How long did it take you to complete your prerequisites?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hi all,

I am 45 years old, and finally taking the first step in realizing my dream of becoming a nurse! I will be taking my very first prerequisite course (Nursing-Chemistry) in January. I was advised to take one class a semester to have a competitive GPA. I am curious to know how long it took you to complete your prerequisites? Are there any courses you can recommend that would be good to take together?

I am in S. Florida and will be going to Broward College.

Thank You!!

First off, congratulations on taking that first step. I'm 40 and am taking my prerequisites now as well so I know how daunting it can be. I believe you were given good advice to take your prereqs one at a time to maximize your GPA. It is so competitive to get into school right now that it is worth it to take a little extra time to try to get A's vs. going really fast and getting mediocre grades that may not even get you into the program. The school I am looking at has four prereqs - Statistics, A&PI, A&PII and Microbiology. I took Statistics online last year when I was pregnant with my son. I am taking general biology this semester as it is a prereq for A&P. I will start A&PI next spring, take part II in the summer and Micro next fall. I can apply to the program with Micro in progress but will probably wait until I have finished it and apply with all my prereqs completed. I have been told you are a bit more competitive that way. Our bio teacher also advised us to take our time with our prereqs since the science requirements are pretty tough and the more hours you take at one time, the less time you can focus on that one course. Hope that helps you out. Best of luck to you.

I guess depending on your situation is how you would determine how many you can take. I'm a full time student and plan on working during the school year either 3 days a week or none at all. So taking 17 credits may seem like a lot, but being just a student gives me leeway and the opportunity to take those credits and focus. One credit at a time may take you a long time if you don't have any previous educational history. If you have the basics ( eng, math, bio) then you should be on a great path. Depending on the type of program you're going to pursue, in my area every program wants on avg 60 prerequisite courses. Hopefully the school you're looking at doesn't require so many. But best of luck!!

I'm also an older returning student (43). I'm only taking one "hard" class at a time, but am carrying a full load otherwise. For instance, this semester I am taking Chem 1, intro to Sociology, and Human Growth and Development. Next semester I take Anatomy and Physiology, American Literature, Statistics, and intro to Psychology.

I have the advantage of not working while I attend school though. If you are working full time, your best bet is too start easy and work yourself into it. You will quickly figure out how much time you have vs how much time you need.

Hi everyone,I am 31 years old,mom of a 7 year old girl and have'nt been in school for long time.I am also new in this country(2 years now).I am going to enroll in Nursing progrom at UCC in nj.(2 years program).

I am also working 2 full days 12 hours a day each.I still don't want to quit my job before I got in to the program.So can anyone tell me can I go to school just 2 days a week full days and a weekend day for prereq?How long will it take if I attend school just 3 days a week?Is prereq really hard to do?I am very scared and confused.I have been a certified Anesthesist Tec in my country.All my concern is the Eng.Is Eng 102 or 103 very difficut to pass for a middle level english speaker?Please someone help.I really want to become a RN very badly.Does anyone go to UCC nj?Is anyone from NJ?Please someone help me to get all my answers.HELPPPPP

I'm 44 and I am just finishing up my pre-requisites. Over the summer I didn't work and took AP1, AP2, and Statistics. It was a lot of work, but fun. Now, Fall term, I am taking Human Nutrition and Microbiology while working full-time as a teacher. Spring term I will finish with Chemistry and Human Growth and Development. It is tough to work and complete two classes (focusing on "A" averages), but I wanted to get all this done on time to start an accelerated BSN program this summer. I just hope I get accepted. My motto -- sleep is optional and the dust will be there tomorrow when I have more time!

Thank you all for your replies! I already have an AA Degree in Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. So only need the "core" prerequisites:

* CHM 1032 Chemistry for Health Science 3

* BSC 1085 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 3

* BSC 1085L Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab 1

* BSC 1086 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 3

* BSC 1086L Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab 1

Total Semester Credit Hours 14

*HCP 0001 Health Career Core (75.0 Contact Hours): This course is not calculated in the grade point average but must be completed prior to submitting an application to the Nursing Program. (Students may be eligible for a waiver if they have a current Florida or national license in another direct patient-care, health care profession).

Additional General Education Courses Required

*MCB 2010 Microbiology 3

*MCB 2010L Microbiology Lab 1

*HSC 1149 Pharmacology 2

*MTB 1370 Math for Health Related Professions 1

taking one class a semester can take up to six semesters, depending on if you'll take courses during the summer

I think much depends on the individual student. You need to consider your academic aptitude, stress level and financial responsibilities. I finished my prerequisites between spring and summer 2011. My classes included: A &P I, A & P II, Statistics, Developmental Psychology, Nutrition, Pathophysiology. I was not working while taking this course work. I got A's in every class.

I wanted to move as quickly as possible into a nursing program.

I'm also a mid-adult (37) going back to school. I'm actually on my 3rd year of prereqs. I flunked the math portion of the COMPASS so I had to take some bonehead algebra classes. So I'm starting at the bottom.

Some time ago, another nurse friend of mine said to take A&P and Micro by themselves if I can, so I did. Previously, I had two classes per semester. I'm in A&P I now, and will have II next semester.

At this rate, it will take me a total of 4 years to do the prereqs, and I don't know about the actual nursing program. (Right now there is an estimated 3 year waiting list to get in at my school). I work full-time (10 hour days) and so far I'm pulling a 3.8GPA total. On the Dean's list, a card carrying member of Phi Theta Kappa and all that rot. Doesn't amount to much, but might look good as a footnote on a resume, someday :D

My recommendation: take the time and get the top marks.

I work full-time so I take one or two classes at a time but I don't take two lab classes in the same semester. I've gotten an A in every class so far and it'll have taken me nearly 2 years to finish my pre-reqs.

Hi all,

I am 45 years old, and finally taking the first step in realizing my dream of becoming a nurse! I will be taking my very first prerequisite course (Nursing-Chemistry) in January. I was advised to take one class a semester to have a competitive GPA. I am curious to know how long it took you to complete your prerequisites? Are there any courses you can recommend that would be good to take together?

I am in S. Florida and will be going to Broward College.

Thank You!!

Hey! Im starting my pre reqs at BC too! What campus? I am starting with my Eng Comp and A & P 1 and i plan on taking a & p 2 and Chem over the summer so that way ill be finished when fall comes around i willl be able to apply to the nursing program! Maybe ill see you! I wisdh you luck, Feels good to know people will be starting around teh same time as me lol.

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