Course Descriptions
For each course listing, the first number in parentheses indicates lecture hours and the second number represents laboratory hours each week.
Note: To facilitate the transfer of courses, Ranger College began using Texas Common Course Numbers in the fall of 1994. Courses that are equivalent have been designated a common number for use by participating colleges and universities. The common course number consists of a four-letter prefix identifying subject area, followed by a four-digit number. The digits in the number correspond to the following: first, course level; second, credit hour value; third and fourth, sequence. In the current catalog, the common course number precedes the name of the course. Not all courses are offered at all locations.
The general education courses are basic to the purpose of RC and represent a commitment to offer breadth as well as depth to a student's educational program of study. RC's inventory of general education courses offers a comprehensive general education program because:
- Employers are interested in hiring technically trained graduates, who with an appropriate grounding in science (natural, behavioral, and social), mathematics and technology, can communicate effectively, work well with others, make appropriate decisions, adapt to change, and in many cases, continue their education.
- The general education courses provide foundational and thorough education that do not focus on specific skills, techniques, procedures, or vocations.
- General education courses assist in developing the ability to think critically, use logical reasoning in analyzing and solving problems, and appreciate cultural diversity.
- Many of our students need assistance in becoming prepared for college studies in the workforce and the general education components of their studies.
- The general education courses are required to meet accreditation standards of regional, state, and occupational groups requiring a broad range of knowledge when obtaining a degree or certification, and they fulfill the requirements agreed upon in articulation agreements with other colleges and universities.
Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledge, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. This course was designed to be repeated multiple times to improve student proficiency.
A survey of American literature from the period of exploration and settlement through the Civil War. Students will study works of prose, poetry drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from among a diverse group of authors for what they reflect and reveal about the evolving American experience and character. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301. Credit 3 semester hours.
Study of medical terms through word origin and structure. Introduction to abbreviations and symbols, surgical and diagnostic procedures, and medical specialties. Students will identify, pronounce, and spell medical terms; use terms in context; utilize prefixes, suffixes, root words, and plurals to construct medical terms; analyze medical terms; translate abbreviations; and interpret symbols. Credit 3 semester hours.
An interdisciplinary, multi-perspective assessment of cultural, political, philosophical, and aesthetic factors critical to the formulation of values and the historical development of the individual and of society. Credit 3 semester hours. Credit 3 semester hours.
This stand-alone course is an interdisciplinary survey of cultures focusing on the philosophical and aesthetic factors in human values with an emphasis on the historical development of the individual and society and the need to create.
A comparative study of world religions, including but not limited to Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Credit 3 semester hours.
Instruction and participation in physical and recreational activities. Course designed to meet activity requirements in physical education. Credit 1 semester hour each semester.
Students will participate in varsity or junior varsity sports. Course designed to meet activity requirements in physical education. Credit 1 semester hour each semester.
Weight training for students who participate in varsity or junior varsity sports. Credit 1 semester hour each semester.
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to human movement that includes the historical development of physical education, exercise science, and sport. This course offers the student both an introduction to the knowledge base, as well as information on expanding career opportunities. Credit 3 semester hours.
This course introduces the fundamentals, concepts, strategies, applications, and contemporary trends related to understanding personal and/or community health issues. This course also focuses on empowering various populations with the ability to practice healthy living, promote healthy lifestyles, and enhance individual wellbeing. Credit 3 semester hours.
Instruction and practice for emergency care. Designed to enable students to recognize and avoid hazards within their environment, to render intelligent assistance in case of accident or sudden illness, and to develop skills necessary for the immediate and temporary care of the victim. Successful completion of the course may enable the student to receive a certificate from a nationally recognized agency. Credit 3 semester hours.
Study of the history, theories, philosophies, rules, and terminology of competitive sports. Includes coaching techniques. Credit 3 semester hours.
An overview of the program of activities in elementary school physical education. Includes the study and practice of activities and principles that promote physical fitness with an emphasis on historical development, philosophical implications, physical fitness, and kinesiology. Credit 3 semester hours.
Fundamental theory and concepts of recreational activities with emphasis on programs, planning, and leadership.
This course is designed to familiarize students with knowledge, understanding, and values of health-related fitness and its influence on the quality of life emphasizing the development and implementation of fitness programs. Credit 3 semester hours.
Study of the use, misuse and abuse of drugs and other harmful substances in today's society. Physiological, sociological, pharmacological and psychological factors will be emphasized. Credit 3 semester hours.
