(1) A curriculum is the content and learning experiences designed to facilitate student achievement of the educational objectives.

(2) The faculty shall develop, review, and update the curriculum on an ongoing basis. The curriculum for the professional nursing educational programs must meet the following general criteria:

(a) reflect the philosophy, organizational framework, purpose, and educational objectives of the nursing education program and be consistent with the laws governing the practice of professional nursing;

(b) contain content and learning experiences designed to facilitate student achievement of the educational objectives;

(c) contain learning experiences and instructional methods appropriate to fulfill curriculum objectives;

(d) reflect future nursing practice of the graduate;

(e) contain adequate nursing course work and clinical experiences to develop safe and effective nursing practice; and

(f) address present and future health care needs.

(3) The curriculum shall include concepts related to the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of the health of clients across the lifespan. Content areas and learning activities include, but are not limited to:

(a) healthy lifestyles and risk factors;

(b) health needs and alterations across the lifespan;

(c) acute and chronic health needs; and

(d) health needs related to social and environmental trends.

(4) The curriculum shall include nonnursing courses that provide knowledge in relevant physical sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities.

(a) Physical science course content shall include, but not be limited to:

(i) chemistry;

(ii) anatomy;

(iii) physiology;

(iv) microbiology;

(v) nutrition;

(vi) mathematics;

(vii) physics;

(viii) pharmacology; and

(ix) pathophysiology.

(b) Social sciences, and arts and humanities course content shall include, but not be limited to:

(i) human growth and development;

(ii) psychology;

(iii) sociology;

(iv) communications;

(v) ethics; and

(vi) economics.

(5) The length, organization, and placement of courses must be consistent with the philosophy and objectives of the program. Course organization and sequencing shall assure that prerequisite concepts and understanding are used and further developed as the program progresses. Course instruction should focus on understanding and application of knowledge, and extend throughout the program.

(6) For each clinical credit hour, there shall be at least two hours of applied laboratory experience.