Is Chem really a necessary prereq for Anatomy?

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I was wondering if chemistry really should be taken before anantomy? I'm kind of in a rush to finish my prerequisites and taking them together would save me one semester but it's strongly suggested that I take chem first then anatomy. What do you think? :confused:

Most colleges will discouarge you not to take two lab classes in one semester. I know my college did. I took A&P1 and Chem in the same semester and did just fine,A in both, so it can be done.

Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

Anatomy begins with cell biology, diffusion and osmosis--chemistry principles. Physiology involves understanding some principles of chemistry when you get to energy and the ATP cycle and all that good stuff. You'll want to have had that information beforehand so you understand what is being talked about.

Specializes in Interested in ER, L&D, Surg/Med.

yeah i mean at least your school is only RECOMMENDING it! i have freakin pre-req to my nursing pre-req!!! i mean its already hard enough to fit in all those darn pre-req just TO GET INTO the nursing program. i am going to take organic chem and its lab and anatomy and its lab all in one semester but it is ridiculous! the nursing program at my school only lets you take a few pre-req while your in the program so i mean its that is one good thing, but having pre-req to my nursing program pre-req are just downright stupid....anyone facing this too?

I took A&P before Chem, but that was before my school decided to make Chem a pre-req for A&P. So now I don't think you can register for it unless you have completed the Chem class (at my school though, of course).

However... I did just fine. I got A's in all 3 courses. I remember Phys as having some chemistry components that would have been helpful to know ahead of time, but I just had to do a little extra studying to really understand it.

I'm sure you would be fine. I wouldn't recommend taking them together as you will have a lot of lab time. But you could probably get by with A&P before Chem.

HTH's! Good luck!

Specializes in Telemetry.

I would not take two science classes with labs at the same time!! I did not take chemistry before anatomy because it was not a pre-req for anatomy where I went to school. I had no problem, and got an A in anatomy. I did take chemistry before physiology and microbiology and definitely used it for physio. My advice is not to rush through the pre-reqs... you might be waiting around anyway to be accepted after your finished with them :p. Don't start off on this journey trying to cut corners, it will only hinder you. I've learned that patience and perseverance are 2 very important qualities to practice when trying to become a nurse. :wink2: Good luck to you!!

Specializes in Interested in ER, L&D, Surg/Med.
I would not take two science classes with labs at the same time!! I did not take chemistry before anatomy because it was not a pre-req for anatomy where I went to school. I had no problem, and got an A in anatomy. I did take chemistry before physiology and microbiology and definitely used it for physio. My advice is not to rush through the pre-reqs... you might be waiting around anyway to be accepted after your finished with them :p. Don't start off on this journey trying to cut corners, it will only hinder you. I've learned that patience and perseverance are 2 very important qualities to practice when trying to become a nurse. :wink2: Good luck to you!!

yes that is true though but since i wont be starting the program until NEXT fall, i hav spring to do organic and anatomy summer session 1 to do physio and if i want summer session 2 to do biochem or micro so i mean i do need organic, anatomy, and physio before i start the program

i am not into rushing but it just gets really fustrating because i want to start the program but cant because of pre-reqs!!!!

Specializes in Telemetry.
yes that is true though but since i wont be starting the program until NEXT fall, i hav spring to do organic and anatomy summer session 1 to do physio and if i want summer session 2 to do biochem or micro so i mean i do need organic, anatomy, and physio before i start the program

i am not into rushing but it just gets really fustrating because i want to start the program but cant because of pre-reqs!!!!

I would have loved to start my program 3 years ago too... that would have been outstanding for me. However, just like everyone else, I had to do the pre-reqs... and now I have been waiting 4 semesters to be accepted to a program! Oh well, that's the hand that I've been dealt and so I practice my patience and I persevere. :redpinkhe I feel your urgency as I have it too. Just take your time, do your best, and it will happen.

Specializes in Med/Surg.

When I was still doing nursing prerequisites, I had two semesters where I was doing double lab sciences. If you are a dedicated student, you can make it work. The nursing courses are more difficult, IMO.

It's really up to you how much of a load you want to take on. I took them both during the same semester, at night. I was also coaching a 3rd grade lacrosse team for part of the semester as well. I ended up with an A in Chem and a B in A/P 1. I probably could have gotten an A in A/P, but I underestimated my time commitments as it was my first semester back in college in 21 years. :eek:

Specializes in None yet.
I was wondering if chemistry really should be taken before anantomy? I'm kind of in a rush to finish my prerequisites and taking them together would save me one semester but it's strongly suggested that I take chem first then anatomy. What do you think? :confused:

I don't think its necessary to take chem before anatomy. I took A&P before chem and it actually helped cause I already knew some of the material from A&P. Also if you think you can do both then shoot for it just know that it will require good time management skills

Good Luck with what ever decision you choose

-Dream-

Specializes in Critical Care. CVICU. Adult and Peds PACU..

Most schools discourage taking more than 1 lab a semester but that's silly for us going into the healthcare field that have many lab classes to take.

I took Micro and Anatomy in the same semester and did fine! (And worked a full time job) - You'll do fine : )

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