General Fundamental principles of physics, using algebra and trigonometry; the principles and applications of classical mechanics and thermodynamics, including harmonic motion, mechanical waves and sound, physical systems, Newton's Laws of Motion, and gravitation and other fundamental forces; with emphasis on problem solving. For pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-physical therapy, pre-veterinary medicine, pre-pharmacy, pre-optometry and technology students. Prerequisites: MATH 1314 and MATH 1316 or MATH 2312/2412. Credit 4 semester hours.
Fundamental principles of physics, using algebra and trigonometry; the principles and applications of electricity and magnetism, including circuits, electrostatics, electromagnetism, waves, sound, light, optics, and modern physics topics; with emphasis on problem solving. Prerequisite: PHYS 1401. Credit 4 semester hours.
Transition Courses RNSG 1128, RNSG 1118, RNSG 1163, and RNSG 1324 must be passed concurrently in order for the student to progress to the Level III nursing courses.
Transition to professional nursing competencies in the care of patients throughout the lifespan. Validates proficiency in psychomotor skills and clinical reasoning in the performance of nursing procedures related to the concepts of clinical judgment, comfort, elimination, fluid and electrolytes, nutrition, gas exchange, safety, functional ability, immunity, metabolism, mobility, and tissue integrity. Includes health assessment and medication administration. This course lends itself to a concept-based approach. Prerequisites: Current, unencumbered vocational nursing license and acceptance to the ADN Bridge Program. Corequisites: RNSG 1128, 1163, 1324. Credit for or concurrent enrollment in: BIOL 2402. Credit 1 semester hour.
A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Prerequisite: Current, unencumbered vocational nursing license and acceptance to the ADN Bridge Program; Corequisites: RNSG 1128, 1118, 1324. Credit for or concurrent enrollment in: BIOL 2402. Credit 1 semester hour.
Integration of previous health care knowledge and skills into the role development of the professional nurse as a provider of patient-centered care, patient safety, advocate, member of the healthcare team, and member of the profession. Emphasis is on clinical decision-making for patients and their families. Review of selected health care and professional nursing concepts with application through exemplars. Health care concepts include comfort, diversity, elimination, functional ability, human development, mobility, nutrition, sensory perception, sleep, coping, thermoregulation, tissue integrity, acid-base balance, clotting, cognition, fluid and electrolyte balance, gas exchange, immunity, metabolism, nutrition, grief, and perfusion. Professional nursing concepts include clinical judgment, communication, ethical-legal, evidence-based practice, health promotion, health information technology, patient-centered care, patient education, professionalism, safety, teamwork and collaboration. Introduces concepts of leadership and management. This course lends itself to a concept-based approach. Prerequisite: Current, unencumbered vocational nursing license and acceptance to the ADN Bridge Program. Corequisites: RNSG 1118, 1128, 1163. Credit for or concurrent enrollment in: BIOL 2402. Credit 3 semester hours
The scientific study of human society, including ways in which groups, social institutions, and individuals affect each other. Causes of social stability and social change are explored through the application of various theoretical perspectives, key concepts, and related research methods of sociology. Analysis of social issues in their institutional context may include topics such as social stratification, gender, race/ethnicity, and deviance. Credit 3 semester hours.
Sociological and theoretical analysis of the structures and functions of the family, the varied cultural patterns of the American family, and the relationships that exist among the individuals within the family, as well as the relationships that exist between the family and other institutions in society. Credit 3 semester hours
Basic Spanish language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing within a cultural framework. Students will acquire the vocabulary and grammatical structures necessary to communicate and comprehend at the beginner level. No prerequisite. Credit 4 semester hours.
Continued development of basic Spanish language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing within a cultural framework. Students acquire the vocabulary and grammatical structures necessary to communicate and comprehend at the high beginner to low intermediate level. Credit 4 semester hours.
The consolidation of skills acquired at the introductory level. Further development of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Emphasis on comprehension, appreciation, and interpretation of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Prerequisite: SPAN 1412. Credit 4 semester hours.
The consolidation of skills acquired at the introductory level. Further development of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Emphasis on comprehension, appreciation, and interpretation of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Prerequisite: SPAN 2311. Credit 4 semester hours.
Introduces basic human communication principles and theories embedded in a variety of contexts including interpersonal, small group, and public speaking. Credit 3 semester hours.
Application of communication theory and practice to the public speaking context, with emphasis on audience analysis, speaker delivery, ethics of communication, cultural diversity, and speech organizational techniques to develop students’ speaking abilities, as well as ability to effectively evaluate oral presentations. Credit 3 semester hours.
Application of communication theory to interpersonal relationship development, maintenance, and termination in relationship contexts including friendships, romantic partners, families, and relationships with co-workers and supervisors. Credit 3 semester hours.
