Why is Physics a prereq course?

[gongju]

I know not all CRNA programs require Physics before admission, but why is it a prereq? I've been trying to think of why and cannot come up with an answer. Perhaps some CRNA's can shed some light

[yoga crna]

I am not in a CRNA program yet but I do know something about risk vs benefit. here is the truth, Chem, Ochem, Physics and Biochem are NOT easy classes. I have taken them all and not one of them are a standard prereq for CRNA school. Why would you risk your admission by taking a class which you may well do badly in since your trying tio juggle work and homelife with hard science classes. Take my advice here, none of those classes are worth taking for CRNA school based on their risk to lower your GPA and their minor benefit. Afterall, your going to be doing it anyway in the program.

Mike,

I am going to disagree, with reservations, on this. Your point seems to be related to GPA numbers and not to knowledge. Is it not wise to take some courses for the background information that would help with the difficult courses in the anesthesia program? I know that time and money are issues for a lot of you when considering the anesthesia career path. But, if I have a problem or fear of a subject, I would take an on-line class or a class for no credit at a community college. I did that prior to taking a dreaded statistics class. It made it much easier and the repetition didn't hurt.

Physics is something you use in every day anesthesia practice, just like math. I really don't care for either subject, but don't know how I would really know what I am doing and why I am doing it without the knowledge.

I get defensive when I see that someone is trying to take shortcuts. That may not be the case here but perceptions are important.

Just don't want to dummy down the profession.

Yoga

[MmacFN]

Hey Yoga

I totally see your point an you are right. I was only focusing on the GPA portion as ive seen some people fail these classes. Once you get that F or D it dosent go away.

I do agree with you. I can just see how this could be damaging. You idea of no credit is awesome and i would think that is the way to go.

Good point yoga.

Mike,

I am going to disagree, with reservations, on this. Your point seems to be related to GPA numbers and not to knowledge. Is it not wise to take some courses for the background information that would help with the difficult courses in the anesthesia program? I know that time and money are issues for a lot of you when considering the anesthesia career path. But, if I have a problem or fear of a subject, I would take an on-line class or a class for no credit at a community college. I did that prior to taking a dreaded statistics class. It made it much easier and the repetition didn't hurt.

Physics is something you use in every day anesthesia practice, just like math. I really don't care for either subject, but don't know how I would really know what I am doing and why I am doing it without the knowledge.

I get defensive when I see that someone is trying to take shortcuts. That may not be the case here but perceptions are important.

Just don't want to dummy down the profession.

Yoga

[roosevelt127]

I'd agree with Yoga - if you can take these prereq classes slowly now before you face learning/integrating the concepts in the NA classroom and clinical (yikes!) why not do so? Do it when you can focus and make the grade. I took some of these prereqs years ago, however got Cs in chem, didn't take physics, and have a stats class (which, by the way, is required for most schools across the board from what I've seen on the school websites) that's 6 years old. I'm retaking chem, biochem or ochem, physics, and stats over the next year to refresh, get As in the classes, and make myself as competitive as possible. I'm even considering doing a month or 6 week long spanish immersion program to improve my spanish and appeal to certain schools where it's of great benefit (and sometimes even strongly recommended) to speak the language!

Also, the main gist of most postings I read speaks to how exceptionally competitive the programs are, and how you need something to make you stand out. For many schools, going above and beyond to have fresh scores from these classes, which DO contain important concepts (even if you have trouble seeing how they relate now, you'll probably find yourself sitting in a NA class as some point saying...OHhhhhh that's what they were talking about in physics when they said PV+NRT, and you'll already have a leg up in that you've become comfortable with the concept) might just be something that kicks you over into interview rather than no interview, or acceptance over a maybe or a no.

Bottom line: do what YOU feel makes you the most competitive for the school's you're most interested in, take whichever classes you feel you need the most work in and go with your gut on whether you feel you can handle the work of the classes on top of life, love, kids, and everything else you have going on!

[MmacFN]

well said roosevelt.

While i do believe the classes may help I am not sure just how much that may change how "desireable" a canidate is. The schools i have talked to seemed much more interested in my research/publication and grad class marks than they were about the hard sciences i had taken recently (all the pre med classes). In fact, it wasent even mentioned. Because i worked flight i was already aware and using gas laws everyday so hey did ask about that, briefly. Now, was it because i had already done them and thats why it wasent mentioned? Or was it because it wasent considered that important? Cant know for sure!

Having said all that, who the hell am i really? Each admissions board has a different agenda. Its very hard to tell what they want.

My suggestion: call the school and ask them what they would rather, take the science classes over or taking grad classes instead. You cant go wrong that way.

[roosevelt127]

I think I'm in trouble them because I hate research (all about being a clinician) and plan on taking stats but not reserach before applying. Where research is concerned, I have to admit I will do the bare minimum. Hm I hope I won't be rejected from all the schools because of it.

[MmacFN]

oh im sure you wont.

It just helps and is unique in an app.