Before students can safely perform nursing care, they must understand the human body, disease processes, and the scientific principles behind clinical decisions. These foundational courses appear in nearly every LPN catalog.
Anatomy and Physiology (A&P)
A cornerstone of nursing education, A&P introduces students to:
- Body systems and their functions
- Homeostasis and regulation
- Cellular structure and metabolism
- Interactions between organs and systems
- Physiological responses to illness and injury
Some programs divide A&P into two courses (A&P I and A&P II), while others offer a single comprehensive course. Regardless of format, A&P provides the essential vocabulary and conceptual framework for all subsequent nursing courses.
Microbiology for Health Professionals
Although not always as extensive as a college‑level microbiology course, this class covers:
- Microorganisms and infection
- Chain of transmission
- Sterile technique and asepsis
- Antibiotic resistance
- Immune system basics
This course directly supports infection control practices, a critical competency for LPNs.
Nutrition
Nutrition courses teach:
- Macronutrients and micronutrients
- Dietary needs across the lifespan
- Therapeutic diets (e.g., diabetic, renal, cardiac)
- Cultural and socioeconomic factors affecting nutrition
LPNs frequently reinforce dietary education in clinical settings, making this course highly practical.
Human Growth and Development
This course explores:
- Physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development
- Milestones from infancy to older adulthood
- Age‑specific care considerations
- Theories of development (Erikson, Piaget, etc.)
Understanding developmental stages helps LPNs tailor care to each patient’s needs.