An overview of personality development, human needs, common mental mechanisms, and factors influencing mental health and mental illness. Includes common mental disorders and related therapy and application of clinical judgement. Credit 2 semester hours. Prerequisite: acceptance to the Vocational Nursing Program; Corequisites: Semester I-VNSG 1263 Clinical I, VNSG 1323 Basic Nursing Skills, VNSG 1327 Essentials of Medication Administration, and VNSG 1505 Health Science.
Study of the importance of professional growth. Topics include the role of the licensed vocational nurse in the multi-disciplinary health care team, professional organizations, and continuing education. Credit 2 semester hours. Prerequisites: Semester II-VNSG 1230 Maternal/Neonatal Nursing, VNSG 1509 Nursing in Health and Illness, VNSG 1660 Clinical II, and VNSG 1234 Pediatrics. Corequisites: Semester III-VNSG 1226 Gerontology, VNSG 2050 NCLEX-PN Review, VNSG 1661 Clinical III, and VNSG 2510 Nursing in Health and Illness III.
Overview of the physical, psychosocial, and cultural aspects of the aging process. Addresses disease processes of aging. Exploration of perceptions toward care of the older adult. Credit 2 semester hours. Prerequisites: Semester II-VNSG 1230 Maternal/Neonatal Nursing, VNSG 1509 Nursing in Health and Illness, VNSG 1660 Clinical II, and VNSG 1234 Pediatrics. Corequisites: Semester III-VNSG 1219 Leadership and Professional Development, VNSG 2050 NCLEX-PN Review, VNSG 1661 Clinical III, and VNSG 2510 Nursing in Health and Illness III.
A study of the biological, psychological, and sociological concepts applicable to basic needs of the family including childbearing and neonatal care. Utilization of the nursing process and clinical judgement model in the assessment and management of the childbearing family. Topics include physiological changes related to pregnancy, fetal development, and nursing care of the family during labor and delivery and the puerperium. Credit 2 semester hours. Prerequisites: Semester I-VNSG 1263 Clinical I, VNSG 1323 Basic Nursing Skills, VNSG 1327 Essentials of Medication Administration, VNSG 1505 Health Science, VNSG 1201 Mental Health & Mental Illness. Corequisites: Semester II-VNSG 1234 Pediatrics, VNSG 1509 Nursing in Health and Illness, and VNSG 1660 Clinical II.
Study of the care of the pediatric patient and family during health and disease. Emphasis on growth and developmental needs utilizing the nursing process and clinical judgement model. Credit 2 semester hours. Prerequisites: Semester I-VNSG 1263 Clinical I, VNSG 1323 Basic Nursing Skills, VNSG 1327 Essentials of Medication Administration, VNSG 1505 Health Science, VNSG 1201 Mental Health & Mental Illness. Corequisites: Semester II-VNSG 1230 Maternal/Neonatal Nursing, VNSG 1509 Nursing in Health and Illness, and VNSG 1660 Clinical II.
A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Credit 2 semester hours. Prerequisite: acceptance to the Vocational Nursing Program; Corequisites: Semester I-VNSG 1201 Mental Health & Mental Illness, VNSG 1323 Basic Nursing Skills, VNSG 1327 Essentials of Medication Administration, and VNSG 1505 Health Science.
Mastery of basic nursing skills and competencies for a variety of health care settings using the nursing process and clinical judgement model as the foundation for all nursing interventions. Credit 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: acceptance to the Vocational Nursing Program; Corequisites: Semester I-VNSG 1263 Clinical I, VNSG 1201 Mental Health & Mental Illness, VNSG 1327 Essentials of Medication Administration, and VNSG 1505 Health Science.
General principles of medication administration including determination of dosage, preparation, safe administration, and documentation of multiple forms of drugs. Instruction includes various systems of measurement. Credit 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: acceptance to the Vocational Nursing Program; Corequisites: Semester I-VNSG 1263 Clinical I, VNSG 1323 Basic Nursing Skills, VNSG 1505 Health Science, and VNSG 1201 Mental Health & Mental Illness.
An introduction to the general principles of anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and microbiology necessary for understanding body processes and basic principles underlying health promotion and therapeutic interventions. Credit 5 semester hours. Prerequisite: acceptance to the Vocational Nursing Program; Corequisites: Semester I-VNSG 1263 Clinical I, VNSG 1323 Basic Nursing Skills, VNSG 1327 Essentials of Medication Administration, and VNSG 1201 Mental Health & Mental Illness.
Introduction to health problems requiring medical and surgical interventions. Credit 5 semester hours. Prerequisites: Semester I-VNSG 1263 Clinical I, VNSG 1323 Basic Nursing Skills, VNSG 1327 Essentials of Medication Administration, VNSG 1505 Health Science, VNSG 1201 Mental Health & Mental Illness. Corequisites: Semester II- VNSG 1230 Maternal/Neonatal Nursing, VNSG 1234 Pediatrics, and VNSG 1660 Clinical II.
