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Discussion

Advice for obtaining required knowledge

  • Columnist

I wasn't sure how to phrase the title of this post because the problem is so bizarre. I appreciate everyone's input on this matter.

I'm applying for an accelerated BSN program. I have completed all my official pre-reqs. I had to take 9 hours of science, with a choice between A&P or patho. I took A&P.

However, the program requires me to be responsible for "having the knowledge" (of patho and pharm) required to succeed in the program if I'm accepted. I know, it's weird. And this is an accredited program at an American university.

Naturally, one option for acquiring this knowledge is simply to take the patho and pharm classes offered by the university. However, I would have to pay out of pocket, ~$650/class, which I can't really afford. I am going to try to take patho at the local community college, but both I and II are full right now, so there's no guarantee I'll get in. (They won't let me take their pharm class because it's only available to students in their nursing program.)

My question is this: can I get adequate knowledge of patho and pharm on my own by using resources like the "Made Incredibly Easy" books, websites, textbooks, etc.? In other words, do you think I could gain this knowledge on my own through disciplined self-study? Or is a classroom really the only way to go?

I very much appreciate all opinions and suggestions!

(Aside: financial aid is not an option because I am a non-degree student, and these classes are not considered "pre-requisites.")

Featured Replies

  • Experts

i think you'd be taking a big chance. the fact is that you will revisit these subjects in your nursing curriculum, so you could chance studying on your own. but, if you run into something during nursing that you don't understand, where are you going to go for the answers? i'd invest $200 in very good, expensive pathophysiology and pharmacology textbooks to use as references for what you won't be getting in a classroom. and, no, "made incredibly easy" books aren't going to cut it. what they are good for is helping to muddle through the difficult stuff. you still have to learn the difficult stuff.

I took both patho and pharm in the traditional setting since it was required in our nursing program, and in my opinion I would hesitantly say yes to gaining knowledge through disciplined self-study if this is absolutely your only option. Having said that, let me offer a few words of caution. You will need to be super-disciplined and you will definitely need more than just the "Made Incredibly Easy" series. You'll need good quality texts for each class just as Daytonite suggested. You also have a lot against you because you will be in an accelerated program and I bet that you will barely have the time to keep up with the required material, much less trying to teach yourself additional material on top of it. If you can I would say take the classes because it will benefit you and you will give yourself a better chance of success in the nursing program by doing so. Even if you have to pay for the courses yourself, it will be a sound investment.

Ask around and see if there are other students that have went through this program without taking patho and/or pharm courses. See what their experiences were.

Hmm...I'm surprised that Pharm is not a required course at your school....is there another Pharm class that you will be taking while getting your BSN? Pharm is a very important class because you will be giving these meds to your patients. I would definitely take a class because the material is so involved and you'll want to feel comfortable with the information.

good luck!! :)

Get some really good books to self-study. Really dedicate yourself to it. But also get some Made Incredibly Easy (or similar books) to help you understnad more difficult topics better. I think you can do it if you really put your mind to it nad don't give up!

  • Author
  • Columnist

Thanks so much for the responses. I am going to try my darndest to get into the classes at the CC, but I really cannot afford to pay for the ones at the university. So, if I can't get into the CC classes, then I will have no alternative but to study on my own.

Luckily, I can get the university's textbooks and study from them, so later on I will at least have the same source of reference as the other students.

Thanks again for everyone's advice!

Have you considered an online pharm class?

  • Author
  • Columnist

Yes, I did look into online courses for both the pharm and patho. However, I couldn't find any that were cost-effective.

Yesterday, the situation made a very positive change in course. I had not realized the university's branch campus near my home is designated as a CC, so their tuition is far less than tuition at the main campus. (I had figured tuition was the same at both places.) I was able to enroll in pharm and Patho II there at a very reasonable cost, and I am scheduled to meet with the instructor of Patho II to figure out a way for her to teach me Patho I as an independent study. This would work out perfectly!

So, I am very happy right now.

Thanks, everyone, for all the input.

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