Is Chemistry really needed?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hey everyone,

I am taking pre-requisites for ASN right now. I'm in a community college and at here, Chemistry is not in the pre-requisites list.

Here is the list of classes that I have to get done before taking the Teas test...

  • Quantitative skills or College Algebra
  • Anatomy and Physiology I
  • English Composition I
  • English Composition II
  • Human Growth and Development
  • American History I or II
  • Approved Elective Microbiology with Lab
  • Anatomy and Physiology II
  • Regents Test

Although it is recommended, it is not required that all core classes be completed before applying to the Nursing Program.

So, what do you think? should I take Chemistry before applying for the Nursing program or just leave it for BSN?

Actually I took basic Chemistry like 5-6 years ago and don't feel like I remember.

And also any other classes that u think I should take before taking the Teas test, please let me know...

Any help will be appreciated...

Thanks!

Jalpa!:innerconf

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

Depending on what area of nursing you want to work in, a basic knowledge base of chemistry is needed. I work in an ICU and we have to understand the chemistry of our patients with their labs, ph balances, etc.

We also had to know basic chemistry for my BSN program with my Nutrition class (chemistry was a pre-req) and also learning about acid base balances and some pathophysiology.

I hated my chemistry pre-req but it really did help in the long run.

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I needed high school chemistry with a C or better as a pre-req. I don't need college level chemistry for my program so I am not taking it. I have heard that they do cover some basic chemistry in API. I would take the other classes first and if you have some time at the end while on the waiting list then take chemistry. Take the pre-reqs they want first.

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i had to take 2 semesters of chem for my pre-req (basic and organic) i'm in organic right now! but in the long run i think you'll be glad if you went ahead and did it!

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Specializes in DOU.

Chemistry was not required for my program, but I took it anyway. The math used in chemistry is the same as the math used in medication calculations, and the people who didn't have chemistry had a harder time picking it up...

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

I really enjoyed Chemistry. I took it several years ago, but my program doesn't require it. However, I found a base knowledge of Chemistry to be very helpful in discussing A&P, Pharmacology and Nutrition. It certainly cannot hurt. Plus, if you decide to get a BSN, Chemistry will most likely be required then.

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Definitely take Chemistry even though it isn't a pre-req. There are so many things that you will run into that deal with chemistry and it will make things SO MUCH EASIER. Even if it is a basic introductory chemistry class, I promise it will be well worth it!:up:

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I wouldn't take it if I didn't have to. Since you already took it 5-6 years ago, maybe you could get the CLEP study guide and review it. Honestly, if it's not required, don't worry about it.

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Thank u all for all of ur inputs...what I have decided to do is first I will review CLEP study guide as Sleepyndopey has suggested above...then if I really will need to have a class to understand it better, I will see if I have time while on waiting list after I will be done with all these pre-reqs, I will take basic chemistry...thanks once again...Couldn't have done it without u guys...

Jalpa!:innerconf

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Hi Anna,

I've taken only the general intro chem class.

what do you think, between the basic and the organic chems, which one is harder?

thanks

i had to take 2 semesters of chem for my pre-req (basic and organic) i'm in organic right now! but in the long run i think you'll be glad if you went ahead and did it!
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i think is it a good idea to re-take it, in case if you'd be applying to some other nursing program, and most of them require chem as a prereq.

I wouldn't take it if I didn't have to. Since you already took it 5-6 years ago, maybe you could get the CLEP study guide and review it. Honestly, if it's not required, don't worry about it.
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Hi Anna,

I've taken only the general intro chem class.

what do you think, between the basic and the organic chems, which one is harder?

thanks

I don't know that one is harder than the other....they are just 2 totally different classes. as i said before i just started organic this past january...the difference between the two is that basic chem is like the history of chem, a BUNCH of calculations, and general concepts you need to understand chemistry; and organic really doesn't have any math in it at all....it has more to do with the structures of molecule b/w Carbon and Hydrogen, and i'm sure a bunch of other stuff that i don't know about yet. my organic class includes bio and organic chem...which i think are basically the same thing...at least i hope! lol!

hope i was able to help ya out!!!:specs:

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