Nursing courses can help you learn patient care techniques, medication administration, health assessment, and ethical decision-making. You can build skills in critical thinking, effective communication with patients and families, and teamwork in clinical settings. Many courses introduce tools like electronic health records (EHR) systems, patient management software, and simulation labs that enhance hands-on learning and prepare you for real-world healthcare environments.

MedCerts
Skills you'll gain: Medical Terminology, Patient-centered Care, Healthcare Ethics, Conflict Management, Patient Communication, Anatomy, Pathology, Informed Consent, Cultural Responsiveness, Basic Patient Care, Nursing Basics, Professionalism, Professional Development, Medical Records, Toileting, Verbal Communication Skills, Dignity in Care, Physiology, Cell Biology, Communication
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Clinical Nursing, Basic Nursing Skills, Patient Observation, Patient-centered Care, Respiration, Emergency Response, Patient Communication, Patient Advocacy, Nursing Process, Cardiology, Nursing Care, Nursing Practices, Nursing, Communication, Anatomy, Patient Safety, Patient Education And Counseling, Infection Control, Health Care, Patient Evaluation
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Vital Signs, Patient Evaluation, Airway Management, Trauma Care, Emergency and Intensive Care, Medical History Documentation, Patient Communication, Child Health, Childbirth, Automated External Defibrillator, Medical Terminology, Health Assessment, Maternal Health, Patient Advocacy, Basic Patient Care, Respiratory Care, Neurology, Medication Administration, Cardiology, Pharmacology
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Vital Signs, Respiration, Respiratory Care, Pulmonology, Pain Management, Physiology, Health Assessment, Cardiology, Thermal Management, Neurology, Patient Evaluation, Anatomy, Clinical Assessment
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Minnesota
Skills you'll gain: Nursing Practices, Nursing Management, Clinical Leadership, Patient Evaluation, Nursing, Nursing Care, Clinical Nursing, Patient Education And Counseling, Mindfulness, Contraindication, Pain Management, Patient Referral, Health Assessment, Clinical Assessment, Treatment Planning, Chronic Diseases, Patient-centered Care, Music, Patient Communication, Manual Therapy
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

MedCerts
Skills you'll gain: Patient-centered Care, Informed Consent, Basic Patient Care, Patient Communication, Nursing Basics, Toileting, Dignity in Care, Medical Privacy, Oral Hygiene, Home Health Care, Nursing Homes, Personal Care, Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Communication
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Skills you'll gain: Patient Communication, Nurse Education, Patient Education And Counseling, Nursing Process, Clinical Assessment, Basic Nursing Skills, Patient Evaluation, Health Assessment, Patient Safety, Care Management, Nursing, Patient-centered Care, Communication, Infection Control, Prioritization, Collaboration, Project Documentation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Electocardiography, Cardiac Dysrhythmia, Cardiac Surgery, Chronic Diseases, Hemodynamics, Patient Education And Counseling, Cardiology, Medical Surgical Nursing, Care Management, Patient Observation, Nursing Care, Clinical Practices, Medical Emergency, Perioperative Care, Diagnostic Tests, Clinical Experience, Anatomy, Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Patient Evaluation
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Splinting, Airway Management, Obstetrics And Gynecology, Trauma Care, Respiratory Care, Wound Care, Maternal Health, Emergency Nursing, Nursing, Orthopedics, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Patient Evaluation, Clinical Assessment, Anatomy
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Constructive Feedback, Clinical Supervision, Clinical Assessment, Clinical Practices, Patient Evaluation, Patient Safety, Teamwork, Trustworthiness
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Lecturio
Skills you'll gain: Healthcare Ethics, Nursing Management, Patient-centered Care, Telehealth, Delegation Skills, Health Systems, Nursing Administration, Clinical Leadership, Constructive Feedback, Clinical Nursing, Health Administration, Communication, Accountability, Empathy, Language Competency, Cultural Sensitivity, Active Listening, Clinical Assessment, Change Management, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Microbiology, Pharmacology, Health Disparities, Molecular Biology, Infection Control, Infectious Diseases, Chemistry, Hand Hygiene, Stress Management, Biochemistry, Psychology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Sociology, Cultural Sensitivity, Analytical Chemistry, Immunology, Behavior Management, Biology, Decision Making, Taxonomy
Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Nursing is a vital profession focused on providing care and support to individuals in various healthcare settings. It encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including patient assessment, administering medications, and educating patients about their health. The importance of nursing lies in its role as a cornerstone of the healthcare system, ensuring that patients receive compassionate and competent care. Nurses advocate for patients, promote health, and contribute to the overall well-being of communities.
A career in nursing offers diverse job opportunities across various settings. You can work as a registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or nursing assistant, among other roles. Specialized positions include nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse educators. Each role has unique responsibilities, but all contribute significantly to patient care and healthcare delivery.
To succeed in nursing, you need a blend of technical and interpersonal skills. Key skills include clinical proficiency, critical thinking, effective communication, and empathy. Additionally, understanding anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology is essential. Developing soft skills, such as teamwork and adaptability, is equally important, as nursing often involves collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
There are many online nursing courses available that cater to various skill levels and interests. Some recommended options include the Nursing Fundamentals: Skills for Patient Care Excellence course, which covers essential skills for patient care, and the Nursing Prerequisites: Essential Sciences for Future Nurses Professional Certificate that provides foundational knowledge for aspiring nurses.
Yes. You can start learning nursing on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in nursing, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Learning nursing involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. You can start by enrolling in foundational courses that cover essential topics. Engaging in hands-on practice through simulations or clinical placements is also crucial. Additionally, seeking mentorship from experienced nurses can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout your learning journey.
Typical topics covered in nursing courses include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, patient care techniques, and health assessment. Courses often address specialized areas such as infection prevention, nursing ethics, and leadership in nursing. This comprehensive curriculum prepares you to handle various challenges in the nursing field.
For training and upskilling employees in nursing, courses like the Nursing Assistant Fundamentals Specialization and the Integrative Nursing Specialization are excellent choices. These programs are designed to enhance practical skills and knowledge, making them suitable for both new and experienced healthcare professionals.