A&P vs Pathophysiology?

Published

Specializes in Freelance Writer, 'the nurse who knows content'.

I'm about to start taking pre-reqs to apply for an advanced BSN program. Of the three courses I have to take, I have a choice between either A&P I and II or Pathophysiology I and II.

Can someone explain the difference between these two courses? Which option might provide a better foundation?

I plan to go on to an advanced practice degree eventually, if that makes a difference. I haven't had any other science courses other than basic biology and chemistry.

Thanks much for your help!

I'm about to start taking pre-reqs to apply for an advanced BSN program. Of the three courses I have to take, I have a choice between either A&P I and II or Pathophysiology I and II.

Can someone explain the difference between these two courses? Which option might provide a better foundation?

I plan to go on to an advanced practice degree eventually, if that makes a difference. I haven't had any other science courses other than basic biology and chemistry.

Thanks much for your help!

For your pre-reqs the majority of schools want A&P I and II. Once you are in nursing school, you'll take pathophys. Some BSN programs (a minority) will ask that you take A&P I and II PLUS a Pathophys course before you enter their program. But that's the exception. Look at the specific school's requirements. Hope that helps.

Smile123

Specializes in Med-Surg.

Take A&P first.

A&P is normal anatomy and physiology.

Pathophys is what happens when things go wrong, but you need to know the normal first.

I'm surprised you have a choice. A&P should be a pre-req to patho. but what do I know.

Good luck. For an advanced degree you'll need them all. But start at the beginning with A&P. :)

Specializes in Freelance Writer, 'the nurse who knows content'.
Take A&P first.

A&P is normal anatomy and physiology.

Pathophys is what happens when things go wrong, but you need to know the normal first.

I'm surprised you have a choice. A&P should be a pre-req to patho. but what do I know.

Good luck. For an advanced degree you'll need them all. But start at the beginning with A&P. :)

Thank you, Tweety. That's exactly what I needed to know.

I'm with you: I'm surprised they would accept pathophys in lieu of A&P. Seems nutty, to me. But then again, I'm surprised I only need 3 science courses to apply to this particular Accelerated BSN program.

Personally, since I want to be the best nurse I can (and to go on to advanced practice), I'm going to take as many lower-level, "core" classes as I can to build a solid foundation. This includes ~sigh~ math! :rotfl:

Thanks again. I'm so glad I found these forums. Everyone is very helpful.

Specializes in Med-Surg.
Thank you, Tweety. That's exactly what I needed to know.

I'm with you: I'm surprised they would accept pathophys in lieu of A&P. Seems nutty, to me. But then again, I'm surprised I only need 3 science courses to apply to this particular accelerated BSN program.

Personally, since I want to be the best nurse I can (and to go on to advanced practice), I'm going to take as many lower-level, "core" classes as I can to build a solid foundation. This includes ~sigh~ math! :rotfl:

Thanks again. I'm so glad I found these forums. Everyone is very helpful.

Good luck to you!

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