About to start nursing school, which pre reqs should I start with?

Hibbzem17 · Jan 13, 2014

It really depends on the school. You will likely need a college math algebra or statistics. Anatomy and physiology and microbiology. Psychology too

Lexicon · Jan 13, 2014

I would see what pre-reqs each program you are applying to requires and decide from there. If all you need is pre-reqs, I would assume that 2 semesters should be enough to finish them (if you don't want to have a super heavy load). :)

BSBSN · Jan 13, 2014

It's great that you're considering what order to take the pre-reqs in. I wish I had done some more research before I started mine. As the previous commenter said, it depends on the school. Not sure if you're planning on a BSN or ADN, but in my experience in applying for a BSN program, schools didn't require that you complete all the pre-reqs before applying, just before starting the program. There were some conditions that needed to be met by application though, i.e. 8 hours of the required sciences complete or some required a specific science class be completed before applying. It's helpful to consider that so you can plan the timing of your application.

I am still finishing pre-reqs this semester but I applied last fall and did get accepted to a summer start program this year.

Studylots34 · Jan 14, 2014

Look at the requirements, but if you're going for BSN, there's fairly common classes that you'll need to get done no matter where you go. Psych, english 1 and 2, college algebra, statistics, nutrition, human growth and development, sometimes sociology, anatomy 1 and 2, microbiology. What I'd do if I were you, take an psyc or english and math together, then psych and science together. I'm guess your going to work while going to school (if not, AWESOME) but dont take more than 2 at a time...you'll probably get overwhelmed! Just don't do what I did (didnt really have a choice, military work schedules made it too hard) but dont put off all science till the end. Then you'll really be in a scramble! And plus schools like to see those grades when you apply, they tend to not like those pending, those are the ones they want to see you do the best in!!

medical123 · Jan 14, 2014

Thanks for the replies! Very helpful! :-)

crushlush · Jan 14, 2014

At my CC I only need A&P I & II and Microbiology, intro into psychology and Life span growth and development oh and a english and elective.

NO MATH! However I am taking a remidial math because I am awful at it and would like to improve my skills.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jan 14, 2014

At my school there are 6 classes at mininum you have to complete before entering the program but most people do all of the prereqs and coreqs before entering the ADN program. I also had to take a placement test for English and Math. I ended up in remedial math. So I have to do 2 semesters of that and then college algebra before getting in the program this fall. I will take college algebra over the summer. Not real excited about that but am doing what I need to.

medical123 · Jan 14, 2014

So if you have to take remedial math, can you take the other pre req classes along with it, or do you have to take the remedial math class first?

GoodnessFlows · Jan 14, 2014

If you take remedial math, you can take other non-math pre reqs. For example, you can take math with English and say psychology. I started at pre-algebra and just finished up stats this past semester. I think it was important to get my math out of the way before taking on my heavier science courses. Taking algebra and stats afforded me problem solving skills that I think are helpful, especially for me, since I must take chemistry. Not to mention, now that I've completed all of my math pre reqs with A's, I have much more confidence going into my more difficult science courses. At my school, I started pre-algebra, and then took algebra 1, algebra 2, and finally stats.

Also, going into pre-algebra, I completely doubted my ability. I initially started out slow, taking pre-algebra and computer science, and nothing more. I needed that first semester to settle in slowly (that's just me), and get a couple of A's under my belt. After my first semester, I started really pushing myself. YOU CAN DO IT, just believe in yourself! Make sure you meet with a great counselor and implement an educational plan.

RunBabyRN · Jan 14, 2014

Yay! How exciting!

I'd start out taking some of your general ed that you need before you knock out the anatomy/physio, etc, so that you can brush up on your study skills and time management and such. The grades you get in those courses are really important, so refining your skills in other classes can be really helpful. Are you jumping in with full-time right away, or inching your way back in?

I was SOOOO worried about math. I waited as long as I possibly could with it. But they place you where you are, meaning they test you and see where your math skills are and put you into the appropriate class based on that, which is SO good. I ended up getting As in all of my math classes (NEVER happened earlier in life). I think part of that was going back to school older and wiser with different priorities. My GPA shot up once I became a mom! Don't stress too much, and go at your own pace.

Good luck with everything! Just think about the wonderful example your setting for your daughter!!! :)

medical123 · Jan 14, 2014

Awww, thank you guys so much! You have just motivated me and made me feel more confident! Believe me, I really needed the encouragement! I am going to still work 4 days a week and take only 2 pre reqs to get me used to getting back into it. Thanks again, I am feeling good now!!!!! :-)