributions of race and ethnic groups in the United States and the complex notion of an 'American' identity. Analyzes the impacts of power, privilege, and socialization on our understanding of race and ethnicity. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
HIST&214 5cr Pacific Northwest History: Diversity
Surveys the political, cultural, economic, and social development of the American Northwest with special emphasis on Washington State. Prerequisite: None. Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee

Quarter 7

BIOL&260 5cr Microbiology
Explores advanced biological topics relevant to microbiology, including pathogens and disease processes. Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural and Applied Sciences Course Fee

PSYC&200 5cr Lifespan Psychology
Studies the development and changes in human behavior from conception to death with focus on biological, cultural, and social influences. Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee

CHEM&131 5cr Introduction to Organic/Biochemistry
Continues the general, organic, and biochemistry series for nursing and allied health majors. Focuses on general structure, function, properties, and chemical reactions of major organic and biochemical compounds. Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee

Quarter 8

Choose one course from these recommended program electives:

NURS100 7cr Nursing Assistant
Prepares students to become nursing assistants in convalescent centers, hospitals, home, and community settings. Covers the nursing assistant's role and responsibilities on the health care team. Meets Washington State and federal requirements for nursing assistant education. Prerequisite: None. Fees: $35.00 Nursing Program Course Fee; $18.00 WSP Background Check; $20.00 Student MalPractice Insurance Fee
-OR-
MED103 3cr Medical Terminology I
Explores medical terminology by combining word roots, suffixes, and prefixes. Emphasizes definitions, pronunciation, spelling, and usage in various health care professions. Prerequisite: None.
-OR-
KINS150 5cr Intro to Adaptive Physical Activity: Diversity
Explores the purpose, design, development and use of adaptive physical activities that benefit people with disabilities. Includes a culminating hands-on project to develop an adapted physical recreation device in partnership with local physical and/or occupational therapists. Prerequisite: None. Fees: $35.00 Natural Applied Science Lab Fee
-OR-
ART116 5cr Art In America: Diversity
Presents an overview of American and North American Indigenous and under-represented people's artistic production from the late 17th through the mid-20th centuries with a focus on the cultural, social, and political implications through the analysis of American paintings, sculpture, photography, and architecture. This course emphasizes self-awareness of one's relationship to power and privilege as a product of art history. $12.00 Humanities Course Fee
-OR-
ENGL201 5cr Women in Literature: Diversity
Explores the literary productions of women from diverse race and ethnic groups. Uses the fundamentals of literary analysis to envision and interpret diverse cultural, social, and historical contexts that shape gendered identities and experience in American or global contexts. Prerequisite: 'C-' or better in ENGL& 101 or concurrent enrollment. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
ENGL250 5cr American Ethnic Literature: Diversity (RETIRED)
Explores the literary production of various race and ethnic groups in the United States. Employs the fundamentals of literary analysis to envision and interpret the diverse cultural, social, and historical contexts that shape American identities and experience. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
HUM121 5cr Multicultural America: Diversity
Explores the history, cultures, and contributions of race and ethnic groups in the United States and the complex notion of an 'American' identity. Analyzes the impacts of power, privilege, and socialization on our understanding of race and ethnicity. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
Choose one course from these recommended Social Science electives:

ANTH&206 5cr Cultural Anthropology: Diversity
Surveys the diversity of human cultural systems and the forces and effects of globalization. Prerequisite: None. Fees: $12.00 Social Science Course Fee
-OR-
SOC&201 5cr Social Problems: Diversity
Uses sociological perspectives to examine social issues and solutions, including racism, gender discrimination, economic inequality, and other contemporary public controversies. Prerequisite: None Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
-OR-
SOC205 5cr Sociology of Race and Ethnicity: Diversity
Explores the concepts of race and ethnicity through a sociological lens. Examines race and ethnicity as an organizing principle of identity, interactions and social institutions with focus on social structures, inequalities, and power. Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
-OR-
SOC225 5cr Sociology of the Family: Diversity
Focuses on a sociological approach to the social institution of the family including historical, multi-cultural and contemporary theoretical perspectives. Examines the micro (interpersonal) and macro (societal) approaches in studying the family. Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
-OR-
SOC235 5cr Sociology of Gender: Diversity
Focuses on the social construction of gender and gender inequalities. Examines gender as an organizing principle of identity, interactions, and social institutions. Other topics include media, family, culture, relationships, health, and intersectionality with race and social class. Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
-OR-
SOC245 5cr Social Movements: Diversity
Examines historical and contemporary social movements and activism from a sociological perspective. Includes service learning through participation in a social movement organization of student's choice. Prerequisite: None Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
-OR-
SOC255 5cr Globalization: Diversity
Introduces cultural, economic, and political globalization from a sociological perspective, including the institutions, processes, and controversies that make up global society. Prerequisite: None Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
-OR-
SOC275 5cr Sociology of Sexuality: Diversity
Focuses on the social construction and regulation of sexuality. Examines diverse sexualities as they relate to individual and group identities, interactions, institutions, inequality, and intersectionality. Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
-OR-
SOC285 5cr Food and Society: Diversity
Focuses on a sociological and cultural understanding of food, and the social and cultural processes that shape how food is produced, consumed and distributed. Explores food as identity, entertainment, health, and social justice. Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee

Revision Date:
Monday, May 1, 2023