The aim was to analyze the teaching of Semiology through the programs of subject matters at five universities in the State of Ceará and, specifically, that of a public university. Three (3) classes were observed and meetings were held with teachers and students for collecting data about the teaching-learning process. The teachers presented teaching and research experience, and acknowledge that the high number of students impairs teaching-learning. The students mentioned difficulties in the elaboration of the nursing diagnosis and in the initial contact with the hospitalized client, causing insecurity and rejection of the practical part of the subject matter.
teaching; learning; nursing