This introductory course provides the learner with the foundations of disease and illness across the lifespan. Learners will gain an understanding of pathophysiological alterations of body systems. Nursing management of disease and illness across the lifespan with an emphasis on interventions and treatment is also discussed. Cultural diversity in healing practices will be explored as well as the incorporation of evidenced informed practice.
Prerequisites
Course type
This course is offered as part of a VCC program and cannot be taken individually.
International students: Eligibility is determined at the program level. Visit the program page for international student requirements and application information.
- Introduction to pathophysiology
- Maintaining homeostasis
- Compensatory and decompensatory mechanisms
- Cell alteration – types of cell injury and repair, cell aging/degeneration, irregular cell growth
- Alterations to all body systems: i.e. inflammation, infection, obstruction/occlusion, genetics, familial, cancer, trauma
- Physical and psychosocial stressors
- Chronic versus acute disease (health continuum); illness versus disease
- Nursing management, including assessment (holistic assessment, data collection including lab values and diagnostics); pharmacology; identification of real/potential problems; nursing diagnoses; planning of specific nursing interventions; implementing culturally sensitive and aware care; evaluation of care; collaborating with other members of the health care team; health promotion; client teaching.
- Nursing management of disease and illness across the lifespan
- Therapeutic interventions and treatments including pharmacology
- Traditional healing practices
- Introduction to diagnostics
- Cultural diversity in health and healing
- Introduction to evidenced informed research and practice
Course schedules
Select your program to see the available course schedules.
| CRN# | Duration | Delivery | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70312 |
September 2, 2026 to November 19, 2026 |
Lab Lecture |
VCC Broadway Building B | See full schedule |
Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule. All self-paced courses have on-campus tests. Off-site certified invigilation centres may be used at the student's expense.
| CRN# | Duration | Delivery | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40213 |
January 5, 2027 to March 23, 2027 |
Lecture | Varies | See full schedule |
Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule. All self-paced courses have on-campus tests. Off-site certified invigilation centres may be used at the student's expense.
How to take this course
This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please email at [email protected].
† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.