A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Credit 6 semester hours. Prerequisites: Semester I-VNSG 1263 Clinical I, VNSG 1323 Basic Nursing Skills, VNSG 1327 Essentials of Medication Administration, VNSG 1505 Health Science. VNSG 1201 Mental Health & Mental Illness. Corequisites: VNSG 1230 Maternal/Neonatal Nursing, VNSG 1509 Nursing in Health and Illness, and VNSG 1234 Pediatrics.
A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Credit 6 semester hours. Prerequisites: Semester II-VNSG 1230 Maternal/Neonatal Nursing, VNSG 1509 Nursing in Health and Illness, VNSG 1660 Clinical II, and VNSG 1234 Pediatrics. Corequisites: Semester III-VNSG 1226 Gerontology, VNSG 1219 Leadership and Professional Development, VNSG 2050 NCLEX-PN Review, and VNSG 2510 Nursing in Health and Illness III.
Review of nursing knowledge and skills, study skills, stress management techniques, and test taking strategies to prepare the graduate vocational nurse (GVN) to take the National Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN). No credit hours. Prerequisites: Semester II-VNSG 1230 Maternal/Neonatal Nursing, VNSG 1509 Nursing in Health and Illness, VNSG 1660 Clinical II, and VNSG 1234 Pediatrics. Corequisites: Semester III VNSG 1226 Gerontology, VNSG 1219 Leadership and Professional Development, VNSG 1661 Clinical III, and VNSG 2510 Nursing in Health and Illness III.
Continuation of Nursing in Health and Illness II. Further study of medical-surgical health problems of the patient including concepts such as mental illness and clinical judgement model. Incorporates knowledge necessary to make the transition from student to graduate vocational nurse. Credit 5 semester hours. Prerequisites: Semester II- VNSG 1230 Maternal/Neonatal Nursing, VNSG 1509 Nursing in Health and Illness, VNSG 1660 Clinical II, and VNSG 1234 Pediatrics. Corequisites: Semester III-VNSG 1226 Gerontology, VNSG 1219 Leadership and Professional Development, VNSG 2050 NCLEX-PN Review, and VNSG 1661 Clinical III.
An overview of terminology, safety procedures, and equipment set-up. Practice in performing T-joints, lap joints, and butt joints using Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) equipment. Credit 4 semester hours.
An introduction to the fundamentals of equipment used in oxyacetylene and arc welding, including welding and cutting safety, basic oxy-acetylene welding and cutting, basic arc welding processes and basic metallurgy. Credit 4 semester hours.
A study of industrial blueprints. Emphasis placed on terminology, symbols, graphic description, and welding processes, including systems of measurement and industry standards. Interpretation of plans and drawings used by industry. Credit 4 semester hours.
An introduction to shielded metal arc welding process. Emphasis placed on power sources, electrode selection, oxy-fuel cutting, and various joint designs. Instruction provided in SMAW fillet welds in various positions. Credit 4 semester hours.
A comprehensive course on the welding of pipe using the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process. Position of welds will be 1G, 2G, 5G, and 6G using various electrodes. Topics covered include electrode selection, equipment setup, and safe shop practice. Credit 4 semester hours.
A fundamental course in layout and fabrication related to the welding industry. Major emphasis on structural shapes and use in construction. Credit 4 semester hours.
A continuation of the Intermediate Layout and Fabrication course which covers production and fabrication of layout tools and processes. Emphasis on application of fabrication and layout skills. Credit 4 semester hours.
A study of the principles of gas metal arc welding, setup and use of GMAW equipment, and safe use of tools/equipment. Instruction on various joint designs. Credit 4 semester hours.
An introduction to the principles of gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), setup/use of GAW equipment, and safe use of tools and equipment. Welding instruction in various positions on joint design. Credit 4 semester hours.
Instruction using layout tools and blueprint reading with demonstration and guided practices with some of the following welding processes: oxy fuel gas cutting and welding, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux-cored arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, or any other approved welding process. Credit 4 semester hours.
A study of all position welding on ferrous and nonferrous metals using oxy-acetylene welding process, including welding and cutting, brazing and soldering operations. Credit 4 semester hours.
Advanced topics in GMAW welding, including welding in various positions and directions. Credit 4 semester hours.
Advanced topics in GTAW welding, including welding in various positions and directions. Credit 4 semester hours.
Advanced concepts of flux cored arc welding of structural and fabricated steel products. Skill development in multi-pass fillet and v groove welding.